Background: Patrick Wood is the CEO of DelphX Capital Markets, pioneering regulated structures that bring Wall Street-grade risk management to digital assets and fixed income. A 25-year markets veteran, he’s focused on bridging traditional finance with the future of institutional crypto. Patrick is a seasoned financial markets expert and visionary, with over 25 years of experience transforming the capital markets landscape across North America. As CEO of DCM Inc., Patrick is leading the charge in financial innovation with the world’s first Credit Rating Security (QCS), launched in March 2023—a breakthrough designed to bring institutional-grade governance, risk transfer, and return potential to fixed income portfolios. Description: In this episode of the All Funds Network podcast, hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke engage in a deep dive with Patrick Wood, CEO of Delphx Capital Markets. They explore Delphx's innovative hedging products, which are particularly aimed at institutional investors and family offices. The conversation covers everything from protecting against downgrades in the debt market to applying these principles to the burgeoning field of crypto treasuries. Patrick shares insights on the history and future of Delphx, the necessity of risk management in modern financial treasuries, and the potential for tokenizing private placements using NFTs. Tune in to understand how Delphx aims to revolutionize Wall Street's approach to innovation and risk.

Background: Yvonne is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Trekka, where she guides asset managers and fund services providers through AI transformation. With 15+ years of Big 4 consulting and hands-on AI implementation, she helps asset management organizations unlock both efficiency and growth. Description:In this episode of the Alt Funds Podcast, hosts Skyler Steinke and Mike Schroeder sit down with Yvonne Newlands, co-founder and managing partner at Trekka.ai, to discuss the transformative power of AI in the asset management industry. They delve into Yvonne's extensive background in consulting and AI implementation, the unique challenges the industry faces with AI adoption, and specific use cases such as DDQs, personalized investor outreach, and position reconciliation. Yvonne also shares insights on building AI-first organizations, the importance of executive buy-in, and examples from her hands-on experience with AI workflows. Tune in to discover how AI can significantly enhance both efficiency and growth in asset management.

Background: Kim Daly built the largest franchise consulting business in history—powered by a millionaire mindset and a mission to help others create the life they’ve always dreamed of. For over 20 years, Kim Daly has inspired thousands to achieve financial freedom through franchising. As a top franchise consultant, host of KimDaly.tv, host of the Create Wealth Through Franchising Podcast, and founder of The Zee Suite™, Kim is here to debunk the myths of franchising—it’s not just fast food and storefronts—and show how anyone can become a wildly successful Franchisepreneur without prior business experience. Description: In this episode, we sit down with Kim Daly, one of America's top franchise consultants, to discuss the ins and outs of franchising and the mindset required to succeed in business. Kim shares her journey from a nutritional biochemist to a motivational speaker and successful franchise consultant. She provides expert insights on choosing the right franchise, funding options, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Additionally, Kim delves into the importance of mindset in achieving financial freedom and personal growth. Tune in to learn how you can become unemployable and financially free by leveraging the power of franchising and a positive mindset.

Background: Robert Grzesik (gresik), CEO of Lumiwealth/BotSpot Description: In this episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast, hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke sit down with Robert Grzesik, CEO of Lumi Wealth and BotSpot, to discuss the future of automated trading. Robert shares insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the trading industry. He recounts his journey from a young coder interested in video games to founding his own AI-driven trading platform. They explore the capabilities of BotSpot, a tool that allows users to create, backtest, and deploy trading strategies using AI. Robert walks through a live demo showcasing how easy it is to set up and run an AI trading strategy, explains the concept of 'vibe coding,' and shares future plans for the platform. This episode is a deep dive into how AI can revolutionize trading and investment management, providing both retail and institutional investors with advanced tools to enhance their strategies.

Background: Mikkel Thorup, Founder and CEO of Expat Money®, helps high-net-worth clients legally reduce taxes, secure second residencies or citizenships, and invest in global assets. A multiple #1 bestselling author and host of The Expat Money Show, he has spent over two decades living the expat lifestyle, studying extensively, and working alongside top legal experts to help hundreds of clients build new lives abroad. Description: Welcome to another episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast! Join hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke as they engage in an enlightening conversation with Mikkel Thorup, founder and CEO of Expat Money. In this episode, Mikkel shares his fascinating journey of overcoming educational challenges, traveling extensively, and building wealth internationally. Learn about the benefits of obtaining a second passport, investing in foreign real estate, and crafting a global plan B. Mikkel discusses his strategies for legally reducing taxes, securing international assets, and providing a global lifestyle for his family. Don't miss insights on political insurance, the advantages of expatriation, and the unique opportunities for personal and financial freedom abroad.

Background: Zac Townsend is the Founder and CEO of Meanwhile, the world’s first Bitcoin-denominated life insurance company, reimagining how we protect and pass down wealth in a digital age. Description: Join hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke as they sit down with Zach Townsend, co-founder and CEO of Meanwhile, the world's first Bitcoin-denominated life insurance company. In this episode, Zach delves into his background in FinTech, the inception of Meanwhile, and how the company navigates the intersection of traditional life insurance and Bitcoin. Learn about the company's regulatory journey, customer base, investment strategies, and the unique benefits of holding life insurance in Bitcoin. Zach also discusses the challenges of starting an insurance company, the role of custodians, tax implications, and future roadmaps for Meanwhile. If you're interested in Bitcoin, life insurance, or both, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Visit Meanwhile.fm to learn more and get started with Bitcoin-denominated life insurance.

