Fund Fanatics

Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by Jennifer Choi, CEO of ILPA, covering NAV lending, the state of fundraising, what LPs really want and why spa culture might be the secret to success.

Plus: a surprise Ryan Reynolds moment and a Britney Spears reference you didn’t see coming.

In this episode, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sharea conversation with Tom Ripley, CEO of Lids and co-founder of private equity firm Ames Watson. From special ops in the Marines to scaling one of the world’s largest sports retailers, Tom shares how discipline, directness and diving into the action have defined his leadership journey. He discusses Lids’ transformation from a mall-based hat shop into a global brand presence for teams like the Yankees, Dodgers and PSG, and the unique partnership structure he built with Fanatics. Tom also opens up about his leadership philosophy, his father’s legendary Marine legacy and how Lids attracts and inspires the next generation of retail talent.

In the final Fund Fanatics episode of 2024, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali sit down with Rob Konrad—former Miami Dolphins fullback and now Managing Partner at Alterna Equity Partners—for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience and building a successful private equity firm. Rob shares the inspiration behind launching Alterna, how lessons from the locker room translate to the boardroom, and why “team” is everything when partnering with family-owned businesses. He also revisits the legendary #44 legacy at Syracuse, his near death boating accident and miraculous 16-hour swim to shore, and weighs in on the current state of the Dolphins—including his Super Bowl predictions.

Saaima Khaliq, CFO of New Mountain Capital, joins Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier on Fund Fanatics to discuss her journey from barista to managing $55 billion in private equity assets. We cover the evolving CFO role, building a strong and lasting team, navigating LP demands, and the critical importance of mentorship and inclusion. Plus, hear how Syma used poker as a surprising tool for connection—and confidence.

What do Liverpool FC, Tiger Woods andbillion-dollar sports media deals have in common? Don Cornwell.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Don Cornwell, co-founder of Dynasty Equity and a seasoned sports dealmaker, to explore the explosive intersection of private equity and pro sports. From golf’s tech forward transformation to women’s hoops, global football, fantasy leagues, and even sports betting, Don breaks down the trends, opportunities and shake-ups investors need to know.

If you love sports, investing, or just a good comeback story, you’ll want to tune in. 

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier connect with Jed Johnson, Head of GP Solutions at ORIX Corporation USA, for a candid conversation about what’s really happening in the world of NAV facilities. Together, they unpack the latest use cases, discuss potential ILPA guidance on the horizon and examine whether private equity is ready for the test at maturity. The group also explores the evolving language around “hybrid” facilities and whether the market is innovatin —or just rebranding.

Take the bait and join us as we go beyond the headlines on Fund Fanatics.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by Neil Keegan, co-founder of Marlinspike, for a wide-ranging conversation on investing in the aerospace and defense industry. Neil breaks down what every emerging manager should know about the U.S. defense industrial base, shares smart fundraising strategies and highlights forward-thinking companies using AI to reshape national security. A former U.S. Navy officer, Neil also reflects on the leadership lessons he brings from military service into the world of investing.

Plus, with the NFL Draft around the corner, he offers his take on how the Washington Commanders can turn things around and gives his bold prediction for the #2 overall pick.

In this comeback episode of Fund Fanatics, ScottAleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Mario Giannini, CEO of Hamilton Lane, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly candid conversation on today’s private markets. Mario unpacks the causes and consequences of recent bank failures, the evolvingappetite for subscription credit lines, and why the fundraising environment may be facing a structural, not cyclical, reset. He also offers sharp takes on AI hype, the future of private credit, and the power of storytelling in uncertain times. From economic insight to musical hot takes, Mario reminds us why he’s one of the most trusted voices in the industry.

In this Fund Fanatics Super Bowl Special, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Vince Papale—the real-life inspiration behind the 2006 movie Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg.

Vince shares the incredible story of how he went from a 30-year-old bartender to a Philadelphia Eagles legend through an open tryout led by Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil. He reflects on what it truly means to be “invincible,” the mindset it takes to defy the odds, and how he helped Mark Wahlberg prepare for the iconic role.

They also talk about unlocking potential, career reinvention, and Vince’s prediction for this year’s big game. In addition to his remarkable NFL story, Vince is now a keynote speaker, author and real estate professional.

In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali sit down with Mitchell Green, Founder of Lead Edge Capital, an investor in growth-stage giants like Uber, Spotify, and Alibaba. Mitchell shares insights on the firm’s minority stake sale and weighs in on the current state of private equity. From valuation trends and GP decision-making to leadership lessons from top-tier executives, this episode covers what investors should be thinking about as we head into year-end.

Plus, Mitchell offers a bold prediction for baseball fans: a potential Subway Series in New York.