All Things Fundraising

In this episode, we dive into how investment firms can get the most out of Salesforce.com by combining smart strategy with powerful tools. We explore the “Golden Field,” a key feature that helps teams track sales cycle stages, prioritize high-potential accounts, and focus their efforts where it matters most. You’ll also learn how to build and manage a strong pipeline using Salesforce’s native tools, ensuring consistent deal flow and visibility. Plus, we highlight the Dakota App advantage—how integrating Dakota’s Marketplace data directly into Salesforce gives your team seamless access to critical insights and more efficient reporting. Whether you’re a Salesforce pro or just getting started, this episode offers practical takeaways to help your firm sell smarter.

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Konch and Matt Marino discuss notable industry job moves, including Christina Kopec Rooney's appointment as head of US wealth at Wellington, Sona Menon joining Morgan Stanley to lead its $184B OCIO platform, and Hannah Menachem joining the North Carolina Treasury Department's PE team. On the RIA front, LPL Financial makes waves with its $2.7B acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network, and NewEdge Securities brings on a $1.4B team from Merrill Lynch. Institutional updates include new search activity from INPRS and Cambridge Retirement, plus fresh commitments from IMRF, Texas CDRS, and Japan Investment Corporation. EQT Infrastructure VI also closed at €21.5B, exceeding its target. Catch the latest moves, mandates, and fund closings across the fundraising world.

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin sits down with GT Sun, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Turning Rock Partners, for an engaging conversation about data-driven fundraising, leadership, and building trust in the world of private credit. GT shares his dynamic career journey, from humble beginnings in the AIG mailroom to working at Lehman Brothers during the 2008 financial crisis and later helping build out fundraising operations at firms like Fortress, Golub Capital, and Pretium. His experience spans both the client-facing and operational sides of capital formation, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of data, relationships, and process.

At Turning Rock, GT leads a small, nimble investor relations team and emphasizes process as a cornerstone of success. He walks listeners through their disciplined weekly cadence, from Monday partner meetings to regular pipeline reviews and strategic engagement planning. He highlights the importance of communication, preparation, and execution—drawing parallels between the sales process and the investment process. GT emphasizes how using case studies to tell the firm’s story and show live deal execution helps investors connect with the firm’s strategy in a tangible way.

One of the key takeaways from the conversation is GT’s focus on process, particularly CRM and data management. He discusses the critical role a robust CRM plays in managing LP relationships, tracking touchpoints, and driving accountability across the sales process. GT underscores the need for clean, accurate, and regularly updated data to keep fundraising efforts efficient and effective. He also explains how capturing detailed notes and tracking patterns in investor questions helps tailor messaging to different audiences, whether pensions, insurers, or consultants.

GT also shares his leadership philosophy—"be a captain on the team"—highlighting the importance of preparation, attention to detail, and humility. He leads by example, believes no task is too small, and stresses the value of clarity, respect, and integrity. For younger professionals, his advice centers around building trust, staying curious, and viewing every experience as an opportunity to compound your skills over time. His passion for the work and belief in continuous improvement shine throughout the episode.

This episode offers a masterclass in combining discipline, empathy, and process to build lasting investor relationships in a competitive fundraising landscape.

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 8 of the Dakota Research Podcast, we unpack the latest in private equity—from fundraising momentum and major deal activity to key personnel shifts. Highlights include Turn/River’s $2.5B fund close, Google’s $32B acquisition of Wiz, and Blue Owl’s new family capital initiative. This episode also dives into early-stage venture capital: what it is, why it matters, and how deals are structured. Plus, we spotlight trends shaping the VC landscape and share upcoming funds in market.

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Pat and Konch cover job moves across the investment landscape, including CalPERS Deputy CIO Dan Bienvenue departing to join General Atlantic, Genan Kirby joining Iowa State Bank, and Nick Schwartzetel moving from HarbourVest to CIBC Private Wealth. On the RIA front, Focus Financial is reportedly in talks to acquire $10B Churchill Management, Raymond James added $365M advisor Jason Torrey-Payne, and Waverly Advisors expanded its northeast presence with the addition of Baltimore-based GGM Wealth Advisors. On the institutional side, Iowa PERS selected five absolute return managers, Ohio STRS approved a revised asset allocation with a boost to private credit and liquid alts, and Michigan made fresh commitments across private equity, hedge funds, and infrastructure. 

