Tank Talks By Ripple Ventures

In this episode, David Skok, founder and CEO of The Logic, discusses his journey from traditional journalism to leading a digital-first news outlet. He reflects on his time at The Boston Globe, where he helped the publication transition to a digital subscription model. This experience laid the foundation for his decision to launch The Logic, focusing on Canada's innovation economy and providing high-quality, in-depth reporting.David explains how Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation influenced his approach to digital media. He saw an opportunity to address gaps in Canadian tech and business coverage, and launched The Logic in 2018. He highlights the challenges of building a digital publication in a space dominated by legacy media and how his publication has carved out its niche by focusing on critical, analytical journalism.The discussion also covers the impact of Bill C-18 on the media landscape in Canada, with David offering insights into how it aims to level the playing field between big tech platforms and smaller news organizations. He also touches on the role of The Logic Summit, an annual event that brings together leaders in tech and business, as part of his broader mission to foster a stronger innovation ecosystem in Canada.And John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity joins Matt Cohen to discuss the latest tech and venture capital news.About David Skok:David Skok is the founder and CEO of The Logic, a business news publication focused on Canada’s innovation economy, with five bureaus across the country. Backed by the Financial Times, The Logic has become a prominent source of in-depth business journalism under his leadership.With over 25 years of experience, David previously held senior roles at The Toronto Star and The Boston Globe, where he led digital strategy and helped grow BostonGlobe.com’s digital subscriptions by 40%. He also co-created Globalnews.ca, one of Canada’s leading digital news platforms.David holds a Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ryerson University. He also serves on the board of the Online News Association and advisory boards for several journalism institutions.In this episode, we discuss:News Rundown with John Ruffolo:* (01:31) Elon Musk’s epic week * (02:00) Discussion on the rise of reusable rocket systems and the implications for space exploration* (03:26) Information Venture Partners (IVP), a Toronto-based venture capital firm, decides not to raise its fourth venture fund, citing market conditions and personal circumstances* (05:00) The trend of venture funds consolidating and shifting towards more niche or special purpose vehicle (SPV) investments is explored* (09:00) Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "AI godfather," wins the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to AI* (12:00) Shopify President Harley Finkelstein's controversial comments about the lack of ambition in the Canadian tech sector, and the push for more risk-taking in AI development* (14:50) John Ruffolo responds, emphasizing the need for better access to capital and support for Canadian entrepreneurs, rather than a lack of ambition being the primary issue* (19:00) Matt and John discuss the large investments being made in U.S. data center developments and AI infrastructure, noting the contrast with Canada’s lack of similar projects* (23:00) A story about Anguilla’s earnings from the ".ai" domain surge, and how it now accounts for 20% of the island’s government revenueInterview with David Skok:* (24:53) David Skok discusses his early years in journalism and how his experiences shaped his career* (27:21) His experiences at The Boston Globe, leading its transition to a subscription-based model and the lessons learned from that time* (31:00) The evolution of digital content consumption and how consumers’ preferences for news have changed* (33:36) Clayton Christensen’s disruptive innovation theory on David’s decision to start The Logic, and his approach to navigating the shifting media landscape.* (41:55) The founding of The Logic, initial challenges, and the importance of building a subscription-based media outlet* (45:00) The competitive nature of the Canadian media landscape and the challenges of securing talent and resources for a startup media company* (49:13) David explains The Logic Summit, how it serves as a platform for bringing together Canada’s innovation and business leaders, and its growing significance* (51:58) The implications of Bill C-18 and how it affects relationships between media outlets and tech platforms like Google and Meta* [56:43] The rise of generative AI, the challenges of copyright for news organizations, and the impact on journalistic integrity* [59:00] David outlines The Logic’s approach to using AI and how they manage its integration with journalistic