Transcript
Introduction
Patrick
My guest this week is Chris Douvos, a managing partner at Venture Investment Associates, which allocates $1.6 billion on behalf of investors. Chris is the first professional allocator I've spoken with who focuses specifically on venture capital funds, so I had a ton of questions for him on how to build a portfolio in an asset class known for uncertain but often enormous outcomes.
We discuss the major recent changes in the asset class and where things might be going. I sought Chris out because while this is an investment style that is full of creativity and hope, I've always felt it could use a healthy dose of skepticism and a value investor's mindset. He delivers in spades as we try to separate the real from the ideal. We didn't record it, but Chris's tour of Palo Alto was one of the most interesting and entertaining hours I've spent. He's a student of markets and of history, and I look forward to learning more from him in the future. Please enjoy our conversation on venture capital investing.