January 12, 2023
Key Takeaways
1. Venture capital is an important driver of returns for leading endowments. Accessing venture capital managers that are likely to outperform takes time, networks, and expertise which create significant barriers to entry for individuals and small investors.
2. Investing on behalf of mission-driven organizations has resonated with the venture capital community. The top managers often have a stable group of existing investors, and are only willing to add new investors if they support values-aligned missions. At GEM, our clients are a key differentiating aspect in this regard and something we are proud the investment community recognizes.
3. Selection is critical. Top quartile venture capital firms have added at least 14% above the S&P 500®, but the median fund has beaten the S&P by merely 2%.
Head of Venture Capital, Kate Simpson, joined David Weisburd on the How I Invest podcast to share how GEM evaluates venture managers and builds conviction through disciplined sourcing, rigorous reference work, and thoughtful fund-level underwriting in an increasingly bifurcated market.
In our 2026 Outlook, the GEM team explores the key forces driving today’s evolving market cycle, from AI-led capital spending to shifting dynamics in private markets, biotech, and real estate, and what they mean for positioning in the year ahead.
In this edition of The Long View, Co-CIO Matt Bank explains why managing risk with structure, discipline, and flexibility is essential for long-term investors, and how GEM’s approach helps portfolios endure uncertainty.
Let’s start a conversation about how we can help.
