The Networking Event for the Next Generation of Family Leaders and Entrepreneurs
At J.P. Morgan Private Bank, fostering conversations and connections is our passion. That's why we've created the Emerging Family Leaders (EFL) series—a unique opportunity for future decision-makers, wealth creators, and innovators to connect with like-minded peers worldwide. 2024 has been the most exciting year for the EFL series yet.
Relive the events across the globe, and stay tuned for more!
Latin America
Breaking Barriers: Beyond the Racetrack
Tatiana Calderón, Racing Driver
Paula Calderón, Business Manager, Tata Calderón Racing
In this inspiring session, Tatiana, a trailblazing female Formula One driver, and her sister Paula, who manages her career, shared their journey of breaking stereotypes in high-speed sports. They discussed the invisible barriers women face, such as car design and lack of representation, and emphasized the need for more female role models in Formula One. Highlighting the importance of family support, they encouraged challenging societal norms and pursuing one's passions, regardless of obstacles.
Game Changers: Inside the Minds of Sports Mavericks
Eduardo Margain, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Pixiu Investments
Martin Rodriguez, Founder, GPF Capital and Co-Owner, Rafa Nadal Academy
Eduardo and Martin discussed their significant investments in sports, with Eduardo investing in Austin FC, a Major League Soccer team, and Martin investing in the Rafael Nadal Academy. Focused on the future, they are looking to grow with key partnerships and while Margain is interested in TV rights, Rodriguez is optimizing current operations and expanding internationally. Both emphasized the importance of their investments in contributing to social impact, particularly in supporting kids and education.
Spotlight – Revolutionizing Carbon Markets
Diego Saez Gil, Founder and Chief Executive Office, Pachama
Diego Saez Gil, the co-founder of Pajama, discussed the use of AI, machine learning, and satellite data in understanding and protecting forests, predicting carbon sequestration, and anticipating deforestation. He highlighted the economic potential of carbon credits for Latin America, which could create a $100 billion market.
Food for Thought: The Social Impact of Gastromotiva
David Hertz, Found and Chief Executive Office, Gastromotiva
David Hertz is a social entrepreneur who, through his organization, has been fighting hunger, promoting sustainable food practices, and empowering communities. He discussion emphasized the importance of resilience, flexibility, and a clear vision in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals while trying to reduce social inequalities and improving lives.
Behind the Dial: The Story of Hodinkee
Benjamin Clymer, Founder, Hodinkee, Inc
Alfredo Samayoa, Senior Banker, Central and South America, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Ben Clymer, founder of Hodinkee, shared how he transformed a watch-focused blog into a successful e-commerce platform by combining content, community, and commerce. He discussed the impact of social media on the watch industry, the fluctuating value of watches, and the stability of the high-end niche market. Ben also highlighted the importance of work-life balance, sharing his personal experience with burnout.
Founders Unplugged: Insights from Tech Entrepreneurs
Mercedes Bidart, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Quipu
Mauricio Toro, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, TECHFIT Digital Surgery
Entrepreneurs Mauricio Toro and Mercedes Bidart captivated the audience with their insights on innovation, adaptability, and social impact in the tech industry. They highlighted fintech's role in reducing inequality, the benefits of collaboration over competition, and the value of external validation, as seen in Mercedes' journey with the Cartier Women's Initiative.
Exploring Culinary Creativity: A Stellar Journey with Chef Mattos
Ignacio Mattos, Chef and Founder, Mattos Hospitality
Chef Ignacio Mattos discussed the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant, emphasizing the importance of discipline, creativity, and finding the right partners. He highlighted the necessity of achieving work-life balance in the demanding restaurant industry and shared his experience transitioning from hands-on operations to a supervisory role. Despite the challenges, Mattos underscored the joy and fulfillment derived from creating unique and memorable experiences for customers.
Macro and Markets: Deciphering Truths from Lies
Tom Kennedy, Chief Investment Strategist, J.P. Morgan Global Wealth Management
In this dynamic session, the speaker unveiled key strategies for thriving in the financial market, spotlighting the immense potential of investing in AI and energy. He reassured investors about the minimal impact of U.S. presidential elections on their portfolios and delved into the intricate U.S.-China relationship, highlighting new opportunities. The speaker also emphasized the importance of diversifying investments and the exciting trend of democratization in private markets, positioning them as essential for wealth creation.
Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape in Latin America
Maria Gutierrez Peñaloza, Co-Founder and Managing Partner , Nido Ventures
Paulo Passoni, Managing Partner, Valor Capital Group
Industry experts, Maria Gutierrez Peñaloza and Paulo Passoni, delved into the evolving landscape of venture capital, highlighting the shift from the 2021 boom to a more measured approach. They emphasized investing in high-quality, resilient entrepreneurs disrupting traditional industries, particularly in fintech and software. Additionally, they discussed the cautious yet promising role of private credit in venture capital, highlighting the benefits and risks of venture debt.
Al and Us: Shaping our Shared Future
Manuela Veloso, Head of AI Research, JPMorganChase and Herbert A. Simon University Professor Emeritus, School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University
In this session, Manuela Veloso highlighted the critical role of data standardization and synthetic data for efficient AI training. She discussed the gradual transition from human-driven to AI-driven processes and showcased how AI can generate code from natural language instructions. Veloso also emphasized AI's unparalleled ability to manage vast amounts of digital information, underscoring its essential role in the digital age.
Working Together: The Fun and Challenge of Family Decisions
Jeff Kreisler, Head of Behavorial Science, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kreisler focused on the importance of understanding human nature in decision-making, emphasizing the need to recognize individual emotions, incentives, and motivations. Concepts such as mental accounting and loss aversion were discussed to highlight how people's perceptions and biases can influence their decisions.
Succession: What Really Works
Alfonso Baigorri, Head of Family Governance Practice, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Baiggori focused on the concept of succession in family businesses, emphasizing that it should be viewed as a continuous process rather than a one-time event and requires intentionality, hard work and practice. Key features of meaningful succession include shared values, strong family relationships, long-term business planning, clear governance policies, education of the next generation, and commitment to the community.
An Ordinary Home Turned Extraordinary: The Soho House Story
Nick Jones, Founder, Soho House
Frederick Windsor, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Nick Jones, Founder of Soho house, shared his journey of growing Soho House from a single location to a global brand, the importance of perseverance and adaptability in entrepreneurship, and the unique approach to membership and community building. His stories demonstrated the challenges he overcame as well as his passion for creating spaces for people to connect.
Macro-Minds: Navigating the Global Landscape
Grace Peters, Global Head of Investment Strategy, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Erik Wytenus, EMEA Head of Investment Strategy, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Grace Peters and Erik Wytenus shared their expertise on macro and market trends. Key themes discussed included the resilience of the global economy, the impact of AI on profitability and the implications of inflation. Additionally, they explored the potential of alternative assets and the role of central banks in supporting economic optimism.
The Power of Family Philanthropy
Dame Marit Mohn, Co-Founder, Mohn Westlake Foundation
Stian Westlake, Co-Founder, Mohn Westlake Foundation
Louisa Brassey, Co-Founder, Greenwood Place
Olivia Jenkins, International Team Lead, The Philanthropy Centre, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Panelists Dame Marit Mohn, Stian Westlake and Louisa Brassey discussed their experiences with family philanthropy, the challenges and rewards of working with family members, and their individual philanthropic interests. Also discussed was the importance of maintaining individual giving within a family foundation, the potential for philanthropy to be a means of innovation, and the increasing role of data and technology in philanthropy.
Entrepreneurship Through the Lens of Disruptive Innovators
Kilian Hennessy, Founder, Kilian Paris
Elio Leoni Sceti, Co-Founder, The Craftory
Yassi Sohrabi, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kilian Hennessy’s and Elio Leioni Sceti’s conversation revolved around three key themes: the importance of maintaining quality in entrepreneurship, the value of learning from experience before starting your own venture and the significance of passion. The speakers further emphasized the importance of resilience and maintaining a clear vision in entrepreneurship as keys to their success.
Mind the Gap: Strategies to Foster Inter-Generational Family Dialogue on Wealth
Basma al Zamil, General Manager, Corporate Human Resources & Corporate Social Responsibility, Zamil Group
Carol Mushriqui, Wealth Advisory for Middle East & Turkey, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Maya Prabhu, Head of Wealth Advisory Services EMEA and Head of Family Governance Services, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
This interactive panel discussed the importance of inter-generational dialogue in family businesses, focusing on strategies for fostering effective communication and continuity. The panelists also highlighted the challenges faced by different generations in managing family wealth and businesses, and the need for adaptability in the face of changing times.