standards.Fast Favorites:* Favorite podcast: Pivot by Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway* Favorite newsletter or blog: Stratechery by Ben Thompson* Favorite tech gadget: His iPhone* Favorite new trend: Generative AI* Favorite book: The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen* Favorite CEO to watch: Marc Benioff from SalesforceFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Matt Cohen sits down with Benedikt Langer, the thought leader behind the newsletter Embracing Emergence, to explore the world of emerging managers and their relationships with family offices and other Limited Partners (Limited Partners). Benedikt shares his journey of growing up in Germany to becoming an influential voice in the LP and Emerging Manager space, providing insights on why family offices and LPs should give more attention to emerging managers.About Benedikt Langer:Benedikt Langer is currently the Founder of Embracing Emergence, a platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and understanding between Limited Partners (LPs) and Emerging Managers (EMs). Through this initiative, he has created a space where both sides can exchange insights, build relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations to solve inefficiencies in the LP-GP process. In addition to running Embracing Emergence, Benedikt partners with select emerging managers, helping them craft their stories and strategies while guiding them in building strong connections with LPs.Before launching Embracing Emergence in 2024, Benedikt founded The Associates Network, an exclusive community for over 225 Venture Capital associates and analysts worldwide. Through this network, he facilitated deal flow, educational events, and personal introductions, significantly enhancing collaboration within the global VC ecosystem. Concurrently, he worked as an Associate at The Sutton Firm, a single-family office where he helped shape the firm’s strategies in venture capital, real estate, and small business acquisition.Earlier in his career, Benedikt gained a broad range of experiences, including a role as Senior Treasury Analyst at Vistra Corp. and advisory work with the Port Royal Society. His diverse background, combined with his passion for transparency and thought leadership in the family office space, has made him a sought-after partner in both the LP and EM communities.In this episode, we discuss:* (01:23) – Benedikt shares his background, growing up in Germany, and his journey into the venture world through a family office in Dallas* (05:18) – The story of how Benedikt met his wife during a 500-mile pilgrimage* (07:06) – The role of emerging managers in the venture ecosystem and common misconceptions held by LPs* (10:11) – How LPs can better underwrite emerging managers and the importance of storytelling in pitching to LPs* (12:31) – The concept of “LP-GP fit” and embracing complexity in relationships with emerging managers* (14:28) – The importance of understanding professional and personal dimensions in emerging managers* (20:00) – The value of direct communication and trust in LP-emerging manager relationships* (23:50) – The role of fund of funds in mitigating risk and providing access to top-performing GPs* (29:10) – How to effectively pitch to family offices and align with their values* (34:00) – Reverse due diligence: what emerging managers should learn about family offices before pitching* (36:00) – Differences between pitching founders and pitching family offices* (39:40) – Benedikt’s vision for Embracing Emergence and fostering better relationships between LPs and emerging managersFast Favorites* Favorite Podcast: Pints with Aquinas – If you could grab a beer with Thomas Aquinas, what would you talk about?* Favorite Newsletter or Blog: The Abbey of Misrule – A blog about mysticism and wonder.* Favorite Tech Gadget: AirPods – Essential for phone calls.* Favorite New Trend: Marketing shifting from attention-based to thoughtfulness-based approaches.* Favorite Book: Pensées by Blaise Pascal.* Favorite Life Lesson: "Always do the uncomfortable things first in life" – Advice from his father.Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

