New episode featuring Sean Warrington from Gresham Partners, LLC and our expert segment has more insights from Braughm Ricke from Aduro Advisors.
You always hear about some investors being 'founder-friendly,' but what about being 'GP-friendly' as an LP? In today's episode of Swimming with Allocators, we explore this less-trodden path with Sean Warrington, Head of Private Investments at Gresham Partners, LLC. Sean introduces us to the concept of being an approachable LP. At Gresham, they've swapped suits for T-shirts at annual meetings to break down barriers and foster comfort, aiming to make themselves as accessible and relatable as possible—not just during interactions but also in their decision-making processes. Sean's philosophy is about more than just aesthetics; it's about substance. Whether they are moving forward with a GP or not, Gresham ensures that every interaction leaves a positive impression, which has unexpectedly turned previous turn-downs into valuable sources of deal flow. This proactive and respectful communication strategy, Sean believes, not only garners respect but also opens doors to future opportunities that align better with their investment criteria. Echoing Sean's sentiment, Alexa Binns and I discussed the evolving landscape of allocators. We see a clear divide: traditionalists clinging to tried-and-true methods versus innovators embracing new, more relational tactics. As venture capitalists and future fund managers, we're leaning into this shift, scouting for allocators who not only bring capital but also adapt and add value in a rapidly changing world. Listen to the full discussion (link in the comments) to get a deeper dive into how shifting LP behaviors can influence the dynamics of venture capital investment and what this means for the future of fund management.