Preparing for Long-Term Investing
Christopher D. Fletcher, Global Head of Outsourced Chief Investment Office, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kristin Kallergis Rowland, Global Head of Alternative Investments, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Kristen Kallergis Rowland and Christopher D. Fletcher focused on the importance of long-term investing and the strategies to achieve it. The duo discussed the significance of establishing a purpose for wealth, the role of people in managing wealth and the importance of having an investment policy.
Foresight and Futures
Debora Kantt, Strategic Foresight & Futures Studies Lead, Corporate Futurist, J.P. Morgan
Debora Kantt provided an introduction to strategic foresight, a discipline that can help foresee future trends. From AI to medical advancements, the upcoming decade is predicted to be the most disruptive due to the advances of exponential technologies.
Safeguarding Your Brand in the Digital Age
Patrick Harverson, Co-Founder, Milltown Partners LLP
Carys Whomsley, Managing Director, Digital Risk and Intelligence, Digitalis
Flaminia Saffoncini, International Tech Disruptors Vertical, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Patrick Harverson and Carys Whomsley brought their expertise to the fore, sharing insights from their respective careers in reputation management, and discussing our need to adapt in today’s digital age in order to protect ourselves from exploitation both online and offline.
Beyond the Game: Scoring Big in the Sports Industry
Christopher Chau, EMEA Head of Morgan Private Ventures, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Gian Piero Sammartano, Head of EMEA Media IB and Co-Head of Global Sports, J.P. Morgan Investment Bank
Gian Piero Sammartano discussed the broad and diversified nature of sports investing, and highlighted how it can yield significant returns and how it’s often driven by both passion and business acumen. He identified three main areas of focus for revenue growth in sports: international media rights, live entertainment and monetization of digital fanbases.
Unlocking Tomorrow with the Power of AI Today
Julia de Boinville, Head of UK, Scale AI, Europe, Co-Founder of Anti-Slavery Collective
Jorge Cuervo, Co-Founder, Rili AI
Allie Gillon-Livesey, Head of Strategic Partnerships in the Chief Data & Analytics Office (CDAO), J.P. Morgan Commercial & Investment Bank
The riveting discussion highlighted the transformative potential of AI in various sectors. The panelists, including industry veterans Julia de Boinville and Jorge Cuervo, discussed the shift from traditional AI to generative AI, the increasing accessibility and understanding of AI, and its potential to disrupt sectors such as healthcare, education and government. They also touched upon the importance of businesses adopting AI to stay competitive and the exciting future of AI in communication.
TKN: Rewrite the Script
Taryn Kloth, Olympian, TKN
Kristen Nuss, Olympian, TKN
Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, fresh from the Paris Olympics, shared how their strong bond and open communication helped them succeed in beach volleyball. They’re passionate about leaving a legacy beyond sports and supporting children through their foundation.
From Boardrooms to Family Rooms: Navigating the Shift from Corporate to Family Offices
Ashley Leinweber, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President, New Vintage LLC, Leinweber Foundation
Grant Nicol, Director of Development, Nicol Investment Company
Ashley Leinweber and Grant Nicol talked about their move from corporate America to running a family business. They shared insights on balancing professional and personal relationships and planning for future leadership while upholding family values.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence: Insights and Integration
Branden Wachtel, AI Strategy & Execution Lead for the Chief Data Office, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Robert Gleeson, Chicago Investment Specialist, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Branden Wachtel and Robert Gleeson explored the game-changing potential of AI, focusing on the importance of prompt engineering and security. They highlighted how companies such as J.P. Morgan use AI to boost efficiency, and encouraged smaller businesses to adopt AI in their daily operations.
Catalysts for Change: Investing in a Better Tomorrow
Nia Batts, Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, Union Heritage Ventures
Sophia Bush, Actress, Activist, Entrepreneur, General Partner, Union Heritage Ventures
Nia Batts and Sophia Bush emphasized the value of diverse perspectives in venture capital and their dedication to investing in underrepresented founders. They also talked about the power of storytelling in driving business success.