Background: Pat Clancy is a trusted industry connector who has worked with hundreds of crypto start-ups, companies, and funds on everything from back office support to go-to-market strategies and business development to regulatory guidance and capital introductions. He brings a rare mix of operational expertise and strategic insight, helping teams navigate accounting, compliance, service provider selection, and novel crypto reporting solutions. Description: Join the Alt Funds Network as hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke sit down with Pat Clancy, the Head of Growth at Otto, to delve into Pat's fascinating journey through the crypto industry. Discover how Pat transitioned from traditional finance to becoming a pivotal figure in the digital asset world, including his experiences at firms like KPMG, BDO, and MG Stover. This episode explores the intricacies of crypto fund administration, the importance of intraday reconciliation, the evolving role of custodians, and emerging opportunities in Bitcoin DeFi and stablecoins. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming Coin Alts event in October, a must-attend for fund managers and allocators.

Background: Sam Gaer is the Chief Investment Officer of Monarq Asset Management’s Directional Strategy. He brings decades of experience across NYMEX, FINRA, and BlockTower, building market infrastructure and trading strategies at the intersection of TradFi and crypto. Description: In this episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast, hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke talk with Sam Gaer, CIO of Monarq Asset Management. Sam shares his extensive experience in the financial industry, from traditional finance to crypto, highlighting his work with NYMEX, FINRA, and BlockTower. The discussion covers a variety of topics including the entrance of institutional investors into the crypto space, the unique strategies employed by Monarq's funds, the maturation of the industry, and the role of digital asset treasuries. Sam also provides insights into his career transitions and his approach to quantitative and systematic trading methods in crypto.

Background: Parker is a seasoned member of the InfStones leadership team, an active angel investor, and a dedicated advocate for giving back to the community. Description: In this episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast, hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke interview Parker Poor, a key member of the INFStone's Leadership team and an active angel investor. Parker shares his journey into the crypto industry, starting from his early days at Intuit, moving through cross-border payments, and eventually joining INFStones. The conversation covers various aspects of the crypto industry, including the origins and operations of INFStones, staking and infrastructure management, and the growing interest of institutions in crypto. They also discuss Parker's experiences in angel investing, focusing on early-stage projects and the potential of blockchain technology. Additionally, the trio delves into the challenges and risks of staking, the evolving landscape of institutional adoption, and the future of the industry. Parker emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity, the role of technology, and the exciting opportunities in the crypto space. The episode concludes with insights into the potential growth of the industry and the increasing collaboration between traditional finance and crypto.

Background: Senior Alternative Investment Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute - an independent think tank - focusing on helping advisors have better informed decisions about allocating to alternatives. I write white papers & blogs, speak at industry conferences, and have an award-winning podcast Description: Join hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke on the Alt Funds Network podcast as they sit down with Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist at Franklin Templeton. In this episode, Tony shares his extensive experience in the financial industry and discusses the role of alternative investments in modern portfolios. Together, they delve into the evolution of alternative investments, the democratization of access to these assets, and the increasing importance of private markets. Learn about the challenges of educating advisors and clients, the misconceptions surrounding private markets, and the exciting future of investment strategies. Tune in for deep insights and practical guidance on navigating the complexities of alternative investments.

Background: David Morgan, has spent over four decades warning that the greatest risk to your wealth—and your freedom—is the failing financial system.  David’s here to unpack money, markets, and mining. Description: Join Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke as they host David Morgan, an expert on precious metals, in this enlightening episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast. With over four decades of experience, David delves into the risks posed by the failing financial system and the importance of gold and silver in safeguarding wealth. Discover David's investment journey, the significance of precious metals in today's market, and the role of gold and silver in a diversified portfolio. The discussion covers everything from sound money principles to the potential catalysts for economic downturns and the contrasting roles of gold and silver. Don't miss David's insights on modern financial systems and how to protect your assets in uncertain times. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of precious metals and sound investment strategies!

Background: Nathan Paitchel is Director of Growth at OpenEden, a compliance-focused platform bringing tokenized real-world assets like U.S. Treasuries and yield-bearing stablecoins on-chain to bridge TradFi and blockchain. Description: Join Skyler Steinke and Mike Schroeder from Alt Funds Network as they interview Nate Paitchel, Director of Growth at Open Eden. In this insightful conversation, Nate discusses his journey into the crypto space, current trends in stablecoins, and the significance of tokenizing real-world assets. Dive deep into topics such as the regulation landscape, global market adoption, and the unique offerings of Open Eden, including their yield-bearing stablecoin, USDO. Whether you're a blockchain enthusiast or a finance professional, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of crypto assets and their integration into traditional finance. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights and future trends in the blockchain space.

