Christiana Manzocco

Yesterday was Shilling VC's AGM. It was interesting to think and present a condensed version of some of the coolest things Platform accomplished in 2023! Platform is the fund vertical focused on driving pre-investment initiatives, sometimes acting as the primary catalyst for deal flow sourcing and post-investment support, aiding portfolio companies in overcoming growth hurdles more efficiently, always with one goal: enhancing fund performance. Looking at the deal flow-related stuff: - Developed an automated system to engage over 100 co-investors quarterly effectively; - Launched a transparent newsletter to share deal flow, fostering strong relationships with top-tier co-investors; - Invited select co-investors to experience our hometown, Lisbon, strengthening partnerships; - Introduced our Scouting program, which leverages industry expertise to identify startups aligned with our investment thesis; To ensure efficiency in those deal analyses, we've embraced a Tech-driven VC approach: - Developed an AI-driven screening process to filter opportunities aligning with our investment thesis; - Implemented a scoring process to evaluate startups based on their potential; - Introduced an AI tool for market analysis, reducing time spent on traditional research methods by our investment team.; On the Portfolio Support, our founders rated us 9/10 ❤️ - Launched a Support Tickets Platform for timely and efficient responses to their inquiries; - Tripled the number of experts available for Office Hours on the Founder’s Portal (now 51 top-tier experts); - Hosted several topic-focused dinners, providing founders the opportunity for in-person learning. - Conducted monthly webinar style Sessions to ensure consistent support for the portCo based abroad; Finally, we've solidified our brand as a community center by hosting over 34 events, with an impressive turnout of over 1,300 participants, either remotely or in person, locally and internationally, with the support of amazing partners such as Endeavor, Google, or AWS. 🎈

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Abundance AND impact? Yes, please! 🌳 Merging historical IRRs of 35% with social impact investing, our search fund is a creative, emergent and exciting way to shape the future of Canadian small business. The New York Times did a great piece on traditional search funds and the opportunities in this space. #regenerativeleadership #canadiansearch #canadiansmb #eta #impactinvesting

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Great new venture

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Another great #investcanada2024 conference last week. Congrats Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) again and fantastic collaboration with Réseau Capital for curating + delivering such an important ecosystem event that brings together the who’s who in Canadian investing. It’s an interesting macro environment for both founders and emerging VC funds in 2024. The bar for fundraising is higher and the process is more difficult, but it’s an amazing time to build and fund startups. Over the years I’ve been asked what’s made me a successful investor given the number of exits & investor returns delivered. Beyond it being a full-time obsession for decades, one needs to constantly find ways to evolve to founder needs and deliver differentiated value. Earning the right to back and support the best founders is what delivers outsized investor returns. This is easy to say for many investors, but often many fall flat on the everyday execution for different controllable reasons. Reputations are built & lost fast in a more challenging market. Highline Beta's pre-seed VC & venture studio model continues to not only innovate, but also win predominantly because our core investment value is to always “earn the right on the cap table” with the founders that we support. It’s a complete team effort and after 8 years of building out Highline Beta’s foundation let’s us now grow via new vertical venture studios + funds. 🚀

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PwC Canada's 2024 M&A mid-year update is featured in this Financial Post article with Derek Chu, Deals Partner in the Capital Projects and Infrastructure practice, focusing on Energy Transition. Learn more today on how decarbonizing Canada's electricity grid could lead to a uptick in mergers and acquisitions in the renewable energy sector.

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In this week’s round-up we take a look at VC secondaries, which may be small but are a corner of the market that holds immense promise, as companies stay private for longer and stakeholders of all stripes seek alternative sources of liquidity. On the private equity side of affairs, Canadian pension funds are proving their prowess for active portfolio management, while the improving exit outlook could spell yet more fundraising success for secondary managers. I - Venture capital secondaries, traditionally overshadowed by PE secondaries, are gaining traction. Significant fund closes, such as StepStone Group's recent $3.3bn haul and Industry Ventures' $1.45bn raised last year, underscore growing demand for secondary capital in the early-stage ecosystem. The increasing duration of private company status is driving investors to seek liquidity in the secondary market, which is supporting the primary VC market's health and growth. Industry leaders emphasize the vital role that secondary funds play, not just in providing necessary cash but also holding counsel. II - Institutional investors are increasingly using the secondary market for strategic portfolio management. Canadian pension fund Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO) recently sold a C$800-900m PE portfolio as part of its active management strategy. Similarly, Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) has offloaded a C$900m portfolio, reflecting a broader trend among large investors. In Q1 2024 alone, $30bn was traded in the secondary market, with 65% of transactions being LP-leds. Projections suggest the secondary market could reach $135bn by year-end, nudging past the record $132bn in secondhand PE assets that traded in 2021. Read Buyouts coverage of the subject: https://lnkd.in/gr65i946 III - Investors are piling into secondaries. Over the past decade, allocations to the strategy have surged by two to four times, according to Hamilton Lane data, while a recent UBS survey shows that nearly half of family offices plan to go overweight in the near term. Improving exit conditions could add yet more weight to secondary fundraising. As disinflation continues to progress amid low but stable GDP growth, PE funds should see more success in selling portfolio companies. That is teeing up accelerated monetization timelines for seasoned secondaries vintages. Where are investors likely to park these cash returns? That’s right, back into secondary funds. Buy-side secondaries capital looks set to continue its upward march. Read iCapital latest secondary report: https://lnkd.in/gV8pXvvE