Transformative Giving: Redefining Philanthropy for the Next Generation
Andrew Dayton, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Constellation Fund
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Author, Owner, Whitman Media
Andrew Dayton and Kimberly Schlegel Whitman shared how their family values guide their philanthropic efforts, stressing the importance of strategic decision making and technology. They highlighted the benefits of collaboration to maximize their impacts.
Silent Signals: Impact of Mastering Microexpressions
Annie Särnblad, Microexpressions Expert, Author, Speaker
Annie Särnblad unlocked the secret language of the face with an enlightening session on understanding microexpressions. She explained how to read involuntary facial expressions that reveal true emotions, a skill that can revolutionize your negotiations, employee management and personal relationships.
From Influence to Impact: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Dani Austin
Dani Austin Ramirez, Founder, Influencer, Divi
Dani Austin Ramirez, a top influencer and successful entrepreneur, shared her inspiring journey from starting as an influencer in her dorm room to building Divi, a multimillion-dollar hair care line. Austin explained how she balances her personal and professional life, builds trust with her audience, and fosters innovation in her business.
Riding the Waves: A Positive Market Outlook Amid Turbulence
Kate Donovan Morgan, Head of Alternative Investments, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Thomas Kennedy, Chief Investment Strategist, Global Wealth Management, J.P. Morgan
Tom Kennedy and Kate Donovan Morgan led an insightful discussion on investment opportunities ranging from AI to real estate, to China with an eye toward maximizing wealth for the next generation.
Sibling Synergy: Innovation and Impact
Andrew Barnell, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Geneoscopy, Inc.
Erica Barnell, Co-Founder, Geneoscopy, Inc.
Siblings Erica and Andrew Barnell discussed the secret to their successful business partnership, and how Geneoscopy has been able to grow with them. They emphasized the importance of trust, respect and effective communication, as well as how they work together to leverage their complementary skills.
Game Changers: Growing Up in the World of Sports Ownership
Haley Anderson, Special Project Officer, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Joey Reinsdorf, Private Credit Associate, HPS Investment Partners
Cole Ricketts, Director, Corporate Partnerships, NASCAR Chicago Street Race
Haley Anderson, Joey Reinsdorf and Cole Ricketts shared their experiences growing up in families that own iconic sports franchises, and their journeys navigating in and around their family businesses. They emphasized the importance of gaining outside experience, handling public scrutiny and balancing tradition with innovation.
Crafting Success: Innovation in the Beverage Industry
Kat Hantas, Co-Founder, 21Seeds
Alex Pratt, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Good Boy Vodka
Dynamic entrepreneurs Kat Hantas and Alex Pratt discussed how they each harnessed innovation and focused on the changing customer needs to create unique products that stand out in a crowded market. To remain competitive, they dove into partnerships and collaboration, as well as ensured operation efficiency.
Fortifying Your Legacy: Strategic Family Planning
Erika Shaw, Family Advisory, Matrimonial Specialist, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
During her panel, Erika delved into cohabitation, common law marriage, and prenuptial agreements as key financial planning tools. Emphasizing ongoing dialogue, she advocated for adaptable agreements that evolve with life’s changes, ensuring inclusivity and mutual benefit.
The Morning Roast: Hits & Misses in the Investment World This Year
Monica DiCenso, Head of Global Investment Opportunities Group, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Josh Navarro, Head of Investments, Southeast Region, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
To kick off the morning, Josh Navarro and Monica DiCenso held their version of a morning meeting, discussing the global investment landscape and touching on topics across geopolitics, the role of AI and the risk of a recession. They also emphasized the importance of having a balanced portfolio and not letting geopolitical shocks shift investment strategies.
Revitalizing the Future: Exploring Regenerative Health, Longevity, and Vitality
Diana DellaRatta, Founder, Alchemy Miami
Brad Inman, Creator, Livelong Summit
Brad Inman and Dianna DellaRatta examined the importance of personal health management and the growing trend of longevity, emphasizing the need to understand one’s body and make informed decisions about treatments and lifestyle changes. They explored various health practices, from diet and exercise to more advanced methods such as genetic testing and wellness facilities, underscoring the need for scientifically backed treatments and personal advocacy in health matters.