In this live episode recorded at the Elevate Conference, host Matt Cohen interviews Dax Dasilva, founder of Lightspeed and the conservation initiative Age of Union. The discussion covers Dax's entrepreneurial journey from his early days growing up in Vancouver as the son of Ugandan refugees, through the founding and growth of Lightspeed, and his venture into conservation and environmental advocacy. Dax shares insights on transitioning from a bootstrapped company to VC-backed growth, going public, his time away from the company, and his recent return as CEO. He also emphasizes the importance of spirituality, conservation, and embracing change as a leader.About Dax DasilvaDax Dasilva is the Founder and CEO of Lightspeed Commerce. Founded in 2005, Lightspeed is the unified POS and payments platform for ambitious entrepreneurs to accelerate growth, provide the best customer experience and become a go-to destination in their space. It powers the world's best businesses in over 100 countries globally.Dasilva was reappointed as CEO on February 15, 2024. Prior to that, he served as Executive Chair of Lightspeed’s board of directors for two years, and previously led the company’s operations as Chief Executive Officer since its founding in 2005.Lightspeed employs thousands of staff, and powers hundreds of thousands of customer locations worldwide. During Dasilva’s leadership as CEO, the company went public in March 2019 on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LSPD, becoming one of Canada’s top 10 technology IPOs. In September 2020, the company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Lightspeed also undertook 9 acquisitions over the course of a four year period to consolidate the global market and launch two, best-in-class flagship products: Lightspeed Retail and Lightspeed Restaurant.In this episode, we discuss:* (01:16) Dax explains his long-standing relationship with Elevate and the importance of in-person gatherings.* (02:03) Growing up in Vancouver, Dax was introduced to technology through his father’s job and his early exposure to a Mac startup.* (04:00) Dax talks about how his initial programming work with Mac dealerships led to the foundation of Lightspeed, serving complex retailers.* (05:09) Dax reflects on balancing growth and profitability during Lightspeed's first seven years without external funding.* (07:54) Dax stresses the need for a detailed business plan, which guided Lightspeed through its early years.* (09:00) Lightspeed’s shift to VC-backed growth began with a $30 million Series A led by Accel, as Dax discusses how they prepared for scaling and moving to cloud-based services.* (12:22) The challenges of leading a company through IPOs in Toronto and New York required Dax to adapt to public market pressures.* (15:01) Dax shares insights on handling the volatility of public markets, especially during the pandemic and interest rate shifts.* (17:00) Dax explains why he stepped back from Lightspeed in 2022, the projects he pursued during his time away, and the advice he received before returning.* (18:43) Dax reflects on how spiritual practices like meditation have helped him balance various roles and projects.* (20:32) Dax provides an overview of Age of Union, his conservation initiative, and his experiences with grassroots projects worldwide.* (23:16) Dax encourages startups to embrace a learning mindset, iterating through failures, and applying entrepreneurial thinking to different fields.Fast Favorites:* Favorite Podcast: 20VC* Favorite Newsletter: Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin* Favorite Tech Gadget: InBody fat and body composition analyzers* Favorite Trend: The rise of meditation* Favorite Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins* Favorite Life Lesson: "The journey is the reward" – Steve JobsFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity talk about the current dynamics of the Canadian venture capital ecosystem, discussing recent controversies and major moves by key players.Topics include public criticism within the Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA), Brookfield’s ambitious plans for a $50 billion pension fund, and a strategic review by Lightspeed Commerce, hinting at privatization.The discussion also covers global developments in AI, such as California's vetoed AI safety bill and OpenAI's massive new fundraising round, and closes with reflections on the growing influence of self-driving technologies and regulatory challenges, with insights into the future of AI and automation.In this episode, we discuss:* (0:16) - CVCA Criticism* (3:23) - Role of Industry Associations* (5:00) - Brookfield’s $50B Maple Fund* (8:00) - Lightspeed Commerce Strategic Review* (11:35) - Waymo and Self-Driving Tech* (15:51) - California’s Vetoed AI Safety Bill* (19:00) - OpenAI’s $150B Valuation* (24:00) - Future of AI and Enterprise SoftwareFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Peter Goldie and Deborah Kattler Kupetz, both principals at Category Design Co., delve into the transformative power of category design, a strategy that creates new market categories. They share insights from their diverse backgrounds—Peter's expertise in software and B2B, and Deborah's entrepreneurial ventures in trends and events. The conversation covers how to identify market gaps, the importance of compelling narratives, and the distinct entrepreneurial mentalities in Canada versus the U.S. Their engaging dialogue also touches on navigating changes in organizational culture post-pandemic.