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How to invest in a Venture Fund? Calling all Limited Partners (LPs) and Family Offices! 📢 Are you looking to dive deeper into the world of venture capital? Want to understand how to invest in venture funds? This is a fantastic opportunity for you! We are excited to invite you to Venture Summit: Toronto Collision, where industry leaders and experts will share insights & strategies in venture capital investing. Event Highlights: 🔹 Engaging Panels: Gain practical knowledge on structuring investments, managing portfolios, and navigating the VC landscape. 🔹 Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded investors, LPs, family offices, and founders to build valuable relationships. 🔹 Meet Fund Managers Starting their next Fund: meet emerging managers and learn about their experience, thesis, strategy, expertise and passion for venture investing. 🔹 Startup Spotlight: Listen to shortlisted startup pitches & and connect with founders throughout the event. Date: Thursday, June 20th Register: https://lnkd.in/garRw37p Message me for a free investor ticket if you are interested in attending (limited quantity)! Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to enhance your investment strategy and expand your network. #VentureSummit #TorontoCollision #VentureCapital #Investing #LPs #FamilyOffices #Networking #Innovation #InvestmentStrategy #VC #startups #fundraising #deals #founders #investors #limitedpartners #innovation #diversification

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The fundraising playbook, part deux. A few weeks ago in the Alt Goes Mainstream AGM Weekly, we asked: how can alternative asset managers navigate the new normal in fundraising? This week, we got answers. Hear from expert fundraisers and IR / business development executives at $B AUM private markets firms on tactics and strategies for playing the fundraising game on the field. 1️⃣ "Launch the planes before you deploy the troops." - Susan Long McAndrews, Partner at $99B AUM/AUA Pantheon. 2️⃣ "You don't need to be everything to everyone." - Ashton Rosin, Operating Partner & Head of Capital Formation at $2B+ AUM Lowercarbon Capital. 3️⃣ "Take a partnership approach." - Simon Kinzett, Managing Director at $8B WestCap. 4️⃣ "Build a long-term relationship because it's a partnership that spans decades." - Business Development, $XXB AUM alternative asset manager. Read on for more insights, key themes, and my questions for what this means for the future of fundraising👇 This week's AGM Weekly, brought to you by 73 Strings, covers: 🗂️ AGM Index, an index that tracks the leading publicly traded alternative asset managers. 🗞️ AGM News of the Week, this week covering: 📌 Citywire's Ian Wenik on what's next for Envestnet, Inc after its $4.5B sale to Bain Capital, Reverence Capital Partners, BlackRock, Fidelity Investments, State Street, Franklin Templeton. 💻 Who is hiring: Senior-level positions from companies Blackstone, Apollo Global Management, Inc., iCapital, Blue Owl Capital, 73 Strings, Hightower Advisors, Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Subscribe 👇 to see the latest trends & navigate this rapidly changing landscape as alts go mainstream. https://lnkd.in/eyZyHgCN

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Couldn't agree with this more Allen Lau. Increasing the capital gains tax is putting all parties at a disadvantage: - Investors looking to invest in Canadian companies will think twice, knowing their capital gains will be taxed at a higher rate. - Entrepreneurs starting or growing their company will look elsewhere for more favourable tax environment and investment opportunities. - Employees whose compensation consists of equity will consider relocation and working for US-based companies. With a government that is not spending responsibly, as we've seen in multiple ways in recent years, this tax increase will not benefit society. It will also further exacerbate Canada's productivity decline.

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Had the pleasure of jumping on The Hard Part with Evan McCann. If you're interested in learning more about Stack Capital have a listen! 📻 Check out the link below! 📈 Evan M. Jimmy Vaiopoulos Jason Meiers Twisha Kini, CPA Brian Viveiros John Bell FCA, FCPA, ICD.D Gerri Sinclair Laurie Goldberg Brian Beattie Bill Tai Owais Faisal Qureshi Ben Mulroney #latestage #ipo #preipo Stack Capital $STCK $STCK.TO

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The venture capital and M&A landscape is showing promising signs of resurgence. With valuations adjusting favorably and the IPO market reopening, opportunities for strategic acquisitions abound. While the first quarter saw a modest increase in deal activity, there's a palpable sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. Cash-flush buyers, buoyed by robust balance sheets, are poised to drive the next wave of innovation, particularly in AI and related fields. Regulatory hurdles persist, but optimism remains high as companies explore both IPOs and strategic acquisitions.The stage is set for a dynamic period of deal-making and portfolio expansion. Here's to a promising journey ahead! Read More Here: https://bit.ly/3yqhWh2 #VentureCapital #MnA #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #hospitality Branded Hospitality Ventures Crunchbase News Today Daley Ervin Jason A. Vita Shane Larisey, PE Diane Yoo Josh Barer

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Check out this epic interview.