Maximizing Returns: Strategic Approaches to Investing in the Sports Industry
Cici Bellis, Founder and Managing Partner, Cartan Capital
Drew Weatherford, Founding Partner, Weatherford Capital
Zach Effron, Head of Sports & Entertainment Infrastructure Group, J.P. Morgan
Panelists Zach Effron, Cici Bellis and Drew Weatherford discussed the evolving landscape of sports investment, highlighting the increasing role of private capital, the potential for youth sports as an investment opportunity and the impact of digital platforms on sports viewership. They also touched on the importance of wellness in sports and the potential for disruption in college sports due to new financial dynamics, as well as the unique business models of sports federations.
Redefining Philanthropy in the 21st Century Through Impact and Innovation
Nick Shapiro, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, 10th Avenue Consulting
Jess Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, All Hands and Hearts
Katie Lynam, Philanthropy Advisor, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Katie Lynam from J.P. Morgan Private Bank hosted an impactful discussion with Jessica Thompson and Nick Shapiro, who focused on the importance of volunteerism and professional expertise in driving their organizations’ missions to help communities affected by natural disasters. They also talked about the significance of measuring the impact of charitable contributions and the trend toward a more holistic approach to giving.
The Threats That Never Sleep: A Conversation on Cybersecurity
Cam Colvin, Film Screenwriter and Director
Jay Anson, Cybersecurity Consultant, Cyber Florida: The Florida Center for Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity leaders Jay Anson and Cam Colvin connected for a timely discussion on the importance of cybersecurity measures such as end-to-end encryption, secure email services, regular software updates and multi-factor authentication. They also highlighted emerging threats, such as SIM swapping and the rise of sophisticated scamming, emphasizing the need for vigilance and minimizing digital footprints.
From Development to Deployment: Best Practices and Challenges in Building and Utilizing AI Models
Dr. Charles Roberts, Chief Investment Strategist, ARK Invest
Laura Gaviria Halaby, Founding Team Member, Faktory
Laura Gaviria Halaby and Dr. Charles Roberts discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors such as healthcare and robotics, as well as the concept of an “agent-based world.” They also explored the risks associated with AI, including misinformation, bias and potential autocratic control, and discussed the role of quantum computing and investment opportunities in AI.
Navigating the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Key Issues, Voter Dynamics, and the Future of American Democracy
Meridith McGraw, National Political Correspondent
Vince La Padula, Chief Executive Officer of Workplace Solutions, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Post-election, Vince La Padula and Meredith McGraw analyzed the political landscape, focusing on the Trump administration’s transition and cabinet appointments, and the future of the Republican Party. They also delved into the impact of the election on financial markets, the role of institutions such as J.P. Morgan in engaging with all political parties, and the importance of a robust democracy.
Silent Signals: Impact of Mastering Microexpressions
Annie Sarnblad, Microexpressions Expert, Author and Speaker
In a fascinating session, Annie Sarnblad, a specialist in reading microexpressions, shared the significance of subtle facial cues in various contexts, such as in business, family and romantic relationships. She emphasized the universality of microexpressions, their role in revealing true feelings, and the potential for training in recognizing and interpreting these expressions for better communication and understanding.
Overcoming Challenges and Enhancing Management in Family Businesses: Strategies for Success Across Generations
Tara Panattoni, Founder, Panattoni Family Office LLC
Elisa Shevlin Rizzo, Head of Family Office Advisory, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
In this session, Tara Panattoni in conversation with Elisa Shevlin Rizzo shared her journey from being an attorney to leading her family office, discussing the challenges and rewards of working with family. She emphasized the importance of understanding core values, building a lean team, planning for succession and managing the emotional complexities inherent in family businesses.
The Future of Real Estate: Emerging Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
David Selznick, Chief Investment Officer, Kayne Anderson Real Estate Group
J. Matthew Orosz, Founding Member, Hanover Capital Partners
Cody Crowell, Managing Director, Frisbie Group
Real estate experts Cody Crowell, David Selznick and J. Matthew Orosz discussed the current state and future trends of the real estate market, focusing on sectors such as student housing, medical offices and single-family residential housing. The group highlighted the challenges and opportunities in these areas, the impact of interest rates and supply-demand imbalances, and the emergence of new real estate asset classes such as data centers and mobile homes.
