Fund Fanatics

Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier
  • 5.0 (2)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Fund Fanatics is a video podcast featuring in-depth discussions with industry leaders in the private markets, with each episode highlighting the unique passions and perspectives of its featured guest. Through these insightful yet entertaining conversations, Fund Fanatics hosts Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier aim to cultivate added connectivity across the private equity, venture capital and private market communities — while keeping the “fun” at the forefront of fund finance.

  1. 3D AGO

    Automate with Blake: AI, Finance & Fun

    On this episode of Fund Fanatics, hosts Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier are joined by Blake Cholost, VP of Finance and Controller at Kinderhook Industries. Blake shares how Kinderhook scaled from $2B to $8.5B AUM while modernizing operations through outsourcing, automation, and AI. From data architecture to ROI—and even surviving as long-suffering Miami Dolphins fans—this episode blends finance insights with a dose of fun.

    13 min

  2. AUG 19

    Rashaun Williams: Shark Tank, Falcons, Future Billionaire.

    Shark Tank investor. Atlanta Falcons owner. Private equity dealmaker. Rashaun Williams has built a career turning once-in-a-lifetime opportunities into industry-shaping wins. In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Rashaun to unpack the private equity boom in professional sports—and why franchises from the NFL to the NBA are becoming the hottest alternative asset class. From breaking down the “Sports 1.0 to 3.0” evolution, insider strategies for valuing minority stakes and parallels between tech unicorn secondaries and sports ownership, Rashaun delivers a masterclass on spotting the arbitrage. Along the way, he shares stories from backing 180+ companies, working with high-profile partners like Mark Cuban, and why bringing value first is the ultimate networking playbook. If you’re into private equity, sports business, venture capital, or deal-making at the highest level, you won’t want to miss this episode.

    31 min

  3. JUL 22

    Minority Stakes, Major Strategy with Brian Vickery

    In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Jeff Maier and Scott Aleali are joined by Brian Vickery, Partner at Pact Capital, for a masterclass on GP stakes and platform-building in private equity. Brian shares why Pact is doubling down on the middle market and how minority capital can fuel growth, not just cash out founders. Drawing on his experience at McKinsey and as host of Deal Volume, Brian offers insight into value creation at the GP level, trends in firm scaling, and the true cost vs. return tradeoff of GP stake transactions. Whether you’re managing a fund or launching a podcast, this episode is packed with lessons on intentional growth, firm culture, and building something that lasts.

    13 min

  4. JUL 8

    PitchBook Unplugged: Nizar Tarhuni on Data, Deals and the Future of Private Markets

    In this special episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Nizar Tarhuni, EVP of Research & Market Intelligence at PitchBook, for an unfiltered conversation covering everything from private market trends to his early days as employee 79 at PitchBook. Nizar breaks down the real story behind private credit, shifting LP behavior and the evolving fundraising landscape, sharing data-backed insights that challenge today's dominant narratives. Plus, we get personal with restaurant war stories, Blazers heartbreaks and what Rip City really means. Whether you're a deal junkie, data nerd or hoops fan - this one has something for you.

    14 min

  5. MAY 19

    Building Wealth with Coach Gordon

    Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier huddle up with Rick "Coach" Gordon, Senior Managing Director at Citizens Private Wealth, who brings his A-game, sharing wealth strategies for PE professionals. Rick shares his expertise on liquidity smoothing, risk barbells and tax efficiency techniques that help PE professionals navigate the unique financial challenges they face. He also reveals why DIY investors often fumble their personal accounts, and gives a hard-hitting assessment on alternative assets. When he's not calling financial plays, Rick's coaching youth sports and building young champions - all while bleeding Michigan blue (just ask him about that epic '97 Ohio State game!). From the trading floor to the baseball diamond, Coach Gordon proves he's got game in every arena.

    15 min

  6. MAY 19

    Fund Fanatics Sizzle Reel

    Calling all Fund Managers, Investors, and Business Leaders in the Private Markets with a bold perspective and an excitement for life’s adventures ⚡ Join Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier and tune into Fund Fanatics - Private Markets, it's People and Passions 📹

    2 min

  7. APR 30

    The Strategic CFO with Jason Donner of Veritas Capital

    What does it take to evolve from a back-office number cruncher to a boardroom strategist? In this episode of Fund Fanatics, Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier sit down with Jason Donner, CFO of Veritas Capital, to unpack a few of his insights from the Private Funds CFO’s feature, “The Strategic CFO.” Jason shares his take on the rise of retail investors, the evolving role of the private markets CFO, and what it really means to earn a seat at the partnership table. We also get personal — from his near-complete wine sommelier journey to his must-visit list of MLB ballparks. Whether you're a seasoned finance leader or an aspiring one, this episode is a playbook in strategic thinking, communication, and passion — on and off the clock.

    13 min

  8. APR 21

    Jon and Mitch Pull a Real Estate Magic Trick: Turning Office Space into Gold

    Jonathan Garonce and Mitch Melfi from Drake Real Estate Partners join Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier to discuss how their partnership model and flexible approach set them apart in the real estate world. They dive into their investment strategy, the importance of local operating partners and how pivoting quickly can lead to major opportunities, like converting office space into flex industrial. They also share the firm’s philosophy of creating value with community-driven impact, including their commitment to 1% for the Planet. Stay tuned for Jon’s “cool” magic trick!

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Fund Fanatics is a video podcast featuring in-depth discussions with industry leaders in the private markets, with each episode highlighting the unique passions and perspectives of its featured guest. Through these insightful yet entertaining conversations, Fund Fanatics hosts Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier aim to cultivate added connectivity across the private equity, venture capital and private market communities — while keeping the “fun” at the forefront of fund finance.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Scott Aleali and Jeff Maier
  • Show Website
    Fund Fanatics

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