All Things Fundraising

On today's episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, we cover newly registered RIAs like Simco Financial and FAO Wealth as well as acquisitions by JTC. Hear updates on investments coming from the Rhode Island State Pension and searches coming from the Shrewsbury Contributory Retirement System. We also share the latest fundraising efforts from Silversmith Capital Partners, Yaletown Partners, and RRA Capital — plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota Cocktails event. 

Tired of chasing outdated leads?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 Dakota's Fundraising News Podcast, we cover newly registered RIAs like Bellingrath Wealth Management and Sharp Wealth Management as well as acquisitions by iA Financial Group. Hear updates on investments coming from the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System and searches coming from the Plymouth County Retirement Association. We also share the latest fundraising efforts from PGIM Private Capital, Roc360, and Avila Real Estate Capital — plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota Cocktails event. 

Tired of chasing outdated leads?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 Episode 19 of the Dakota Research Podcast, we explore why Europe is becoming a strategic destination for private market investors. Amid fragmented markets and favorable valuations, institutional capital is surging into sectors like energy transition, defense, and digital infrastructure. We break down the policy tailwinds—including the EU Green Deal, industrial reshoring, and defense modernization—driving this momentum.

From hydrogen and battery storage to dual-use AI and semiconductors, Europe’s capital formation is accelerating. We also cover M&A, private credit growth, and fund launches from firms like EQT, Ardian, CVC, Partners Group, and Ares. With geopolitical shifts and new regulatory frameworks at play, LPs are deploying capital across borders to capture long-term value.

Whether you’re tracking real assets, tech innovation, or sustainability-linked strategies, this episode highlights the megatrends—and inefficiencies—shaping Europe’s private market landscape in 2025.

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We cover newly registered RIAs like Pearl Planning and Holistic Wealth Advisors as well as mergers between Resonant Capital Advisors and QBCo Advisory. Hear updates on investments coming from the Cambridge Retirement System and searches coming from the City of Holyoke Retirement Board. We also share the latest fundraising efforts from Glade Brook Capital Partners and ACRE — plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota Cocktails event.  

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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 today's episode of Dakota's Fundraising News Podcast, we cover newly registered RIAs like Innovative Asset Advisors Group and Ascension Advisors as well as acquisitions by Maridea Wealth Management. Hear updates on investments coming from the Los Angeles Fire & Police Pension System and searches coming from the Quincy Retirement System . We also share the latest fundraising efforts from Blue Owl Capital, Pollen Street Capital, and Branford Castle Partners — plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota Cocktails event. 

Tired of fragmented data slowing you down? Book a demo of Dakota Research to centralize critical investment data and intelligence to simplify your decision-making process.

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, Robert Morier sits down with James Curry and Andrew Brown of Dundas Global Investors, who share their insights into investment management, sales strategy, and the growth of the firm. James and Andrew, both experienced portfolio managers, explain how Dundas operates across three geographies: Australasia, the UK, and the US. They delve into the firm's unique sales approach, which leverages third-party distributors in Australia and the UK while shifting to a direct distribution model in the US after a key team member retired in 2022.

The conversation starts with a look at each guest's journey into the investment management world. James Curry’s background is rooted in agriculture, where he grew up on a farm, learning valuable skills like patience and resilience that would later serve him in investment management. He co-founded Dundas in 2010 with a focus on building a value-driven firm. Andrew Brown, on the other hand, joined Dundas in 2023 after 18 years at Aberdeen Asset Management, where he managed emerging and developed market portfolios. Andrew’s transition to Dundas was motivated by his desire to work in a smaller, more dynamic firm with ample growth potential.

As a boutique firm, Dundas focuses on long-term, sustainable relationships with clients. They use a hybrid distribution model, combining direct sales efforts with established third-party distributors in key markets. They prioritize servicing existing clients and strengthening relationships over aggressive prospecting. James and Andrew emphasize the importance of consistent engagement with clients and understanding their unique needs. They explain that their success doesn’t hinge on quick wins, but on building long-lasting partnerships where clients are aligned with their strategy.

A major theme of the episode is the firm’s commitment to disciplined, consistent communication. James and Andrew meet weekly to plan their business development efforts and assess their progress. They also host a business development committee every two weeks to share best practices and market feedback. This structure ensures everyone at Dundas is aligned in their goals and consistently moving toward them.

Finally, they offer advice for young professionals entering the industry: embrace learning, build relationships, and stay patient. They discuss how their team operates like a well-oiled machine, combining experience with a forward-thinking approach to distribution.

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 Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, we cover newly registered RIAs like Grenadilla Advisory and Asset One Wealth Management as well as acquisitions by Merchant Investment Management. Hear updates on the Maine Public Employees’ Retirement System, Texas County & District Retirement System, and Seattle City Employees Retirement System. We also share the latest fundraising efforts from Churchill Asset Management, Zeal Capital Partners, and Drake Real Estate Partners — plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota Cocktails event.

Tired of fragmented data slowing you down? Book a demo of Dakota Research to centralize critical investment data and intelligence to simplify your decision-making process.

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, we cover registered RIAs like The Mather Group as well as acquisitions by Composition Wealth. Hear updates on the Vermont Pension Investment Committee and Teach Retirement System of Texas. We also share the latest fundraising efforts from Pacific Equity Partner, Lorient Capital, and Flyer One Ventures— plus a reminder to register for our next Dakota Cocktails event.

Tired of fragmented data slowing you down? Book a demo of Dakota Research to centralize critical investment data and intelligence to simplify your decision-making process.

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin speaks with Leon Brujis, founder of 65 Equity Partners, about his journey in private equity, the firm’s investment philosophy, and his leadership approach. Leon shares his unique background, having grown up in a multicultural environment, which he believes has played a significant role in shaping his perspective in the investment world. After starting his career at Lehman Brothers and spending 16 years at Palladium Equity Partners, Leon sought a more entrepreneurial opportunity and co-founded 65 Equity Partners.

At 65 Equity, the focus is on providing partnership capital rather than control capital, which distinguishes the firm from traditional private equity models. They aim to work alongside family-owned and founder-led businesses, allowing them to retain control while providing the capital and guidance needed to help the business grow. Leon explains that the firm’s strategy is based on the idea that businesses perform best when led by their founders or families, and 65 Equity aims to empower these leaders to execute their vision without taking away control.

Leon details how his firm is actively involved in the value creation process for its portfolio companies. He speaks about the five levers of value creation the firm uses: human capital management, commercial excellence, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and acquisitions. By leveraging these levers, the firm enhances its portfolio companies, increasing both their efficiency and profitability. Leon shares how 65 Equity often helps companies with acquisitions to scale, particularly when organic growth isn’t enough, and explains how successful acquisitions need to align with the core business strategy.

Another theme discussed in the episode is the role of AI in private equity. Leon believes AI is a game-changer and will play a critical role in future portfolio management. He points out how AI can assist portfolio companies in areas like marketing, customer engagement, and data analytics, ultimately driving efficiency and boosting profitability. However, he also emphasizes the importance of knowing how to effectively deploy AI within portfolio companies.

Finally, Leon offers his thoughts on the importance of culture within portfolio companies. He stresses that a strong, open, and collaborative culture is essential for achieving sustainable growth and success, noting that founders and leaders must invest in fostering such an environment.

Tired of chasing outdated leads? Book a demo to see how Dakota Marketplace simplifies your fundraising process with accurate, up-to-date investor data.