#153 Why the Biggest Investment Gains Happen Before You Can Buy?

from Alt Funds Network · host Mike Schroeder, Skyler Steinke, Mike Collins

Find us online: https://altfunds.io/ Email us with topic ideas: [email protected] Spotify: https://bit.ly/4afXcan Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4akXAUS Google: https://bit.ly/4am9oXk 👇 Click Below to be a guest on our video podcast: 👇 https://bit.ly/46X7cSQ Connect with Mike Collins: LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecollinsalumniventures LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/alumni-venturesTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:01 Mike Collins Origin Story02:09 Why Alumni Ventures Exists04:16 How the AV Model Works05:14 Going Global Expansion06:04 Community in the AI Era09:34 Big Idea Group Beginnings10:46 Power Law Portfolio Mindset13:15 Why Companies Stay Private22:02 Founder First Investing23:59 Scaling to 11000 Investors29:17 Diversification Made Practical32:04 Index Funds Plus Fun32:56 Common Angel Mistakes34:39 Why Top VCs Win37:54 Founder Traits That Matter43:05 Going Global Tokyo London49:13 AI Bubble Or Revolution57:48 Future Of Venture Capital58:50 Wrap Up And Where To Go Disclaimer: Alt Funds Network LLC and its affiliates, episode guests, and the companies they represent do not provide tax, legal or accounting or investment advice. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, accounting, and investment professionals before engaging in any transaction or making any financial or legal decision based on your specific situation.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 17, 2026

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Background: Joining us today is a powerhouse in the entrepreneurial and venture capital landscape, known for turning bold concepts into massive realities. Long before he democratized startup investing, he founded Big Idea Group—a pioneering firm that bridged the gap between independent garage inventors and global corporate giants, eventually catching the strategic eye of marketing titan WPP. Today, he is the Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, one of the most active venture capital firms in the world, managing billions in assets and making institutional-grade startups accessible to individual investors. Please welcome a visionary leader who knows exactly what it takes to scale an idea from a blank page to a global empire. Description: Private markets are changing the way investors build wealth, and venture capital is no longer reserved exclusively for large institutions and family offices. In this episode of the Alt Funds Network Podcast, we sit down with Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, to discuss how venture capital has evolved over the past four decades and why private market investing is becoming increasingly important for individual investors. Drawing on decades of experience in venture investing and startup innovation, Mike explains how investors can gain exposure to high-growth private companies while building diversified venture portfolios. The conversation explores why many of today's most valuable companies remain private far longer than in previous generations, what this means for traditional public market investing, and how venture capital is adapting to changing market dynamics. Mike also shares his perspective on AI, startup investing, IPO reform, portfolio construction, and the trends shaping the next generation of innovation. Whether you're an accredited investor, entrepreneur, or simply interested in the future of venture capital, this episode offers valuable insights into how private markets are evolving and where the next opportunities may emerge.