This week Matt Cohen welcomes Anthony Lacavera, an entrepreneur known for founding Globalive and Wind Mobile.Anthony shares his journey from starting his first business after graduating from the University of Toronto to challenging the Canadian telecom giants with Wind Mobile. He discusses the lessons learned from his successes and failures, his passion for innovation, and his latest ventures in the Caribbean telecom industry and the matchmaking space with Pair Us. Throughout the conversation, Anthony highlights the importance of resilience, transparency, and fostering meaningful relationships in both business and life.About Anthony LacaveraAnthony Lacavera is the Founder and Chairman of Globalive, a venture capital firm and operating company based in Toronto, Canada. Since establishing Globalive in 1998, Anthony has been involved in creating and leading several companies across industries like telecommunications, technology, and media. Among his notable ventures is WIND Mobile, a Canadian telecom company that was sold for $1.6 billion in 2015. Recently, Anthony co-founded Pairus, a platform combining traditional matchmaking with AI, and serves as Chairman of Paradise Mobile, a telecom initiative in Bermuda.In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, Anthony has been active in media and technology. He founded Globalive Media in 2018, where he hosts "Beyond Innovation," a program that covers developments in technology and innovation. He also contributed to Bloomberg Television, focusing on technology, telecommunications, and entrepreneurship. Through Globalive Capital, Anthony has invested in over 200 early-stage companies and is involved in various mentorship programs supporting new entrepreneurs.Anthony's career began after he earned a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto.In this episode, we discuss:(01:55) The founding of Globalive and its first big success with Wind Mobile(04:11) Why transparency was the key to Wind Mobile's success(06:10) The story behind trying to buy back Wind Mobile in 2022(08:04) The challenges of foreign ownership restrictions in the Canadian telecom industry(09:27) Re-entering the telecom business with Paradise Mobile in the Caribbean(11:25) His biggest financial loss and what he learned from it(12:50) The importance of self-awareness and learning from failure(14:54) What Globalive looks for in startups: Founder resilience and self-awareness(17:38) The importance of investing in your health and longevity as a founder(20:00) Transforming the matchmaking industry with AI and human connections with Pair Us(21:45) Why human connections are crucial for longevity and happiness(26:45) How Anthony incorporates learning from every interaction into his daily life(28:19) Why patience and long-term thinking are critical for entrepreneurial success(31:16) The role of AI in transforming business(36:45) Balancing giving advice with letting founders learn on their own(38:04) Why taking care of your health is essential for sustained successFast Favorites:📲 Favorite Tech Gadget: Samsung Z Fold6📚 Favorite Book: The Science and Technology of Growing Young by Sergei Young 🤔 Favorite Life Lesson: Every single interaction you have with someone, think about what you can learn from that person, and journal it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Matt Cohen welcomes back John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity, focusing on a variety of topics, including predictions for the next Canadian election, reflections on the 2023 conference season, and the impact of long-term value creation in Canadian business. They also discuss PitchBook's 2024 university rankings and their implications for Canadian education and entrepreneurship. Additionally, they explore trends in private equity and leveraged buyouts, the impact of interest rates on these markets, and the future of long-term capital in Canada.In this episode, we discuss:* (00:21) The busy conference season including Maverix’s off-the-record Leadership Summit* (02:00) Reflections on Mark Leonard’s strategic growth and long-term value creation.* (04:47) Discussion on Andre De Grasse and his transition into investing.* (06:00) Analysis of PitchBook’s 2024 university rankings and Canada’s showing.* (11:15) The shift from leveraged buyouts to minority buyouts in private equity.* (16:57) OMERS Ventures and the consolidation of its private capital group.* (20:04) The recent U.S. election debate and its entertainment value.Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

In this episode, Matt Cohen sits down with Arati Sharma and Satish Kanwar, the powerhouse duo behind Good Future, a family office with a mission to support and grow the Canadian tech ecosystem. They discuss their journey from starting the digital design agency Jet Cooper to playing pivotal roles at Shopify, and now investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs. The conversation delves into their insights on building community, the importance of innovation, and their commitment to making a lasting impact on the Canadian tech scene.About Arati SharmaArati Sharma is a prominent entrepreneur, angel investor, and technology leader based in Toronto, Canada. She is the Co-Founder and President of Good Future, a family office focused on building and investing in companies that positively impact the world. Arati is also the Founding Partner of Backbone Angels, a collective of female investors dedicated to supporting women and non-binary