AllStar Allocator

AllStreet
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Welcome to AllStar Allocator — the podcast where leading family offices, RIAs, and ultra high-net-worth investors share how they allocate capital, evaluate opportunities, and build lasting wealth. From real estate to private markets, we dive into the strategies, frameworks, and stories behind today’s most thoughtful allocators.

Episodes

  1. How VCs Pick Founders, How to Find Advisors — Nikhil Choudhary, GP at Nirman Ventures

    OCT 31

    How VCs Pick Founders, How to Find Advisors — Nikhil Choudhary, GP at Nirman Ventures

    Austin Jia sits down with Nikhil Choudhary from Nirman Ventures to unpack what makes great founders stand out and how strong advisory boards amplify startup success. They explore how venture capital strategies are evolving amid rapid technological change, what traits investors truly value in founders, and how continuous learning shapes long-term outcomes. Nikhil also shares practical insights into portfolio construction, founder support, and the balance between intelligence, leadership, and emotional awareness. Sound Bites “It takes brains to run a business, balls to start one.”“We want it to be top heavy on the deal team” Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Background01:33 – Nikhil’s Journey in Construction and Venture Capital03:43 – Fund Management and Investment Philosophy05:44 – Challenges in the Current Investment Landscape08:07 – The Importance of Founders and Their Traits10:37 – Assessing Founders: Skills and EQ12:08 – Navigating Feedback and Advisory Boards13:21 – Building an Effective Advisory Board17:59 – The Importance of Advisor Relationships20:42 – Building a Supportive Founder Network22:45 – Investment Thesis and Portfolio Construction24:49 – The Role of Location in Startup Success25:06 – Questions Founders Should Ask Investors25:09 – Leadership Lessons from Founders25:59 – Balancing Work and Personal Life26:48 – The Value of Reading and Continuous Learning

    28 min
  2. AlphaStar CIO on growing AUM 5× to $2B — Tony Parish on the AI bubble, org design, and the truth behind company "mission"

    OCT 23

    AlphaStar CIO on growing AUM 5× to $2B — Tony Parish on the AI bubble, org design, and the truth behind company "mission"

    Tony Parish, Chief Investment Officer at AlphaStar Capital Management, helped grow the firm from $400 million to $2.2 billion in assets — but his story isn’t just about scale. In this wide-ranging conversation, Tony and host Austin Jia unpack what it really means to think like a CIO in today’s markets: staying calm through volatility, balancing art and analytics, and leading with curiosity in a world obsessed with speed. They cover everything from: Navigating market cycles and volatility The real job of a CIO (and why it’s often misunderstood) Building AlphaStar’s culture of clarity and growth Alternative assets, portfolio construction, and where alpha still hides The AI bubble — hype or structural change? Why balancing profit and purpose matters more than everPlus, Tony shares how he manages his time, what he reads, and why music remains a quiet teacher for investing. If you care about investing, leadership, or just better decision-making — this episode hits all three. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Market Volatility 02:44 Understanding the Role of a Chief Investment Officer 05:43 The Journey to Becoming a CIO 08:47 Curiosity as a Driving Force 11:49 Growth Story of AlphaStar Capital Management 14:47 Techniques for Achieving Alpha 17:36 Optimizing Portfolio Construction 20:38 The Role of Alternative Assets 23:36 The Yale Model and Its Applicability 26:33 The AI Bubble: Parallels with Past Market Crashes 31:01 Understanding the AI Bubble 34:41 Identifying Major Economic Risks 38:11 Building a Successful Business 40:23 Cultural Considerations for Business Success 42:58 Balancing Profit and Purpose 45:29 Time Management and Prioritization 47:49 Advice for Junior Analysts 48:37 Recommended Reading for Investors 50:48 The Role of a CIO 52:10 Musical Passions and Personal Insights

    54 min
  3. From Nightclub Software to Family Office — How Shane Neman Builds His Legacy

    OCT 8

    From Nightclub Software to Family Office — How Shane Neman Builds His Legacy

    From nightlife software to family office — Shane Neman has done it all.An immigrant turned serial entrepreneur, Shane built Joonbug, scaled EZ Texting into a major SaaS exit, and now invests across real estate, AI, and crypto. In this episode, he opens up about how relentless hustle, fast decision-making, and street-smart instincts shaped his journey — and what every founder can learn from it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 01:11 The Immigrant Experience and Entrepreneurial Spirit 03:27 Early Business Ventures and Lessons Learned 06:36 The Birth of Joombug and Market Validation 09:10 Expanding Beyond Nightclubs: Easy Texting's Evolution 15:03 Bootstrapping Success: The Journey of Easy Texting 19:13 Real Estate Investments: A Different Landscape 23:46 Evaluating Investment Opportunities: People Over Assets 26:25 Experience vs. Adaptability in Investment Strategies 27:35 Innovations in Robotics and Real Estate 31:27 AI Applications Beyond Real Estate 33:18 The Role of Cryptocurrency in Modern Investing 35:20 Decision-Making Skills for Entrepreneurs 40:14 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 41:58 Personal Life and Daily Routines

