Carry On with AJ

Austin Jia
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Carry On is a podcast about how institutional-grade investors evaluate private markets — from family offices to operating companies. Each episode, we sit down with GPs, operators, and capital allocators to unpack the frameworks behind real investment decisions.

  1. MAY 13

    Future of Startups, Fundraising, LPs, Grit vs. Pivot

    Martin Tobias, a seasoned venture investor, shares insights on the current AI landscape, investment strategies, and the future of technology. Discover how AI is transforming industries, the valuation of AI companies, and tips for founders and investors.KeywordsAI, venture capital, startup investing, AI infrastructure, SaaS, startup pivots, fundraising, founder tips, AI futureChapter00:00 The Evolution of Startup Costs and AI's Impact03:09 Valuations and Market Dynamics in AI04:50 Investment Strategies in AI Startups06:01 Navigating the AI Investment Landscape07:44 Go-to-Market Strategies for Startups12:13 Navigating Early-Stage Hiring and Marketing Strategies13:19 The Balancing Act: Grit vs. Pivots in Startups14:46 Supporting Founders Through Pivots and Market Decisions16:50 Leading Teams Through Transition: The CEO's Role18:26 Attracting Talent: The CEO's Responsibility20:07 The VC-Funder Relationship: From Pitch to Check22:30 Understanding LPs: The Investor's Perspective23:34 Timing Fundraising: Strategies for Success24:34 Engaging High Net Worth Individuals in Venture Capital25:33 Personal Motivation and Avoiding Burnout26:30 Predicting the Future: Abundance and Human Potentialhttps://incisive.vc/https://www.allstreetcap.com/

    27 min
  2. Buy Small Businesses (Here's Why)

    APR 28

    Buy Small Businesses (Here's Why)

    Matt Zucker shares his expertise on search funds, small business acquisitions, and investment strategies. Discover how search funds work, what makes a good target, and the potential for high returns in this dynamic asset class. Keywords search funds, small business acquisition, private equity, entrepreneurship, investment strategies, business growth, portfolio management, entrepreneurship education Key topics Search fund model and its evolution Criteria for good acquisition targets Metrics and KPIs for searchers Funding structure and investor roles Operational support and post-acquisition management Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Search Funds and Background 02:59 The Journey into Search Funds 04:36 Finding Entrepreneurs and Deals 06:19 Market Dynamics and Business Ownership 08:14 Investment Track Record and Sustainability 10:26 The Searcher Profile and Team Dynamics 12:10 Metrics for Success in Search Funds 14:49 Disqualifying Opportunities Quickly 16:42 Exploring Roll-Up Strategies 17:27 Financing Acquisitions: Equity vs. Debt 18:28 Understanding Investor Dynamics 21:24 Investor Involvement Post-Acquisition 22:19 Challenges After Acquisition 23:51 Evaluating Business Success Rates 24:24 Identifying Promising Business Categories 25:45 The Future of Software and Automation 25:52 Resources for Learning About Search Funds 26:55 Collaborative Ecosystem of Search Funds 27:34 Investing in Search Funds vs. Direct Involvement 28:50 Coaching Operators vs. Coaching Kids Resources ETA Equity - https://etaequity.com Stanford Search Fund Reports - https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/centers-initiatives/ces/research/search-funds Matt Zucker on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewzucker/

