All Things Fundraising

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , host Gui Costin sits down with Christopher Zook, founder and chairman of CAZ Investments, for an in-depth conversation on building a capital formation powerhouse rooted in intentional language, disciplined processes, and unwavering alignment. With over 30 years of investing experience, Zook shares his journey from brokerage beginnings at PaineWebber and L...

Master sales with four game-changing principles: Focus on what matters, target the right people, craft the perfect pitch, and follow up like a pro. Packed with actionable tips, this guide helps you turn meetings into deals—fast! 💼🔥

In this week’s Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Humberto Garcia de Alba is named CEO of BBVA Global Wealth Advisors, Peter Mistina joins QP Global Family Offices as VP of Investments, and Bruno Saintonge takes on a senior private markets role at Quebec’s $3B RRCEGQ pension. On the RIA side, Focus Financial is merging $35B Kovitz into $140B Focus Partners Wealth in a major hub firm consolidation, w...

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , Gui Costin is joined by Stacy Havener, founder and CEO of Havener Capital Partners, for a masterclass on raising capital through storytelling, behavioral finance, and human connection. Stacy’s path into the investment industry defies convention. With a background in English literature—not finance—and no Wall Street pedigree, she’s raised over $8 billion f...

In Episode 14 of the Dakota Research Podcast , we break down how artificial intelligence is transforming private markets—from infrastructure M&A to private equity strategy. We explore the CoreWeave–Weights & Biases deal, Coatue’s $1B innovation fund backed by Bezos and Dell, and how firms like EQT and a16z are integrating AI into everything from sourcing to value creation. The episode cove...

In Episode 31 of the Emerging Manager Growth Show, we explore the public pension channel and its evolving approach to emerging managers. Gui Costin and Dan DiDomenico break down common myths—like needing three years of track record or massive AUM to engage pensions—and explain why that thinking could be holding you back. They highlight the nuances across Emerging Manager Programs (EMPs), from diff...

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , host Gui Costin sits down with Joe Grogan, Head of Distribution for the Americas at WisdomTree, for an energizing conversation on leadership, sales strategy, culture, and the power of treating people like owners. With over 25 years of experience at firms like Fidelity and State Street, Joe shares how his humble beginnings and early exposure to sales insti...

In Episode 13 of the Dakota Research Podcast , we explore the top real estate investment themes shaping private markets in 2025. From hyperscale data centers and renewable energy infrastructure to life sciences, logistics, and hospitality, real estate is no longer just about buildings—it’s about innovation. We unpack how sectors like AI, power, and global digital transformation are driving capital...

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , guest host Pat Tighe welcomes DeWayne Louis, founding partner of Versor Investments, for a deep dive into how the firm uses technology, process, and leadership discipline to scale a lean, global investment business. With over 20 years of experience spanning hedge funds, private equity, and investment banking, DeWayne shares how his career shaped the cultu...

In Episode 12 of the Dakota Research Podcast, we dive into the high-stakes world of aerospace and defense. From major deals like Thoma Bravo’s $10.6B acquisition of Boeing’s digital flight assets to Neuralink’s $500M raise, we spotlight the biggest private market moves this week. The main discussion unpacks why aerospace and defense are drawing increased private equity interest—from counter-cyclic...

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , host Gui Costin welcomes Drew Dolan, co-founder and principal of DXD Capital, for a compelling conversation on data-driven development, investor relations, and building a specialized real estate platform. With over 20 years in real estate and a deep passion for ground-up development, Drew shares how he transitioned from technical sales into leading one of...

In this episode of Dakota Research, host Chris LeRoy sits down with Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, co-founder and managing partner of Blue Tulip Ventures, to explore the future of human-centric AI innovation. Drawing from her groundbreaking work as an AI scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. el Kaliouby shares the vision behind Blue Tulip Ventures: investing in AI startups that amplify human capabilities in heal...

In Episode 11 of the Dakota Research Podcast, we explore how the investment management industry is rapidly evolving. We kick off with key private equity headlines, including a16z’s $20B AI fundraise, Blackstone’s $10.8B European real estate close, and Bain Capital’s $1B deal for Sizzling Platter. Our deep dive focuses on structural shifts reshaping the sector—from consolidation among asset manager...

