In this episode of Love & other assets, Emily Luk speaks with venture capitalist Mark Peter Davis about the world of alternative investments and how it's becoming more accessible to everyday families. Mark is Managing Partner of Interplay Ventures, and is a NYC-based venture capitalist, entrepreneur, author, and startup community organizer. Mark, with his deep understanding of the venture capital landscape, shares insights into the changing dynamics of the industry over the past two decades, highlighting the increasing accessibility for entrepreneurs and the shift towards outsourcing and lighter operating structures. He also delves into the complexities of family offices, explaining their secretive nature and varied investment styles. 

The conversation then explores the concept of alternative investments, defining it as a catch-all for anything that's not stocks or bonds, and discussing the potential benefits and risks involved. Mark shares his perspective on the shift towards democratizing access to alternative investments for everyday households, acknowledging the challenges and potential pitfalls, and provides valuable advice on how couples in their thirties can approach allocating funds to these investments. The episode concludes with Mark's insights on the most impactful alternative investments he's backed and his belief in the power of careful investment for social good. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to demystify the world of alternative investments and understand how they can work for everyday families.

What we discussed 

1. The Evolution of Venture Capital: Mark takes us on a journey through the evolution of the venture capital industry, highlighting the significant changes in the competition dynamic, the cost of capital, and the emergence of institutional players at earlier stages.
2. Unveiling the Mystery of Family Offices: Mark sheds light on the world of family offices, debunking the "black box" perception and revealing their varied investment styles, highlighting the need for specialized partners to navigate this complex market.
3. Alternative Investments Explained: A clear explanation of alternative investments, demystifying the term and differentiating the institutionalized categories from the "long tail" of niche assets.
4. Pros and Cons of Alternative Investments: Mark weighs the potential benefits of higher returns against the drawbacks of lower liquidity, providing context for investors to understand the trade-offs involved.
5. Unlocking Access for Everyday Families: Mark discusses the efforts to democratize access to alternative investments for individuals beyond accredited investors, highlighting the development of services and apps aimed at bridging the gap.
6. Strategic Approach to Alternative Investments: Mark offers valuable advice for couples in their thirties who are considering allocating funds to alternative investments, emphasizing the importance of long-term horizons and aligning investments with individual financial goals and risk tolerance.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. 

Brought to you by Plenty. Plenty is an investment platform designed specifically for couples to build wealth, together. We go beyond budgeting, making it simple to invest, save and grow towards your future goals by unlocking access to the financial strategies of the wealthy.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Mark Peter Davis: Website| LinkedIn |X

Connect with Emily Luke: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Plenty: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter/X

PEOPLE & RESOURCES MENTIONED

Channing Allen

David Swensen

Interplay

Thunder VC

Figure AI

Stripe

SpaceX