    49 min
  4. How to Build Highly Productive Team, Winning Clients, Impressive Growth – Lawrence Sprung, Founder of Mitlin Financial

    OCT 1

    How to Build Highly Productive Team, Winning Clients, Impressive Growth – Lawrence Sprung, Founder of Mitlin Financial

    Lawrence Sprung is an Investopedia Top 100 Advisors. His firm Mitlin Financial is an Investopedia Top 10 financial planning firm in Long Island, NY. He built one of the most amazing team in wealth management because he follows one important rule in the business. Let's get started. 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Management and Team Dynamics 03:45 The Joy of Financial Planning 07:39 Building a Productive Team 12:37 Recruitment and Team Culture 17:26 Client Engagement and Marketing Strategies 22:48 Investment Strategies: Alternatives and Crypto 27:20 The Role of AI in Wealth Management 32:20 Real Estate in Client Portfolios 36:58 Personal Insights and Future Vision 39:50 Building a Productive Team in Wealth Management 39:51 Future Trends: Real Estate, AI, and Cryptocurrency

    40 min
  5. Multi-Generational Playbook, Valerie Hogan on Family Offices at Clearwater Capital Partners

    SEP 24

    Multi-Generational Playbook, Valerie Hogan on Family Offices at Clearwater Capital Partners

    Summary Valerie Hogan from Clearwater Capital Partners discusses the intricacies of wealth management, particularly in family offices. She shares insights on how families create wealth, the importance of building trust with clients, and the transition from being an operator to a wealth protector. Valerie emphasizes the need for planning across generations, the role of philanthropy, and the empowerment of women in financial decision-making. The discussion also touches on investment strategies, the challenges faced in wealth management, and the future of family offices. Takeaways Valerie Hogan emphasizes the importance of building trust through referrals in wealth management.First-generation wealth creators often remain involved in their businesses while transitioning to wealth protection roles.In-person meetings are critical for establishing strong client relationships, even in a virtual world.Managing risk is essential for families heavily invested in a single industry.Planning for future generations requires agility and adaptability to changing market conditions.Philanthropy is a key aspect of wealth management, providing meaning and purpose to wealth building.Women are expected to hold a significant portion of wealth in the future but often lack confidence in managing it.Legacy planning should consider the long-term impact on future generations and not just immediate financial instruments.Creating flexible financial instruments is crucial to adapt to changing family dynamics and market conditions.Engaging the next generation in financial discussions is vital for preparing them for future responsibilities. Show Reference Mckinsey's report, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/women-as-the-next-wave-of-growth-in-us-wealth-management Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Management Strategies 00:41 Introduction to Clearwater Capital Partners 02:18 Understanding Wealth Creation in Family Offices 05:04 Building Trust and Client Relationships 06:45 Transitioning from Operator to Wealth Protector 09:28 Investment Strategies and Risk Management 11:25 The Role of Family Dynamics in Wealth Preservation 13:36 Engaging the Next Generation in Wealth Management 15:01 Philanthropy and Social Responsibility 17:36 Empowering Women in Financial Planning 20:49 Legacy Planning and Multi-Generational Wealth 23:05 Future Trends in Family Wealth Management

    32 min
  6. Thriving in 2008, Scaling WealthFactor to $100M with Code, Next Up: AI Infrastructure with Bill Woodruff

    SEP 11

    Thriving in 2008, Scaling WealthFactor to $100M with Code, Next Up: AI Infrastructure with Bill Woodruff

    What does it take to build a business in the middle of a financial crisis—and still come out ahead? In this conversation, Bill Woodruff shares his journey from developing trading systems, sold it to Fortress, to founding WealthFactor and quickly scale it over $100M, and why he’s now laser-focused on AI infrastructure as the next big investment frontier. We cover: Why taking risks during a crisis can pay off How technology is transforming investment services Where AI infrastructure creates real (not hype) opportunities 00:00 Bill Woodruff's Journey in Finance 03:38 The Birth of Wealth Factor 11:20 Investment Philosophy & Technology 16:33 The Playbook for Business Growth 19:48 AI Infrastructure Partners: The Future of Investment 31:06 Lessons for New Capital Allocators

    37 min
  7. How to Win the Data Center Boom | Daily Life at a $20B+ Allocator with Marcus Solomon, Makena Capital

    SEP 5

    How to Win the Data Center Boom | Daily Life at a $20B+ Allocator with Marcus Solomon, Makena Capital

