Bob Burlinson, Mercer Advisors | theCUBE + NYSE Wired: Chief Investment Officer Summit

In this episode of theCUBE from the Chief Investment Officer Summit, host John Furrier speaks with Bob Burlinson, senior director of private investments at Mercer Advisors and co-founder of Regis Management Company. Burlinson offers insights into the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and investment, emphasizing a founder-first playbook where value creation is driven by customer engagement, talent acquisition, and access to capital. He contrasts the dynamics between small early-stage funds and mega funds, suggesting that while 2021 posed challenges for venture capital, smaller funds have proven more effective. Highlighting issues within the venture ecosystem, he discusses the rise of solo general partners, the significance of sector specialization, and the increasing intersection of private equity and venture capital. Burlinson also identifies promising opportunities in early cancer detection, personalized health, and technology application in traditionally "boring" industries.

• The founder-first playbook and the importance of customer, talent, and capital.
• Comparison of small early funds versus mega funds in the current market.
• Challenges faced in 2021 and projections for a more capital-efficient 2023.
• The role of private markets acting “quasi public” and market dynamics.
• Insights on M&A activity and convergence between private equity and venture capital.
• Emergence of solo GPs and sector specialization in venture funding.
• Opportunities in health tech: early cancer detection and personalized health.
• Application of technology in improving efficiency in established businesses.