Pioneering the Future of Hospitality and Food Tech: Insights from Sam Nazarian
Sam Nazarian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, sbe Entertainment Group
Simon Levine, Southeast Region Head, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Sam Nazarian, a pioneer in the hospitality and nightlife industry, shared with Simon Levine his journey of innovation, disruption and leadership in building a global hospitality brand. He also discussed his current venture, The Estate, which focuses on providing a comprehensive health and wellness experience in a luxury environment, and his vision for the future of the hospitality industry.
Sip & Success: Insights from Founders
Elisa Marshall, Co-Founder, Owner and Creative Director, Maman
Jen Pelka, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Office, Une Femme Wines
Entrepreneurs Elisa Marshall and Jen Pelka shared their journeys of building successful businesses. They emphasized the importance of recognizing personal weaknesses, creating unique customer experiences, leveraging networks and ensuring access to capital. They also discussed the challenges and rewards of running family businesses, highlighting the need for trust, open communication, clear division of responsibilities and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Navigating the Future: Market Trends and Projections
Clay Erwin, Global Head of Investment Sales & Trading, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Jake Manoukian, Head of U.S. Investment Strategy, J.P. Morgan Private Bank & Wealth Management
During their discussion, Clay Erwin and Jake Manoukian covered the impact of Federal Reserve rate cuts, the rise of AI, and challenges in China and Europe. They noted AI’s potential to create new roles despite short-term job displacement, and highlighted the concentration of market returns in top tech companies. Sports investing was identified as promising, with U.S. sports leagues outperforming the S&P 500 over the past 20 years.
Investing in Sports
Zach Leonsis, President, Media & New Enterprises, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Robyn Sacks Slutzky, Partner, Head of Capital Solutions, Arctos Partners
Zach Leonsis and Robyn Sacks Slutzky talked about the booming sports investment scene and rising team valuations thanks to media contracts and diversification. They went on to discuss the impact of streaming companies, the role of sports betting in fan engagement, and the promising future of women’s sports.
Mind Matters: Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness
Jeff Halevy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Continuum
Jeff Halevy emphasized the importance of mental health, especially for leaders and individuals in positions of wealth, who are at a higher risk of mental health issues due to pressures and expectations. He highlighted the critical role of self-care, including sleep, exercise and nutrition in maintaining cognitive function and overall health.
Diversification Redefined: The Role of Alternative Investments
Jay Serpe, Managing Director and Global Head of Alternative Investments Strategy & Business Development, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Jasmine Green-Hogan, Alternative Investment Specialist, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Jay Serpe and Jasmine Green-Hogan highlighted the benefits of alternative investments such as private equity, venture capital and real estate for higher returns and diversification. They emphasized the vast opportunities in private markets, the importance of setting target allocations over three to five years, and used real-life examples such as the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas to show how private equity can enhance asset value.
From Seed to Scale: Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape
Hans Swildens, Chief Executive Officer, Industry Ventures
Investor Hans Swildens discussed the current state of the venture capital market, highlighting the shift from traditional liquidity methods such as IPOs and M&A events to secondary sales and tech buyouts due to market illiquidity. He also delved into the impact of AI on various industries, particularly software development, where AI is enabling the creation of “co-piloting” businesses, leading to new job creation and potential GDP growth.
AI Revolution: Transforming Tomorrow
Ben Colman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Reality Defender
Ben Colman shared the rise and challenges of deepfake technology. He highlighted how advanced this technology has become, capable of convincingly mimicking voices and appearances, leading to potential misuse and fraud. Also discussed were the efforts to combat deepfake misuse, the importance of a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, and the potential for future regulations.
Blueprints for Tomorrow: An Introduction to Estate Planning
Jordan Sprechman, Practice Lead, U.S. Wealth Advisory, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
William Sinclair, Head of U.S. Family Office Practice, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Jordan Sprechman and William Sinclair sat down with the audience and emphasized the importance of estate planning, understanding state laws and proper account titling. They highlighted maximizing retirement accounts and considering taxable gifts, urging consultation with professional advisors to ensure plans meet goals and legal requirements.