Absolute Return Podcast

On today’s show we welcome special guest, dMY Squared Technology Group Chairman Harry You. dMY Squared Technology Group is a SPAC that recently announced a merger with Horizon Quantum, a developer of advanced software development tools for quantum computers. On the show we discuss: His lessons learned from working at Morgan Stanley, Oracle, and Broadcom, while working with tech luminaries Larry Ellison and Hock Tan What characteristics he looks for in technology investments Why he is bullish on quantum computing His advice for long-term investors trying to navigate today’s technology landscape And more!

On today’s show, we welcome special guest, Max Martin, CEO of Enhanced. Enhanced is an elite sports competition and innovative performance company providing products that optimize health and longevity. On the show we discuss: The philosophical case for letting athletes use performance-enhancing drugs The biggest misconception about PEDs Details about Enhanced’s business model What to expect at the Enhanced Games And more!

On today’s show we welcome special guest, Victory Capital’s Chairman and CEO David Brown. Victory Capital is diversified global investment management firm offering a wide array of independent investment approaches and innovative solutions. On the show, we discuss: The “multi-boutique” model and the competitive advantage it provides The firm’s approach to mergers and acquisitions Where the biggest opportunities for growth are in the investment management industry His advice for the next generation of business leaders And more!

On today’s show we welcome special guest, Reflexivity Co-founder and President, Giuseppe Sette. Designed for institutional investors, Reflexivity combines trusted data with explainable AI to surface insights - not noise. On the show we discuss: The best use of AI in the investment process Whether AI will replace or enhance human portfolio managers If there’s a place for discretionary macro investing in an AI-driven world What the next level investment research stack will look like for analysts And more!

On today’s show we welcome special guest, Gabelli Portfolio Manager John Belton. Gabelli is a globally diversified, research-driven financial services firm with extensive investment offerings. On the show we discuss: Which segment of the AI value chain faces the best prospects Whether large language models face the risk of commoditization If AI will kill software and SaaS companies Whether we should be concerned about valuations within AI And more!

Phil Haslett, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of EquityZen, shares his insights on the challenges of building a marketplace for pre-IPO shares. He explains why companies are opting to stay private longer, the growing opportunities for investors in pre-IPO assets, and the evolution of his platform from institutional to retail access. Phil also emphasizes the importance of diversification in investments and offers key advice for entrepreneurs facing uncertainty in their journeys.

On today’s show we welcome special guest, Catalyst Funds CIO David Miller. Catalyst offers unique investment products to meet the needs of discerning financial advisors and their clients. On the show, we discuss: How they find best of breed hedge fund managers Why portable alpha makes sense for investors What he views as the best opportunity in the equity market Why he continues to be bullish on gold And more!

On today’s show we welcome special guest, Barings BDC’s President Matt Freund. Barings BDC primarily makes debt investments in core middle market companies. On the show, we discuss: The recent choppiness and negative sentiment in the private credit market The effect of declining base rates on yields and credit conditions The current deployment opportunity set for private credit funds PIK loans and portfolio construction And more!

Matt Bloomfield, President of Palmer Square Capital BDC, shares insights on the world of syndicated loans and private credit. He explains the firm's unique focus on corporate debt securities and contrasts it with typical BDCs. Bloomfield discusses the complexities of loan restructurings, highlighting case studies like First Brands and LifeScan's recovery. He also addresses the impact of recent market sentiments and M&A activity on credit strategies, providing a nuanced view of credit market dynamics and their potential outlook.

In this engaging conversation, Frank Karl, President of Kayne Anderson BDC, shares his expertise in middle-market direct lending. He discusses the recent volatility in BDC prices, attributing it to rate cuts and credit market concerns. Frank explains the appeal of core middle-market lending, emphasizing its lower leverage and attractive documentation. He also highlights KBDC's strategic shift back to private loans, the nuances of payment-in-kind loans, and why private credit offers valuable downside protection for investors.