Catch the latest activity in public fund investing, RIA consolidation, and personnel updates—all in one place.

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 episode of Dakota Research, Chris LeRoy talks with Frazer Blyth, Head of Investor Relations & Marketing at Bluewater Energy, about the firm’s global private equity strategy in the energy supply chain. Bluewater, with over 14 years of investing experience, focuses on industrials, specialist services, and key innovations driving efficiency, decarbonization, and energy security. Frazer shares insights into Bluewater’s investment approach, buy-and-build strategy, and international expansion, along with a look at Fund III and upcoming opportunities. Tune in for a deep dive into energy investment and the evolving supply chain.

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Pat and Konch cover a wave of key job moves, including Ty Powers rejoining North Carolina’s Department of State Treasurer, Sona Menon being tapped to lead Morgan Stanley’s $184B OCIO unit, and Natalie Fitch joining the firm from Hamilton Lane. In RIA/FA M&A, Raymond James brings on $320M Biss Wealth Partners from Edward Jones, and RBC recruits a $300M UBS team in Las Vegas. Institutional updates include CalSTRS reappointing Meketa as its general investment consultant, upcoming search activity from Colorado PERA and Los Angeles Fire & Police, and $939M in new private market commitments by Pennsylvania SERS. Fundraising updates highlight Oakley Capital closing its €4.5B flagship buyout fund and Castlelake securing over $2B for its fifth aviation fund. 

Tune in for more insights on job changes, advisor moves, manager searches, and fundraising activity across the asset management landscape.

In this episode of the Rainmaker Podcast, host Gui Costin, founder and CEO of Dakota, sits down with John Bailey, co-founder of OneFund Investments, to discuss how his firm is democratizing access to venture capital and private equity. Bailey shares insights into his journey from working at General Atlantic to launching OneFund and the strategies that have contributed to the firm’s growth.

Bailey begins by reflecting on his background, from studying at Tufts University to earning an MBA from Wharton. After working in consulting and growth equity, he realized a fundamental issue in the investment industry: access to top-tier private equity and venture capital funds was restricted to institutional investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. With minimum check sizes in the millions, most investors were effectively shut out of these opportunities. Seeing this gap, Bailey co-founded OneFund Investments, a fund of funds designed to provide accredited investors with diversified access to top-performing funds in the private markets.

Launching OneFund required a strategic approach to building investor relationships from the ground up. Unlike established firms with large institutional networks, OneFund had to develop a go-to-market strategy tailored to a new investor demographic. One key lesson Bailey shares is the importance of listening to potential investors before designing a product. Many firms build their funds first and then try to sell them, but OneFund engaged with investors early to understand their needs, shaping its offerings to provide the access and diversification they were looking for.

Bailey also highlights the crucial role of technology in managing investor relationships. A well-implemented CRM system allows the team to track investor engagement, refine outreach efforts, and tailor communications based on behavior patterns. Rather than relying on broad content distribution, OneFund takes a personalized, high-touch approach, ensuring investors receive relevant and timely information. Education has been a major focus, as many of their investors are new to private equity. To address this, OneFund offers webinars, investor calls, and detailed materials to help clients make informed decisions.

Reflecting on leadership, Bailey believes in leading by example and embracing every aspect of the startup process, from high-level strategy to granular tasks. His advice to young professionals is to align themselves with a product they truly believe in, as conviction is key to long-term success. This conversation offers valuable insights for sales professionals, fundraisers, and investors looking to navigate the evolving private equity landscape.

In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Pat and Konch cover key industry updates, starting with the record-breaking $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics and major job moves, including Erick Liu joining Russell Investments, Tracy Gage moving to Wilshire, and Belinda Curtis rejoining TelstraSuper. In RIA/FA M&A, Wealth Enhancement acquires $3B Marcum Wealth, Wells Fargo recruits a $540M team from Stifel, and Raymond James adds a $390M UBS advisor in Florida. Institutional updates feature ACCESS LGPS Pool hiring Arcmont and Golub Capital for senior secured direct lending mandates, Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana making new commitments to Oaktree and HPS, and Pompano Beach Police and Fire selecting Silvant Capital for large-cap growth equity. Fundraising news highlights Lincoln Financial launching two evergreen private market funds with Bain Capital and Partners Group, and Turn/River Capital closing a $2.5B private equity fund. 

Tune in for the latest insights in institutional and intermediary fundraising!