iConnections: A New Platform to Connect Capital in the 21st Century

TL;DR

iConnections Conference successfully connects the alternative asset industry through its virtual platform, enabling capital introduction and networking opportunities for hedge funds and private equity funds.

Transcript

so ron it's so great to sit down with you as the host of the i connections conference happening here and it's so nice to see everyone getting together in person uh how are you feeling oh i am i couldn't be more excited i mean you can just imagine the amount of effort and of course stress leading up to any physical event in the pandemic here but hop... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥹 The iConnections Conference's virtual platform successfully filled the gap left by the inability to hold physical events during the pandemic, allowing for global connections and thousands of meetings.
• 🤽 Access to capital for emerging managers has become more attainable due to the virtual setup, which has leveled the playing field and attracted top institutional investors.
• 😅 Crypto-related topics, including institutional adoption and regulatory infrastructure, were hot topics at the conference, indicating the industry's increasing interest and engagement in the crypto space.
• 🛀 ESG issues gained traction, with real checks being written and investors showing a greater commitment to sustainable investments.
• 💁 The hybrid model of events, combining virtual and in-person formats, is seen as the future of industry conferences, enabling a broader reach and faster connections.
• 🥺 The iConnections Conference aims to expand its partnerships, including collaborations with industry-leading events like the Salt Conference, and plans to tap into the Asian market to expose U.S. and Asian funds to each other.
• 😮 Concerns about rising inflation and potential shifts in the economic landscape have influenced portfolio construction discussions, but overall, there remains optimism about the future.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is iConnections Conference and what service does it provide?

iConnections Conference is a virtual platform that connects the alternative asset industry by facilitating capital introduction and networking opportunities for hedge funds and private equity funds. It provides a way for these heavily-regulated funds to meet qualified allocators and accredited investors without openly marketing their products.

Q: How does the virtual platform of iConnections Conference benefit the industry during the pandemic?

The virtual platform allows for global connections, replacing the in-person meetings and events that were halted due to the pandemic. It enables the industry to continue networking and conducting meetings, resulting in a significant increase in the quality of allocators and access to emerging managers.

Q: Will iConnections Conference continue to use a hybrid model in the future?

Yes, the conference sees the hybrid model as the way forward for events. The virtual platform has proven its effectiveness, allowing for a greater reach and facilitating a larger number of meetings. It makes sense to combine virtual and in-person formats to maximize accessibility and engagement.

Q: What are some of the trending topics discussed at the iConnections Conference?

The conference saw a high demand for crypto-related topics, with crypto-focused fund managers having the highest meeting counts. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues also gained significant attention, with the reallocation of capital towards sustainable investments becoming evident.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The iConnections Conference is a virtual platform that provides capital introduction and connectivity for the alternative asset industry, allowing hedge funds and private equity funds to connect with qualified allocators and accredited investors.

• The platform was created during the pandemic to replace physical events and face-to-face meetings, which were crucial for the industry. It has proven to be a massive success, allowing for global connections and facilitating thousands of meetings.

• The conference aims to create a hybrid model for future events, combining the advantages of both virtual and in-person formats to maximize reach and effectiveness.