Ed Goodman - The Bergdorf Legacy

Today’s guest sits at the unique intersection of Manhattan’s fashion history and the high-stakes world of venture capital. Ed Goodman is the grandson of Edwin Goodman, the man who built the Bergdorf Goodman empire at 58th and Fifth. But Ed’s story isn’t just about inheriting a legacy; it’s about the evolution of American business.In this episode, Ed takes us inside the decision to sell the family’s retail business in 1972 while making the brilliant, and incredibly lucrative, bet to keep the real estate. We also dive into Ed’s second act: a decades-long career in venture capital where he was an early investor in Apple and a partner to industry legends like Alan Patricof. From his time in the Marine Corps to his philosophy on raising responsible children in the face of great wealth, Ed shares a masterclass on adaptability, transparency, and what it really means to be an entrepreneur. Please enjoy my conversation with Ed Goodman.NOTE: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Anything said by the guests or host should not be construed as legal or investment advice. Thanks for listening.Activate Capital: https://activatevp.com/team/ed-goodman/Joe Reilly runs Circulus Group, and the host of the Private Capital Podcast as well as the Inheritance Podcast. FOLLOW JOE: https://twitter.com/joereillyjrWEBSITE: circulus.substack.comPRIVATE CAPITAL PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-capital/id1644526501Thanks for listening. If you like the podcast, please share it with your friends and take a minute to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We appreciate it.S5E3©2026 Joe Reilly