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-cyclical defense budgets and long-term government contracts to surging investment in space, cybersecurity, and dual-use AI. We highlight key subsectors, investment strategies, and the firms leading the charge, including AE Industrial Partners, Lux Capital, and Veritas. Additionally, we explore recent fund launches and rising interest in private credit and retail access, as the industry adapts to evolving investor demand and geopolitical risk.

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In this week’s Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Jon Ritter joins Texas Municipal Retirement as MD of Real Assets, Dylan Campbell joins the University of Oklahoma Foundation, and Edward Jones launches alts access for $10M+ clients via CAIS. On the RIA front, Redwood Family Wealth launches in Texas, Merit acquires Safeguard Wealth in Wisconsin, and The Northshore Group moves $1.5B from Wells Fargo to &Partners. Institutional updates include new manager searches in St. Louis and Philadelphia, investments from Ventura, San Mateo, and Wayne County, and fundraising highlights like StepStone’s $3.77B real estate secondaries fund, Apera’s €2.9B private debt fund, and Pioneer Point’s €1.1B sustainable infra fund with backing from Texas Municipal Retirement.

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In this week’s episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, we cover job changes including Matt Benson’s expanded role at UBS, Stacia Hatfield joining Blue Owl, and Eric Haley’s upcoming retirement from OMERS. On the RIA/FA M&A front, Jeff Purdon joins Raymond James, RBC recruits The MK Group from Merrill Lynch, and Anna Rathbun launches her own RIA. Institutional highlights include Oklahoma Police’s international equity RFP, Plymouth’s upcoming real estate RFP, and new investments by Baltimore, Idaho PERS, Jacksonville, and Merced County. Fundraising updates feature Gaw Capital’s $2B target for Gateway Fund VIII, Clearlake’s push to close Fund VIII at $15B, and Kompas VC’s Fund II close at €150M.

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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 health, wellness, productivity, and sustainable living.

The conversation highlights how Blue Tulip targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies with defensible technology, proprietary data, and real-world impact. Dr. el Kaliouby discusses the firm's technical diligence advantage, stemming from her deep AI expertise and strong ties to leading innovation ecosystems like MIT and Harvard. She also sheds light on emerging trends such as the virtual human economy and the evolving role of AI in regulated industries.

Listeners will gain insights into Blue Tulip’s hands-on approach to supporting founders, from product guidance to strategic visibility. With success stories like Figure AI and Synthpop, the episode offers a firsthand look at how Blue Tulip is shaping the next generation of responsible AI entrepreneurship. Dr. el Kaliouby closes with practical advice for AI founders: stay lean, build defensibility, and focus on creating real value.

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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 managers and RIAs to the growing demand for alternative investments. We discuss fee pressure, the rise of semi-liquid fund structures, and how public and private markets are converging. We also examine the expansion of family offices, ESG investing's shifting role, and what these trends mean for investors and managers alike. If you’re tracking how capital, talent, and strategy are moving in today’s market, this episode connects the dots.

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In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Pat and Konch cover job moves including Tony Pritzker launching Pritzker Alternative Strategies, Akshay Patel joining North Dakota Trust Lands, and Dylan Campbell moving to the University of Oklahoma Foundation. In RIA news, Fortgage Capital Advisors launched with backing from Elevation Point, LPL recruited the $350M Synergy Wealth Strategies team, and Integrated Partners added Albritton Financial. Institutional activity includes new RFPs from Oklahoma PERS and Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System, plus over $1.1B in new commitments from New Mexico SIC, including to Ares, iCon, and Asana. Ohio SERS also committed $650M across infrastructure, credit, and equities. Fundraising highlights include Yale reportedly preparing a $6B secondary sale, Azalea closing $262M for its third buyout fund, and Catalyst Opportunity Funds hitting $350M in AUM following its second fund close.  

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In this episode of the Dakota Fundraising News Podcast, Pat and Konch cover job changes including Ashu Pal joining Nomura Capital from Maryland State Retirement, Jeff Peterson becoming CIO at Dallas-based Gillion Capital, and Alexander Dorf named Deputy CIO at Arizona PSPRS. On the RIA side, Barzideh & Nadeau Wealth launched in Illinois, Angel Oak alumni launched Sardis Group in Atlanta, and BFS acquired $350M Napatree Capital. Institutionally, Callan and the Government of Guam issued new RFPs, while San Antonio Police & Fire Fund plans $220M in private market pacing. Recent commitments include LA Fire & Police allocating $105M across private equity, real estate, and credit, and Washington State pledging $1.5B across Advent and Evergreen Park. On the fundraising front, Sculptor closed its Tactical Credit Fund near $900M, Sunflower Capital raised $150M for its second venture fund, and Ansor closed its second buy-and-build fund at £250M.

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 JPMorgan, and Raymond James picks up an $828M team from RBC. Institutionally, consultant decisions were made across San Diego, Alameda, and Oregon pensions, and real assets pacing plans were updated across several systems. New commitments include TRS of Texas backing $681M across real assets and co-investments, while South Carolina and Ventura also made fresh allocations. On the fundraising side, Morgan Stanley closed its $2.3B Co-Investment Fund III, ABC Impact raised $600M for its second fund, and Founders Fund secured $4.56B for its third growth vehicle.

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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 Investindustrial’s €4B flagship close.

This episode’s deep dive focuses on the consumer sector: why it’s appealing to private investors and how firms are building value. We explore strategies like buy-and-build, brand acceleration, and digital transformation, plus themes like health and wellness, personalization, and social commerce. We also highlight top consumer-focused firms—Forerunner Ventures, VMG Partners, L Catterton—and examine the risks shaping the space, from CAC inflation to shifting trends.

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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 Utah.

Institutionally, Oklahoma Teachers’ and Police Pensions outlined 2025 pacing plans, Austin Firefighters terminated Highclere, and TRS of Texas and Border to Coast made new commitments across real estate, energy, and PE. Fundraising highlights include Campbell Global closing a $1.5B timberland fund and the launch of Halo Experience Co., a $1B tech/sports fund led by Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Accel’s Ryan Sweeney. 

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