    How do institutional investors decide where to put billions of dollars? In this episode of the All-Star Allocator podcast, Marcus Solomon of Makena Capital — a $20B+ allocator — pulls back the curtain on how his team invests across data centers, real estate, and private markets. He shares his career journey from trading to managing real assets, the key questions they ask when evaluating managers, and why risk management and regulatory factors are make-or-break in today’s market. Marcus also dives into the booming data center sector, the latest Build-to-Rent and Single-Family Rental trends, and what emerging managers must do to stand out. Whether you’re raising a fund or just curious about how one of the world biggest allocators think, this conversation delivers tactical, behind-the-scenes insights on strategy, market dynamics, and building trust with investors. About Makena Capital: https://www.makenacap.com/ About AllStreet Capital: www.allstreetcap.com About Marcus Solomon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-solomon/ About Austin Jia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-jia-cfa/

    31 min
  8. Active Management That Works: John Grace on Risk, Volatility, and Real Estate

    AUG 21

    Active Management That Works: John Grace on Risk, Volatility, and Real Estate

    In this episode of the AllStar Allocator podcast, host Austin Jia interviews John Grace, founder and a seasoned wealth manager with over 30 years of experience. They discuss the importance of understanding client relationships, investment strategies, and the impact of market volatility on investor behavior. John emphasizes the need for active management and diversification in portfolios, as well as the significance of evaluating investment opportunities carefully. The conversation also touches on the role of wealth managers in client success, how to choose the right wealth manager, and the future trends in the wealth management industry, particularly the growing interest in alternative investments. Takeaways: John Grace's entry into wealth management was influenced by a mentor.Understanding clients' risk tolerance is crucial for effective investment strategies.Market volatility can present opportunities for investors who are prepared.Active management can help limit losses during market downturns.Diversification is key to achieving consistent returns in investment portfolios.Evaluating investment opportunities requires a deep understanding of market conditions.Wealth managers play a vital role in guiding clients through financial decisions.Choosing the right wealth manager involves assessing their approach and tools.Success in capital management often comes from independent research and analysis.The wealth management industry is shifting towards alternative investments. Chapters： 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Management Insights 02:10 The Journey into Financial Planning 04:43 Understanding Client Risk Tolerance 08:57 Preparing for Market Drawdowns 11:48 Active Management vs. Passive Investment 14:57 Evaluating Investment Opportunities 17:48 Choosing the Right Wealth Manager 19:04 Understanding Withdrawal Rates and Market Fluctuations 19:46 The Value of Agile Investment Advisors 19:59 Success Stories in Capital Management 22:09 Consumer Behavior and Market Trends 25:31 The Future of Real Estate Prices 28:05 Lightning Round: Financial Insights 30:33 The Future of Wealth Management

    31 min
  9. Managing Billions with Matt Zumbach — Risk Discipline, Red Flags in Pitches & His Next Investments

    AUG 14

    Managing Billions with Matt Zumbach — Risk Discipline, Red Flags in Pitches & His Next Investments

    In this conversation, Matt Zumbach, Chief Investment Officer of the Baylor Oral Health Foundation, shares his journey into investing, discussing his early experiences, and his approach to evaluating investment opportunities. Matt also provides insights into evaluating investment managers, recognizing red flags in pitches, and his perspectives on emerging investment opportunities. They discuss: Myth about public and private endowments / foundations.Investment opportunities evaluation based on both story and numbers.Thesis-driven investing vs. opportunistic investing.Risk assessment in portfolio management.Goals-based rebalancing to significantly improve portfolio performance.Alignment of investment managers with their thesis.Red flags in investment pitches. Links: Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zumbach-cfa-b978764/ Austin on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-jia-cfa/ AllStreet Capital: https://www.allstreetcap.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt Zambach and His Journey 07:26 Understanding Portfolio Management Goals 09:39 Evaluating New Investment Opportunities 15:21 Thesis-Driven vs. Opportunistic Investing 20:39 Framework for Portfolio Construction 27:57 The Challenge of Personal Financial Goals 34:50 The Role of AI in Investing 39:13 Market Signals to Watch

    46 min

  10. EPISODE 1

    Welcome to AllStar Allocator

    Welcome to AllStar Allocator — the podcast where leading family offices, RIAs, and ultra high-net-worth investors share how they allocate capital, evaluate opportunities, and build lasting wealth. From real estate to private markets, we dive into the trends, frameworks, and stories behind today’s most thoughtful allocators. Visit us online at https://www.allstreetcap.com/ Connect with Austin Jia on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-jia-cfa/

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to AllStar Allocator — the podcast where leading family offices, RIAs, and ultra high-net-worth investors share how they allocate capital, evaluate opportunities, and build lasting wealth. From real estate to private markets, we dive into the strategies, frameworks, and stories behind today’s most thoughtful allocators.

Information

  • Creator
    AllStreet
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © AllStreet
  • Show Website
    AllStar Allocator