Master sales with four game-changing principles: Focus on what matters, target the right people, craft the perfect pitch, and follow up like a pro. Packed with actionable tips, this guide helps you turn meetings into deals—fast! 💼🔥 Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data. 

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , host Gui Costin sits down with Daniel Noonan, Executive Vice President and Head of Wealth Management Consulting at Cohen & Steers, to explore what it takes to lead and scale a top-tier distribution team in today’s evolving investment landscape. With more than two decades of experience at firms like Nuveen, PIMCO, and State Street Global Advisors, Dani...

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast , Pat and Konch cover key job moves including Cheryl Alston stepping down after 20 years at Dallas ERF, Sam Johnson joining Gresham Partners, and Atria co-founders exiting LPL. On the RIA front, Osaic adds $450M Wichita firm NoxNumis, while new firms SoundRidge Private Wealth and Exponent Wealth launch. Morgan Stanley gains an $875M team from...

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , Michele Colucci, founder and managing director of DigitalDx Ventures, joins Gui Costin to discuss how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics—and how her firm is leading the charge. With a background spanning law, technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, Michele brings a multidisciplinary approach to investing in early-...

In the Dakota Live! 167 call, our team interviewed Frank Valle of Marquette Associates, who shared insights on fixed income investing, manager evaluation, and Marquette’s approach to OCIO portfolio construction. The Dakota Investments team also covered the Boston metro area. The Key Account discussed was NEPC. Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies yo...

In Episode 10 of the Dakota Research Podcast, we cover the latest in private equity—from fundraising momentum and major deals to key people moves. Highlights include Goldman Sachs’ new PE fund for high-net-worth investors, HarbourVest’s $500M platform launch, and Rocket Companies’ $9.4B acquisition of Mr. Cooper Group. We also spotlight Pophouse Entertainment’s €1.2B debut fund and Investindustria...

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Pat and Konch highlight job moves including Sam Johnson joining Gresham Partners, two Northern Trust vets joining Endeavor Advisors, and Soltis naming Jeffrey Harris as head of M&A. On the RIA side, Stifel completed its acquisition of part of B. Riley’s wealth unit, LPL alum Scott Bloom launched Wealthetic, and Exponent Wealth debuted in...

In this episode of Dakota Research, Chris LeRoy sits down with Jeff Weller, Co-CEO of Lion Real Estate Group, to discuss the firm’s value-add investment strategy in multifamily real estate across high-growth Sunbelt markets like Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Colorado. Jeff shares how Lion acquires and repositions distressed assets, enhances value through strategic renovations, and leverages long-...

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Konch covers job changes including Antonella Carranco joining Cortes Capital, David Wilson moving to JANA, and Etienne Dion joining iA Global AM. On the RIA side, LPL is acquiring First Horizon Advisors’ $16B platform, Cerity Partners picked up Raleigh-based Cook Wealth, and Raymond James recruited an $828M RBC team.  Institutionally, Frankli...

In Episode 30 of the Emerging Manager Growth Show, we dive deep into the consultant channel and how emerging managers can effectively build relationships, get on the radar, and plant seeds for future allocations. Gui Costin and Dan DiDomenico break down the three key consultant categories—dedicated emerging manager consultants, large firms with EM programs, and OCIOs who value early-stage access....

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast , host Gui Costin welcomes Doug Krupa, Managing Director and Head of Global Wealth Solutions in the Americas at KKR. Doug shares the story of his career—from his early days as a financial advisor working with New York City firefighters to leading one of the most innovative wealth distribution platforms at KKR. His passion for making private markets more acc...

In Episode 9 of the Dakota Research Podcast , we cover the latest in private equity news and trends—from BlackRock’s new public-private model portfolios to Olympus Partners’ $3.5B fund close and OpenAI’s record-breaking $40B raise. The episode’s deep dive explores the IPO pipeline, breaking down the steps of going public, pros and cons, and key 2025 trends. We also highlight notable IPOs like Klar...