Derek Brooks: Flatworld Partners

The Investor With Joel Palathinkal

In this episode, Derek Brooks from Flatworld Partners discusses his transition from marketing to investing, highlighting the importance of networking and his time with Abraaj Group. He explores impact investing, structuring strategies for NGOs, and the role of concessionary investments. Derek also covers portfolio construction for dual-purpose funds and various investment strategies like venture and private equity. The conversation includes evaluating fund performance, operational efficiency, and manager risks. Derek emphasizes intangible factors in manager selection, relationship building, and the power of content marketing. The episode wraps up with insights on edutainment and future events. (0:00) Marketing perspective and LP expectations (0:22) Sponsor: StreamYard (1:17) Introduction of guest Derek Brooks and their background (2:16) Derek Brooks' transition to investment and building networks (4:24) Experience with Abraaj Group and impact investing strategies (7:14) Structure and investment strategies of NGOs (11:31) Concessionary investments and philanthropic KPIs (17:02) Portfolio construction for dual-purpose funds (21:44) Venture, private equity, infrastructure investments, and co-investment strategies (30:10) Evaluating fund performance and operational efficiency (35:28) Risks of manager collapse and communication with LPs (43:16) Intangible factors in selecting managers and building relationships (47:16) The value of content marketing, events, and re-upping with fund managers (49:46) LP introductions, collaboration, and community building (52:55) Leveraging content for education and the impact of edutainment (54:57) Video production quality and algorithms (56:00) Closing remarks and future events