FundSeeder Rise Podcast

Trent May on Building Trust With Investors and Loving the Challenge, Not the Money

Description: What does it actually take to build trust with investors? In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, Trent May shares his journey from early fascination with markets to launching an emerging manager platform and eventually transitioning into the family office world. The conversation explores the realities of institutional investing, risk management, emerging managers, and why the best investors and traders are driven by the challenge of the craft — not simply the pursuit of money. Topics include: • The evolution from trading to institutional investing • Lessons learned from launching Deer Creek • Building trust with investors and allocators • Risk management through real-world experience • Why loving the process matters more than chasing money • The role of emerging managers in today’s markets • Navigating career transitions in finance and trading • How investment strategies evolve over time Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the Journey of Investing 02:40 – Trent May's Early Attraction to Markets 03:54 – Transitioning from Trading to Institutional Investing 06:03 – Understanding Risk Management Through Experience 13:06 – Launching Deer Creek: Lessons from an Emerging Manager 20:39 – The Move to Family Office: A New Mandate 24:16 – Building Trust in Investment Relationships 27:07 – Building Trust in Relationships 31:23 – The Evolution of Investment Strategies 34:27 – Decision-Making and Business Transitions 43:02 – The Role of Emerging Managers 50:21 – Navigating a Career in Trading Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders, investors, and allocators. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com [https://www.fundseeder.com] Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure [https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure]

Alvin Fan On Raising Money From Asian Allocators and Institutional Readiness

In this episode, Emanuel Balarie sits down with Alvin Fan, CEO of OPIM to shed light on the unique dynamics of capital raising in the Asian ecosystem. Alvin offers a seasoned perspective on navigating Asian family offices, regional differences, and strategies for emerging managers looking to succeed across Asia and beyond. Key insights include: The evolving landscape of Asian family offices and their varying appetites for emerging managers The importance of relationship-building and cultural intelligence in Asia compared to the US and Europe Strategies for outsiders to break into the Asian allocator ecosystem, emphasizing persistence and authenticity The critical role of self-awareness, pedigree, and operational readiness for emerging managers seeking institutional capital How to articulate an edge and differentiate oneself in a highly competitive environment The influence of regional themes, such as Japanese reflation, Korean markets, and China’s private markets, on investor interest Practical advice for transitioning from individual trader to institutional manager, including team expansion and risk management The significance of transparency, communication, and managing psychological pressures in fund launch and growth Timestamps: 00:00 – The Asian allocator landscape and why it matters for emerging managers 02:30 – Alvin’s background and journey into alternative investments 06:50 – How Asian allocators evaluate managers differently from Western counterparts 09:26 – Regional variations: Japan, Taiwan, China, Middle East and Southeast Asia 10:39 – The growing role of family offices and their risk appetite for emerging managers 14:04 – How first versus second generation family offices approach investments 16:12 – Overcoming cross-border challenges when raising capital from Asia 18:10 – Success stories of US/European managers raising in Asia and vice versa 22:46 – Key traits for emerging managers to get institutional-ready 24:43 – The importance of pedigree, sell-side vs. buy-side backgrounds, and live capital 27:17 – Differentiating strategies and performance in a crowded ecosystem 28:46 – The founder’s transition: team building, replacing hero ego, and platform support 32:31 – The reality of running a fund: time, resources, and relationship management 34:25 – The impact of brand perception and relationship networks in Asia 36:09 – Non-traditional pathways: math, science, and technical backgrounds in asset management 37:41 – Managing investor expectations and psychological resilience 39:54 – Communicating during drawdowns and maintaining investor loyalty 44:02 – Building sustainable teams and avoiding key man risks 47:44 – Pathways for solo founders and emerging managers from outside the traditional pedigree system 50:18 – Key lessons on persistence, professionalism, and the importance of the “pursuit of happiness” 53:14 – Regional themes: Japan, Korea, and China’s private markets post-COVID 56:09 – Current investor focus and thematic opportunities across Asia 57:44 – Final advice: transparency, documentation, and managing investor expectations Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders and market experts. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com [https://www.fundseeder.com] Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure [https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure]

David Saunders on Lessons from Julian Robertson, Innovation, and Building K2 Advisors

In this FundSeeder Rise interview, David Saunders—founder of K2 Advisors—shares his journey from Wall Street trader to building one of the most successful fund of funds platforms in the industry. Drawing on his experience at Tiger Management under Julian Robertson, Saunders breaks down what truly drives success in markets today. He explores why integrity is a non-negotiable trait in trading, how management—not ideas—is the real edge, and why information remains the ultimate source of alpha. The conversation also dives into the evolution of hedge funds, the rise of retail investors, and how AI is reshaping the investment landscape. Whether you're an aspiring trader or seasoned allocator, this episode offers a rare look into how top investors think, decide, and adapt. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Sports to Trading 05:13 Learning from the Veterans: The Importance of Mentorship 07:31 Navigating the Modern Trading Landscape 09:42 Becoming Head Trader at Tiger Management 12:47 The Art of Decision Making: Insights from Julian Robertson 16:47 Transitioning to K2 Advisors: A New Chapter 18:59 Pioneering the Fund of Funds Model 25:11 Adapting to Market Needs: Innovation at K2 Advisors 29:54 Identifying Market Trends and Opportunities 33:17 The Importance of Distribution in Fund Management 38:10 Understanding Your Edge in Investment 42:41 Building a Fund Management Business 46:06 The Emotional Journey of Selling a Business 49:35 Future Opportunities in Alternative Markets 54:06 The Evolution of Prediction Markets 57:44 Integrity as a Key Trait for Success Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders and market experts. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com [https://www.fundseeder.com] Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure [https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure]

