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

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.