The Property Funder Podcast Michael Dean

Join host Michael Dean as he interviews Nicholas Christofi, CEO of Karis Capital. Nick shares his journey from ambitious beginner to industry leader in real estate debt finance and insurance advisory. He discusses the importance of relationships, adaptability in a changing market, and effective client retention strategies. Gain valuable insights into balancing performance and price in lending, the significance of continuous education for staff, and future growth plans for Karis Capital.
Highlights:

Current Events
- Michael and Nick discuss the announcement of the general election by Rishi Sunak. Nick shares his perspective on how political changes impact the market, emphasising the importance of adaptability and the opportunities that can arise from market uncertainty.

The Relationship Business
- Nick talks about the significance of relationships in the finance industry, providing an example of how long-term relationship building can pay off. He explains that his business is focused on people rather than loan amounts, and stresses the importance of integrity, transparency, and good service.

Client Capture and Retention Strategies
- Nick discusses the challenges of winning and retaining clients, highlighting the importance of trust and communication. He emphasises the need for maintaining good relationships and providing excellent service, especially in a people-focused business-like real estate finance.

Nick’s Career Journey
- Nick shares his career journey, starting from his first job in the industry to his current role as CEO of Karis Capital. He recounts the challenges and milestones he faced along the way, including his experience with setting up and growing his previous company.

Building and Leading a Team
- Nick outlines his vision for Karis Capital, discussing potential areas of growth and expansion. He talks about the importance of being opportunistic and investing in areas that offer significant potential, such as operational real estate and social housing.

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, we sit down with Arnaud Loiseau, the CEO of Redpin, to discuss his company's innovative approach to simplifying cross-border property transactions. Arnaud shares insights on Redpin's mission to streamline the complex process of buying and selling second homes internationally, making it easier and less stressful for all parties involved. He also delves into his journey from venture capital and, the challenges of merging different corporate cultures, and his vision for the future of payments and real estate.
Highlights:
The Redpin Advantage
- Arnaud explains how Redpin aims to become the global leader in helping people buy and sell second homes in foreign countries, addressing a market worth $4.5 trillion annually. Arnaud elaborates on the complexity of international property transactions, emphasising that it's not just about payments, but also the settlement process involving various legal and notary services. Redpin's goal is to streamline this process by managing both payments and settlements, reducing stress and increasing efficiency for their clients.

Arnaud's Background and Journey
- Arnaud shares his professional journey, which includes significant stints in venture capital and tech, including working at King (the company behind Candy Crush) and WorldRemit. His diverse experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on blending payments and software services to innovate in the real estate sector.

Navigating company culture
- Arnaud discusses the challenges Redpin faces in transforming the company culture to integrate venture-backed talent with a private equity-backed structure. He emphasises the importance of speed, decision-making, and autonomy in achieving their ambitious goals.

Leadership and Vision
- The conversation shifts to Arnaud's leadership style and his strategic vision for Redpin. He talks about the importance of having a big vision, attracting top talent, and aligning them towards extraordinary outcomes. Arnaud also shares his insights on managing private equity investors' expectations and driving growth.

Personal Insights and Lifestyle
- Arnaud opens up about his personal interests, including mountain climbing, and how his hobbies help him stay focused and balanced. He shares his approach to setting and achieving personal goals, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and resilience.

https://www.redpincompany.com/

Throwing is back to James McGregor of P10 Financial Group's insightful episode where James shares his unique entrepreneurial journey, from the banking industry to the forefront of property financing and business development. McGregor details the strategic intention of his businesses, focusing on the synergy between property management, financial services, and client-centric solutions. He discusses the challenges of talent acquisition in the commercial finance sector, his national and international growth ambitions, and the vision behind his latest venture in estate agency. McGregor shares his philosophy on business expansion, the art of client retention, and the source of his personal drive. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals looking for insights into building a successful, interconnected business network in the property and financial services market.
Connect with James:
Website: https://p10financial.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mcgregor-0a983947

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, Michael Dean speaks with Keith Breslauer, founder and managing partner of Patron Capital. Keith shares exciting insights into the firm's investment strategies and their secrets to success and longevity. He discusses their latest fund and the importance of local partnerships in navigating market challenges and ESG requirements. Keith also reflects on lessons learned from past financial crises and the significance of conservative leverage. He also highlights his involvement in charitable initiatives, including providing housing for women suffering from domestic abuse and supporting the Royal Marines Charity.