Brett Steenbarger on How Elite Traders Reframe Mistakes As Growth Opportunities

What if your biggest trading mistakes were actually your greatest edge? In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, Emanuel Balarie sits down with renowned trading psychologist Dr. Brett Steenbarger to uncover how elite traders turn setbacks into fuel for growth. This conversation goes beyond strategies and dives into the mindset shifts that separate consistent performers from those who struggle. From handling drawdowns to managing outside capital, Dr. Steenbarger explains why the best traders don’t avoid mistakes—they learn how to reframe them. You’ll learn: Why “everything is learning” is a competitive advantage How top traders handle pressure and uncertainty The difference between discretionary and systematic trading Why trading has evolved into a team sport How mentorship accelerates performance and growth The mindset shift required when managing other people’s money How to navigate drawdowns without losing confidence The role of AI in the future of trading 💡 Key Insight: Elite traders don’t fear mistakes—they use them. If you're serious about improving your trading performance, this episode will change how you think. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Trading Psychology 01:49 The Journey into Trading Psychology 05:51 Pressure and Performance in Trading 10:39 The Evolution of Trading Teams 14:53 Pathways to Success in Trading 18:38 The Role of AI in Trading 19:47 Discretionary vs. Systematic Trading 23:32 Managing Other People's Money 25:24 Transitioning from Trader to Portfolio Manager 28:44 The Importance of Mentorship in Trading 31:25 Foundational Steps for Aspiring Traders 33:20 Navigating Drawdowns and Uncertainty 36:07 Listening to Intuition in Trading 38:12 Investor Communication and Managing Expectations 41:24 Building on Strengths in Trading 45:23 The Future of Talent in Trading 47:57 Parting Wisdom for Aspiring Traders Subscribe for more conversations with leading traders and market experts. FundSeeder helps traders track performance, compete on the leaderboard, and earn access to capital. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com [https://www.fundseeder.com] Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure [https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure]

Neal Berger on How Some Allocators Really Evaluate Traders

What are institutional allocators really looking for when they decide to back a trader? In this episode of FundSeeder Rise, host Emanuel Balarie sits down with Neal Berger—founder of Eagle's View Capital Management—to unpack the mindset behind capital allocation after 36 years in the markets. From early inspiration sparked by Wall Street to learning alongside Izzy Englander, Neal shares how his perspective evolved from trader to allocator—and what most traders misunderstand about risk, edge, and scaling. This episode gives you a rare look inside how capital actually gets allocated—and what it takes to earn it. What You’ll Learn: What allocators actually care about beyond returns Why risk discipline is non-negotiable at the institutional level How to clearly define and communicate your edge The biggest mistake traders make when trying to scale Why strategy drift kills credibility with allocators How capacity and position sizing impact long-term success The shift toward quantitative and algorithmic dominance Why niche strategies offer an advantage in crowded markets How to think like an allocator—even as a solo trader Timestamps & Key Moments: 00:01 – Neal’s start: from Wall Street inspiration to real trading desks 02:19 – Lessons from Izzy Englander: discipline over emotion 11:19 – The evolution from discretionary to algorithmic trading 15:19 – What “edge” really means (and how to prove it) 20:05 – How AI and capital flows are reshaping markets 33:36 – Strategy drift: how allocators spot it instantly 43:12 – Managing capacity and scaling responsibly 50:15 – Competing in a crowded hedge fund ecosystem 53:44 – Practical advice for emerging traders 58:10 – Books that shaped Neal’s thinking 59:03 – Emotional discipline and consistency Recommended Reading: Market Wizards by Jack D. Schwager Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre The Alchemy of Finance by George Soros About the Host: Emanuel Balarie is the co-founder of FundSeeder and host of FundSeeder Rise, where he interviews top traders, allocators, and industry leaders to uncover the mindset, discipline, and strategies required to succeed in today’s markets. About Neil Berger: Neal Berger is the founder of Eagle's View Capital Management and brings over three decades of experience as both a trader and institutional allocator—offering a rare dual perspective on performance and capital allocation. Subscribe for more conversations with elite traders, investors, and performance thinkers. Learn more: https://www.fundseeder.com [https://www.fundseeder.com] Risk Disclosure: Risk Disclosure: https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure [https://www.fundseeder.com/disclosure]