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A very cut and dry article which outlines some of the ways to organize an advisory board to function in ALL areas of business. https://lnkd.in/gjRdX2HA #redsummitglobal #redsummit #AdvisoryBoardTips #BusinessOrganization #EffectiveBoards #StrategicPlanning #AdvisoryBoardStructure

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Awesome article on government intervention in the mining sector and could lead to challenges in other sectors in Canada! Just when the industry needs support they pull the rug from under our feet. Rick Rule would love your thoughts?

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The 56th edition of the Alt Goes Mainstream AGM Weekly newsletter is out! A new asset manager looks to be joining the fray. Bloomberg reported this week that Todd Boehly's Eldridge Industries is planning to transform into a new firm that will combine at least six existing platforms and launch with $65B in assets. News of Boehly’s new venture highlights what’s becoming an increasingly popular trend among alternative asset managers: a focus on permanent capital. Boehly’s success in asset management has very much been a result of his long-standing focus on leveraging the power of permanent capital. The crown jewel of Boehly’s expansive Eldridge Industries empire? Security Benefit, a life insurance business based in Topeka, Kansas. Eldridge certainly isn’t the only alternative asset manager who can see the value in having permanent capital, which some call the “holy grail of private investing.” Who is the leader of them all when it comes to permanent capital? Read on for more to find out which alternatives manager has leveraged the power of permanent capital, with data and analysis from Evercore's Glenn Schorr on why not all capital raised is necessarily created equal👇 The AGM Weekly, brought to you by 3i Members covers: 🗂️ AGM Index, an index that tracks the leading publicly traded alternative asset managers. 🗞️ AGM News of the Week, this week covering: 📌 The Wall Street Journal's Marc Vartabedian on StepStone Group seeing an opportunity in venture secondaries. 📌 Financial Times' Tabby Kinder on Lightspeed's shifting focus to secondary markets and what it could mean for the future of venture. 📌 Bloomberg's Marion Halftermeyer on how US pensions are pursuing PE co-investment deals in a bigger way like their institutional investor peers. 📌 Bloomberg's Eleanor Duncan & Francine Lacqua on Deutsche Bank's Hoby Buvat comments about banks and private credit firms teaming up to finance major trends like decarbonization and digitization. 📌 Institutional Investor's Alicia McElhaney on Aflac's approach to GP stakes investing and portfolio management. 💻 Who is hiring: Senior-level positions from companies Blackstone, Apollo Global Management, Inc., iCapital, Blue Owl Capital, 73 Strings, AltExchange, LemonEdge, PitchBook. Subscribe 👇 to see the latest trends & navigate this rapidly changing landscape as alts go mainstream. https://lnkd.in/ecjTxztj

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Canada’s most influential sustainable finance experts will head to Toronto this 11-12 September for RI Canada 2024. Flesh out new ideas alongside your fellow senior industry peers, share cutting-edge sustainability thinking, and hear from asset owners on their ESG allocation strategies and preferences. To see the list of industry leading organizations in the room, access a copy of the attendee list today: https://okt.to/N2c3vT #RICanada #RICanada24 #TransitionFinance #SustainableFinance #ResponsibleInvesting

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SLC Management’s Kevin Quinlan, MBA, Senior Director of Climate and Client Strategy, and Catherine Jackman, CFA, Managing Director, spoke at the Canadian Investment Review's Endowment & Foundation Investment Forum in Toronto last week. Kevin and Catherine presented on the evolution of sustainable investing, which touched on increasing regulatory demands, the push for climate risk disclosure, and the different ways that investors could implement a climate-focused investing strategy. The team enjoyed connecting with non-profit decision makers, consultants, and leading industry experts to explore different views and approaches to meet growing stakeholder demands for sustainable investing and current best practices. #assetmanagement #climate

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(1) Although it's possible to move AGM forward given the timing of financial reporting, 70% of companies will hold their AGM during the 3 days of the last week of June. (2) As long as the concentration of AGM dates continues, the start of electronic provision of AGM documents should at least be accelerated to allow time to review the agenda. (3) Only slightly less than 30% of prime market listed companies provide English translations of all convocation notices, including business reports and financial statements.

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Calix Limited (CXL) is showing signs of growth with upcoming perpetual royalties and a focus on green initiatives. Despite current market sentiment, the future looks promising. This transitional period is an ideal time to invest, with many opportunities available before prices begin to rise significantly. $CXL #Finance, #Investing, #StockMarket, #ASXStocks, #InvestmentTips, #FinancialEducation, #StockAnalysis, #CalixStock, #HowToInvest, #MarketTrends, #TradingStrategies, #PortfolioManagement, #FinancialFreedom, #EconomicNews, #InvestmentOpportunities.

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