    30 min
  3. The Frameworks Behind Successful Tech Adoption at HIG

    APR 22

    The Frameworks Behind Successful Tech Adoption at HIG

    In this insightful interview, Luis Suarez, CTO of HIG Capital, shares his expertise on technology strategy, AI integration, cybersecurity, team building, and the evolving role of CTOs in a fast-paced financial environment. Discover practical frameworks, innovative tools, and leadership lessons to drive digital transformation and security. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HIG Capital and Growth Journey 01:21 The Role of a CTO in a Global Fund 02:38 Navigating Tool Selection and Implementation 05:12 The Evolution of SaaS and Usage-Based Pricing 06:03 Low Code, No Code: A New Development Paradigm 07:44 Cybersecurity Frameworks and User Training 11:05 The Importance of Cybersecurity Insurance 14:45 Evaluating Point Solutions vs. Platform Solutions 16:01 Harnessing AI for Operational Efficiency 17:35 AI as a Force Multiplier in the Workplace 20:45 Building a High-Performance Team Culture 24:44 Reflections on Career Growth and Job Satisfaction Keywords Technology Strategy, AI, Cybersecurity, Team Building, CTO Leadership, Digital Transformation, No-Code Development, Security, SaaS, Data Management

    27 min
  4. Tax Strategies: High-Net-Worth | Family Office | Real Estate

    MAR 18

    Tax Strategies: High-Net-Worth | Family Office | Real Estate

    Avneet Kaur shares expert insights on tax strategies, investment structures, and asset protection for high-net-worth individuals, including real estate, life insurance, and global planning. Discover practical tools and frameworks to optimize your wealth management and reduce taxes effectively.Keywordstax strategies, wealth management, life insurance, real estate, investment planning, asset protection, global family office, tax reduction, high-net-worth, estate planningKey topicsTax reduction strategies for high-net-worth individualsThe role of life insurance and IULs in wealth planningReal estate investments and structuring for tax benefitsGlobal family office and offshore trust solutionsTax diversification and asset protection techniquesAction itemsReview your current asset structure with a professionalConsider life insurance as part of your wealth planExplore real estate structuring for tax benefitsConnect with Avneet Kaur for personalized adviceChapters00:00 Introduction to Tax Strategies01:55 Understanding Client Profiles and Tax Outcomes04:40 Tax Reduction Tools for Business Owners07:12 Framework for Effective Tax Strategies09:55 Tax Strategies for W2 Employees12:19 Active vs Passive Income in Taxation15:02 Philanthropy and Tax Reduction Strategies17:04 The Benefits of Real Estate Investment19:44 Diversification in Investment Portfolios22:13 The Role of Life Insurance in Tax Planning27:38 Understanding Life Insurance Benefits30:14 Tax Strategies and Financial Planning32:48 Client Assessment and Engagement Process35:02 Navigating IRS Audits and Tax Compliance37:16 Tax Migration and State Considerations

    40 min
  5. You Don’t Retire Early through Diversification

    FEB 26

    You Don’t Retire Early through Diversification

    What does it actually take to leave a large wealth management firm and build your own Registered Investment Advisor from scratch?In this episode, Alvin Yam shares over 15 years of experience in wealth management — and the real story behind launching a boutique RIA firm without a built-in asset base.We go deep on:• Why fiduciary alignment matters more than brand names• The hidden tradeoffs between boutique firms and large institutions• How high-net-worth clients should think about optionality• Why founder-led companies consistently outperform• The role of real estate inside a serious portfolio• How to construct high-conviction portfolios in volatile markets• Why integrated financial + tax planning is essential for cross-border familiesAlvin breaks down what sophisticated investors often get wrong — and how active research, concentrated conviction, and thoughtful structuring create long-term edge.If you're a founder, executive, or investor thinking about capital allocation in today’s market, this conversation is packed with insight. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:16 The Importance of Being a Fiduciary 01:51 Starting a Boutique RIA Firm 04:14 Choosing Between Boutique and Large Firms 04:23 Understanding the Ideal Client 05:47 Investment Strategies for Optionality 07:48 Accelerating Growth in Portfolios 09:12 Stock Selection and Market Trends 11:13 The Role of Founder-Led Companies 12:48 Real Estate in Portfolio Construction 15:07 Navigating Market Volatility 17:51 Integrated Financial Planning 20:26 Conclusion and Resources https://www.allstreetcap.com/https://paraibawealth.com/

    33 min
  6. Becoming the Most Strategic Capital in Beverage | Brian Rosen, InvestBev

