
Why Most First-Time Funds Fail And How GP Seeding Changes the Odds | Bridger Pennington
13/12/2025 | 30 min
In this episode, Brad Johnson sits down with Bridger Pennington, founder of FundLaunch and FundLaunch Partners, to break down why most first-time funds struggle and how GP seeding is reshaping the private markets. Bridger shares how his firm reviews more than 1,200 emerging manager applications a year, why micro-funds can outperform larger peers, and how GP stakes combined with operational support create asymmetric upside. The conversation also dives into FundLaunch AI, a new platform designed to cut fund formation timelines from months to days.What You’ll LearnWhy most first-time funds fail before they ever scaleHow GP seeding works and why institutions are increasingly focused on itThe difference between institutional GP stakes and micro-fund seedingHow FundLaunch filters 1,200 managers down to roughly 10 investmentsWhy niche strategies outperform at smaller fund sizesHow tranche-based capital and option-like structures reduce downside riskWhy no-fee, no-carry GP economics matter for long-term compoundingWhat institutional investors actually look for in Fund II and Fund IIIHow FundLaunch AI aims to replace expensive early-stage legal and structuring workWhy ownership and private markets matter in today’s economic cycleKey Topics DiscussedGP seeding and GP stakesEmerging and first-time fund managersMicro funds vs institutional fundsPrivate equity, private credit, real estate, and niche strategiesFund formation, compliance, and back-office infrastructureAI and software in private fund creationLong-term compounding through GP economics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Wilson: How Billionaires Structure Deals
23/11/2025 | 27 min
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, to pull back the curtain on how the ultra-wealthy manage, protect, and grow their fortunes. With a community representing over $14 trillion in assets, Richard shares insider strategies that go far beyond standard wealth management.We dive deep into the "Billionaire" playbook for deal structuring—explaining why the wealthiest investors care less about fees and more about custom terms like warrants and gross revenue royalties. Richard also reveals how family offices are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to automate due diligence, acting as a "second brain" to process deals faster and more deeply.Whether you are an investor looking to start your own family office, or a sponsor seeking to raise capital from them, this episode provides a rare look into the operational and investment tactics of the super-rich.Evergreen Capital:[email protected] Office Club: FamilyOffices.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How the Ultra-Wealthy Are Investing Right Now
16/11/2025 | 13 min
[email protected] this episode of "The CIO Brief," Brad Johnson, Managing Director and CIO of Evergreen Capital, delves into the complexities of the current economic landscape. From the lessons learned from legendary figures like Jamie Dimon to the evolving attitudes towards cryptocurrency, Brad offers insights into market trends and investment strategies. Join us as we explore the intricacies of family office investments, the impact of geopolitical concerns, and the future of digital currencies. Whether you're an investor or simply curious about the financial world, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating today's economic challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tax-Loss Harvesting on Steroids: Long/Short Direct Indexing
05/11/2025 | 24 min
In this episode, Brad Johnson explores the world of tax loss harvesting, covering basic to advanced strategies. Learn how to leverage these techniques to enhance your investment portfolio and reduce tax [email protected]:00 Introduction to Tax Loss Harvesting5:00 Basic Tax Loss Harvesting Explained15:00 Direct Indexing and Its Benefits25:00 Advanced Strategies with Leverage35:00 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them45:00 The Future of Passive Investing55:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDisclaimer:This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Evergreen Capital or its affiliates. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should consult their own financial, tax, and legal professionals before making any investment decisions. Advisory services are offered through Evergreen Capital, a registered investment adviser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Most Important Investing Lesson of the Last 20 Years
18/10/2025 | 4 min
Brad shares his philosophy on the importance of holding prime assets and the compounding advantages of quality investments, whether in stocks or real estate.https://www.evergreencap.com/Keywordsinvesting, quality assets, investment philosophy, market efficiency, long-term returnsTakeawaysQuality over high returns is key in investing.Market efficiency has increased over the years.ETFs are recommended for most client portfolios.Prime assets retain value even in downturns.Quality investments compound advantages over time.Real estate can offer long-term returns.Distressed assets are risky but can be opportunities.Holding quality assets leads to compounding capital.Investing in quality can feel uncomfortable but pays off.Focus on quality is the major lesson in investing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



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