Fundraising and Investment Strategies

Keith discusses Patron Capital's long history in the industry, having been in business for 25 years. They have raised funds approximately every 2-3 years. Recently, they closed their seventh fund, securing €860 million, which includes a co-investment pool. Patron Capital focuses on programmatic investments and has a strong following of returning investors.

Deployment and Partner Strategy

Patron Capital typically makes equity investments ranging from €30-90 million. Keith emphasises the importance of working closely with local partners to gain in-depth knowledge of specific markets. These local partners are crucial in navigating the unique characteristics and challenges of each market, ensuring successful project execution and investment returns.

Market Conditions and Opportunities

Keith discusses the current market conditions and the opportunities they present. The interest rate shocks, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements, and local market dynamics are key drivers of these opportunities. He stresses the importance of trusted partnerships to manage and capitalise on these evolving market conditions effectively.

Reputation and Ethical Business Practices

Keith attributes Patron Capital's strong reputation to their integrity, transparency, and long-term relationship-building. He discusses the importance of not misrepresenting their capabilities and maintaining trust with partners and investors. This ethical approach has been fundamental to their success and longevity in the industry.

Personal Endeavors and Mentorship

Keith shares his involvement with the Royal Marines Charity and his upcoming cross-channel kayaking event. He discusses the value of mentorship and learning from influential figures throughout his career. These personal endeavors and charitable activities reflect his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean sits down with Ghislaine Halpenny, Director of ESG and Corporate Affairs at Regal. The two discuss the significance and intricacies of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the property development sector.
Highlights:

Understanding ESG in Property Development

• Ghislaine elaborates on what ESG encompasses and why it is crucial for developers to prioritise these components. She explains that focusing on ESG is not just a societal obligation, it also yields better long term returns. The conversation delves into the specific meanings of the Environmental, Social, and Governance elements, illustrating how Regal incorporates these into their projects for substantial, positive community impact.

Real-World Application and Challenges

• The discussion shifts to practical applications, highlighting how Regal actively implements ESG strategies. Ghislaine provides insights into the challenges of balancing development goals with social responsibilities, such as affordable housing and community benefits. She also addresses the concept of greenwashing, explaining how Regal strives for genuine sustainability efforts as opposed to superficial environmental claims.

The Impact of ESG on Financing and Investments

• Exploring the financial aspects, Ghislaine discusses how ESG factors into planning applications and the increasing regulatory requirements that developers face. She emphasises the emerging trends in financing where ESG performance can influence investment decisions, highlighting the need for transparency and genuine practices in reporting ESG impacts.

The Broader Implications of ESG

• Ghislaine and Michael ponder the broader implications of ESG on the industry and the potential for these practices to reshape public perceptions of property development. They discuss the necessity for the industry to lead with integrity and transparency to foster trust and community support.

Navigating Finance and Development with Matthew Yassin
In today's episode of the Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean introduces Matthew Yassin, MD of Aquilae Capital, a debt advisory firm based in Mayfair. They discuss the intricate world of structured finance and the unique approach of Aquilae Capital in the finance industry.
Key Highlights

- Matthew shares his journey from corporate banking to founding Aquilae Capital. He discusses his extensive experience in finance, emphasizing the firm's focus on structured finance for development and trading businesses, including hotels and large commercial portfolios.

- Delving into the concept of micro-broking, Matthew explains how Aquilae Capital handles transactions meticulously, ensuring every deal is thoroughly vetted internally before approaching lenders. This rigorous process aims to minimise time wastage and enhance deal integrity.

- The conversation shifts to the challenges and complexities of the current financial market. Matthew highlights how economic fluctuations influence deal structures and financing outcomes, underscoring the importance of adaptability in finance.

- Matthew and Michael discuss how professional growth is influenced by media, particularly podcasts. They explore the impact of listening to influential podcasts on their professional lives and decision-making processes.

- Matthew reflects on his career trajectory, the decisions that shaped his professional path, and the dynamics within the finance industry. He shares insights into how his past experiences influence his current practices at Aquilae Capital.

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