founders, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Alongside her investing activities, Arati co-founded Ghlee, a skincare brand rooted in South Asian tradition, which has gained significant traction since its launch in 2019.Prior to her entrepreneurial ventures, Arati spent nearly a decade at Shopify, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s marketing strategy. She was the Director of Product Marketing, responsible for establishing and scaling the product marketing function as Shopify expanded its global reach. Arati also led the creation of Shopify’s annual Unite conference, transforming it into a major event for the company’s partners and developers. Her earlier roles at Shopify included leading offline, experiential, and community marketing, where she spearheaded initiatives like Shopify’s first merchant roadshow and high-profile events such as Kylie Jenner’s first pop-up shop.Before joining Shopify, Arati worked at Jet Cooper, a Toronto-based digital design agency, where she held various roles, including Communications & Strategy and Operations Manager. Her work at Jet Cooper involved developing the company’s communication strategies, managing operations, and contributing to the firm’s internal culture. Arati’s early career also included leadership positions in student organizations, such as the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, where she honed her skills in advocacy and leadership.About Satish KanwarSatish Kanwar is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and business leader from Toronto, Canada. He is the Co-Founder of Good Future, a family office that invests in and operates businesses with a focus on positive-sum impact. In addition to his role at Good Future, Satish serves as the Board Chair of BetaKit, Canada’s leading tech news publication, and holds board positions at Toronto Global and Delphia. His leadership and influence in the tech community have earned him recognition, including being named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 and Toronto Life's Most Influential lists.Satish spent a decade at Shopify, where he held various senior roles, most recently as Vice President of Corporate Development and Head of Product Acceleration. In this capacity, he oversaw over 30 strategic acquisitions, investments, and alliances, significantly contributing to Shopify’s growth beyond online stores into multi-channel commerce. His earlier roles at Shopify included leading the company’s product strategy for online stores, retail point of sale, and multi-channel platforms, establishing Shopify as a leader in global commerce technology.Before his tenure at Shopify, Satish co-founded Jet Cooper, a digital design studio based in Toronto that was acquired by Shopify in 2013. At Jet Cooper, Satish was instrumental in building the agency into a well-regarded design firm, which ultimately became Shopify’s foundation in Toronto. Earlier in his career, Satish worked as a Marketing Manager at Microsoft Canada, where he developed his passion for technology and entrepreneurship. Satish is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration.In this episode, we discuss:(00:34) Starting at Jet Cooper, the early days of Canadian tech(02:13) Meeting Satish and the mystique of Jet Cooper(03:03) The importance of community and design(04:51) How Jet Cooper cornered the market on design talent(07:03) The unexpected Shopify acquisition offer(09:42) Transitioning to Shopify and leading community initiatives(13:55) Building Shopify's multi-channel platform strategy(16:20) Leaving Shopify to pursue new creative ventures(18:47) The founding of Backbone Angels and supporting diverse founders(23:19) The mission of Good Future and supporting Canadian innovation(27:08) The vision behind Good Future and its unique approach(32:39) Balancing investments with building new ventures like Ghlee(33:13) Acquiring BetaKit to strengthen Canadian tech storytelling and why supporting media is crucial for the Canadian tech ecosystem(37:27) BetaKit’s mission and avoiding paywalls to tell Canadian stories(42:01) Balancing personal and professional life while building together(44:41) How becoming a parents made them more empathetic leaders and taught them the importance of work-life balance(47:51) The biggest risk to Canadian tech is a lack of shared vision(50:07) The need for affordable living to foster Canadian innovation(53:01) Leaving a legacy as force multipliers for Canadian tech(53:38) The legacy they want to leaveFast Favorites:🎙 Favorite Podcast: * Arati: Armchair Expert and The Dream Bigger Podcast by Siffat Haider* Satish: Acquired Podcast📰 Favorite Newsletter or Blog:* Both: BetaKit📲 Favorite Tech Gadget:* Arati: Oura Ring* Satish: Withings Body Smart Scale📈 Favorite New Trend: * Arati: Companies actually making money* Satish: Rejection therapy📚 Favorite Book:* Arati: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen* Satish: The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga🤔 Favorite Life Lesson:* Arati: "Better late than never."* Satish: "Embrace naivety."Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