    FEB 23

    Becoming the Most Strategic Capital in Beverage | Brian Rosen, InvestBev

    What does it actually take to build a private equity fund in the beverage industry? Brian Rosen, CEO of InvestBev, pulls back the curtain on how capital flows into spirits, RTDs, and emerging beverage brands — and why most founders misunderstand what investors are really looking for. Takeaways * Private equity investment journey * Investment process and diligence * Challenges in the beverage industry * Trends in the beverage industry Chapters 00:00 The Beverage Legacy 09:15 Fund Management and Investment Strategy 14:22 Vertical Focus and Investment Approach 22:19 Navigating Rejections and Challenges 29:34 Institutional Investor Diligence and Fundraising 38:57 The Pappy Whiskey Debate Learn more: InvestBev → https://www.investbev.com Presented by: AllStreet Capital → https://www.allstreetcap.com #investbev #allstar #investor #privateequity

    33 min
  7. State of Family Offices - Ron Diamond

    FEB 13

    State of Family Offices - Ron Diamond

    Ronald Diamond is the Founder and Chairman of Diamond Wealth, a syndicate of over 100 Family Offices ranging from $250 million to $30 billion in assets. For over 20 years, he has invested alongside ultra-high-net-worth families across private equity, venture capital, real estate, credit, and special situations. In this episode, Ron breaks down the state of Family Offices, governance challenges, succession planning, investment strategies, private markets, and why only 25% of family offices survive to the second generation. We discuss market trends, private equity vs family office performance, generational wealth transfer, and the institutionalization of modern Family Offices. Ron is also the Founder and Host of Family Office World Media and helped create the Family Office Program at TIGER 21. He serves on advisory boards at University of Chicago Booth, Stanford, Oxford, Harvard, and is Editor-in-Chief of The National Law Review’s Family Office newsletter. If you are a family office, fund manager, private equity professional, or wealth management executive, this episode is essential listening. 🔗 Ron DiamondDiamond Wealth: https://diamondwealth.comFamily Office World Media: https://familyofficeworldmedia.comTIGER 21: https://tiger21.comApple Podcast (Family Office World): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-office-world/id1486892616 AllStreet Capital: https://www.allstreetcap.com/

    39 min
  8. Mastering the Art of Fundraising: Insights from Redbud VC's Brett Calhoun

    11/12/2025

    Mastering the Art of Fundraising: Insights from Redbud VC's Brett Calhoun

    In this episode of Allstar Allocator, host Austin Jia sits down with Brett Calhoun, managing general partner at Redbud VC, to delve into the challenges and strategies behind successful fundraising. Discover Brett's journey, including his appearance on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, his approach to investing in resilient entrepreneurs, and how he evaluates potential investments. Whether you're a startup founder or a fund manager, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the art of raising capital, evaluating founders, and navigating the complex landscape of venture capital.00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Challenges00:15 Meet Brett Calhoun: Venture Capitalist Extraordinaire00:58 Redbud VC's Investment Philosophy01:38 The Importance of Resilience in Founders03:03 Evaluating Early-Stage Startups03:50 Unique Approaches to Due Diligence06:27 Balancing Operator and Investor Perspectives11:20 Portfolio Construction Strategies13:56 Fundraising for Venture Capital Firms16:32 Fundraising Timeline and Strategy17:48 Fundraising Journey and Challenges18:24 Cold vs. Warm Investor Relationships19:01 Networking and Securing Key Investors21:27 Fundraising Strategies and Follow-ups23:23 Industry Insights and AI Trends26:55 Evaluating Investment Opportunities30:03 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Carry On is a podcast about how institutional-grade investors evaluate private markets — from family offices to operating companies. Each episode, we sit down with GPs, operators, and capital allocators to unpack the frameworks behind real investment decisions.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin Jia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Austin Jia
  • Show Website
    Carry On with AJ