This week Tom McCullough, Chairman and CEO of Northwood Family Office stops by to talk all things Family Office.Tom is often referred to as the "godfather" of family offices in Canada. He shares his journey from a successful career at Dominion Securities to founding Northwood Family Office, where he has spent over two decades helping families manage their wealth and complex financial needs. The discussion covers the evolution of the family office industry, the importance of building trust with clients, and Tom's insights into intergenerational wealth transfer and the growing complexity of wealth management in today's world.We also are joined by friend-of-the-pod John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity to discuss the week’s news (including Ripple’s recent Fund III announcement)About Tom McCulloughTom McCullough is the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Northwood Family Office, a Toronto-based multi-family office that serves the comprehensive needs of families with significant wealth. Tom has been a pioneering force in establishing one of Canada’s leading independent family offices. Northwood Family Office has been consistently recognized as the top independent family office in Canada by Euromoney in its global private banking survey. Tom is also the co-author of three influential books on wealth management: Wealth of Wisdom: The Top 50 Questions Wealthy Families Ask, Wealth of Wisdom: Top Practices for Wealthy Families and Their Advisors, and Family Wealth Management: 7 Imperatives for Successful Investing.Before founding Northwood Family Office in 2002, Tom spent two decades at RBC Dominion Securities, where he held senior executive roles. His experience at RBC, combined with his personal insights into the needs of wealthy families, led him to establish a boutique-style, client-focused family office that provides objective and customized services. Tom’s commitment to education and thought leadership in wealth management is evident through his role as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, where he teaches an MBA course on the management of private wealth. He is also actively involved with the Ultra High Net Worth Institute, serving on its board and faculty.Tom’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized, including being awarded ‘Best Individual Contribution to Thought Leadership in the Wealth Management Industry (North America)’ at the 2020 Family Wealth Report Awards. He holds an MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business and certifications such as the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) and Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM). In addition to his professional endeavors, Tom is actively involved in philanthropic activities, particularly focusing on poverty alleviation in the developing world.In this episode, we discuss:(00:57) Announcement of the third fund from Ripple Ventures and promotion within the team(02:50) The saga of Bolt and its founder Ryan Breslow(07:00) Stripe's new buyback tender offer and its implications(09:07) Canadian government consultations on the 2024 federal budget(13:00) The U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming rate decisions and economic impact(17:30) 20VC podcast insights with Aiden Gomez from Cohere—(22:34) The interview with Tom McCullough(23:00) Starting out at Dominion Securities and the early days of his career(24:00) The epiphanies that led him to leave Dominion Securities and start a family office(25:20) The early challenges of the family office business(26:08) What is a family office and how it serves high-net-worth families(28:09) The story behind landing his first client(30:01) The changing landscape of family offices in Canada.(32:31) What sets Northwood Family Office apart from bank-run family offices.(36:00) The most common questions wealthy families ask and how Northwood addresses them(41:19) Balancing professional advice with personal relationships in family office management(43:56) The seven imperatives for successful investing in the new world order(46:50) Teaching and thought leadership in wealth management and family office services(48:45) Practical tools and exercises from Tom’s new book, Wealth of Wisdom(52:10) How families can maintain transparency and communication across generations(55:15) The evolving role of family offices in managing global wealth and complexity.(58:00) The impact of technology on wealth management and family offices.(1:04:38) The most rewarding aspects of Tom’s career in wealth management.(1:08:02) Advice for those looking to start their own family office or wealth management firm.Fast Favorites:🎙 Favorite Podcast: The History of English📰 Favorite Newsletter or Blog: Northwood Perspective📲 Favorite Tech Gadget: iPad📈 Favorite New Trend: The rise of the integrated advisor as a recognized profession📚 Favorite Book: Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath🤔 Favorite Life Lesson: Show grace. Everyone you meet is dealing with challenges you can't see.Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity talk about a wide array of current topics in venture capital, with a particular focus on the state of AI funding with Radical Ventures raising an $800M AI-focused fund, the challenges facing late-stage startups, and the impact of government policies on entrepreneurship and innovation.In this episode, we discuss:(00:23) Radical Ventures raises $800M for growth-stage AI startups(01:19) Discussing risks and rewards in AI growth-stage investing(05:09) Insights from Carta and CVCA reports on late-stage funding challenges(13:18) Canadian Entrepreneurs Incentive (CEI) changes and their impact(18:06) NVIDIA chip smuggling to China despite U.S. export restrictions(21:06) Google’s antitrust case and its potential impact on the tech industryFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com