Background: Ryan, Founder of Usher Labs, and soon to be launched - Fiet Protocol. Ryan is an engineer, and researcher. Description: In this episode of Alt Funds Network, hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke sit down with Ryan Soury, Founder of Usher Labs. They dive into Ryan's journey into the crypto space starting from 2017 and discuss the inception and development of Usher Labs. The conversation covers various aspects of the blockchain ecosystem, including data security, smart contracts, and the Fiat Protocol. Ryan explains how Usher Labs is ensuring secure and trusted data in Web3 by building robust data pipelines. They also explore key challenges and solutions in the decentralized exchange (DEX) markets, the role of real-world assets (RWAs), and the potential for blending traditional financial structures with blockchain technology. Join us as we explore how Usher Labs is setting new standards in data security and market efficiency in the world of crypto.

Background: Harrison Frye is a co-founder of Acquire.FI, the premier crypto marketplace for M&A transactions, secondary deals, and OTC trades. He entered the cryptocurrency space in 2016, beginning with Bitcoin. Description: In this episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast, hosts chat with Harrison Frye from Acquire.Fi. Harrison details his journey in the cryptocurrency space, starting in 2016 with selling Bitcoin for gift cards and expanding into e-commerce. He later met his co-founder, Jan Strandberg, through their activities on PAX Full, a leading peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchange. Together, they launched Acquire.Fi three years ago to facilitate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and secondary market transactions for crypto startups and companies. Harrison dives into the services they offer, from connecting buyers and sellers to charging an introduction fee, and touches on various market trends, regulatory challenges, and the growing involvement of U.S. funds. The conversation also highlights recent successful deals, the impact of major market events like FTX, and the future potential of AI in their operations.

Background: Nick Santomauro is the CMO of Figure Markets and former global head of Growth at Binance Description: In this episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast, hosts Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke are joined by Nick Santomauro, CMO of Figure Markets and former Global Head of Growth at Binance. They dive into the world of stablecoins, focusing on Figure Markets' newly launched yield-bearing stablecoin, 'Yields', which is SEC registered and offers unique benefits compared to traditional stablecoins like Tether and USDC. The conversation covers the evolution and future of stablecoins, their potential impact on the banking system, and the exciting innovations Figure Markets is bringing to the lending and DeFi spaces. The team also touches on Figure Markets' other groundbreaking initiatives, including the use of blockchain for home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and the potential for tokenizing stocks on chain. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of financial technology and decentralized finance.

Background:Patrick is the CEO of Jackal Labs and co-founder of the Jackal Protocol. Description: Join Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke as they sit down with Patrick Dunlop, CEO of Jackal Labs and co-founder of Jackal Protocol, to discuss the evolution of decentralized storage and its role in combating cybersecurity threats. Patrick shares his journey from digital forensics to blockchain technology and explains how Jackal Protocol utilizes blockchain for secure data recovery and disaster recovery. Learn about the distinct advantages of decentralized storage compared to traditional systems, the importance of security and privacy in the digital age, and how AI is changing the landscape of cybercrime. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the future of cybersecurity and decentralized infrastructure.

Background: Matt Cooperman, co-founder of Skill Tree Strategies. Matt built one of the world’s largest global networks connecting allocators and active digital-asset traders—spanning over 200 allocators, 500 trading firms, and more than $200 million in live trading capital. Matt will share the latest allocator trends, the rigors of vetting top trading talent, and why SMAs are positioned to disrupt the hedge-fund world. Description: In this episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast, host Mike Schroeder sits down with Matt Cooperman from Skill Tree. Matt delves into his journey from running a staffing agency focused on the crypto industry to pivoting into capital allocation for crypto traders. He shares insights on how Skill Tree adapted to market changes, built a robust network, and now facilitates hundreds of millions in capital allocations. The discussion covers the differences between placement agencies and broker dealers, the intricacies of the due diligence process in crypto trading, and the types of strategies and investors that are thriving today. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of crypto funds and Matt’s advice to emerging fund managers.

Background:Joe Sando Founding Partner of Fortuna Funds. Mark Adams is a Founding Partner and CIO of Fortuna Funds and has been a Portfolio Manager at an options-focused Hedge Fund for over 20 years. Description: Join the Alt Funds Network podcast with Mike Schroeder and Skyler Steinke as they interview Joe Sando and Mark Adams of Fortuna Funds. In this episode, they discuss the launch and management of Fortuna's latest ETF, the Fortuna Hedge Bitcoin Fund (HBTC). Joe and Mark share their backgrounds, the motivation behind starting Fortuna Funds, and the unique investment strategies that set their ETFs apart. Through the discussion, listeners gain insights into the complexities of launching an ETF, the role of volatility in their investment approach, and the future prospects of the HBTC fund. Learn about the challenges, the setup process, and their marketing efforts targeted at RIAs and retail investors. Tune in for an in-depth look into the world of ETFs and digital assets.

Background: Derek Osgood is the CEO and co-founder at DoubleO.ai, an agentic process automation platform that helps make it super simple for non-developers to automate complex processes using teams of agents Description: In this episode of the Alt Funds Network podcast, host Skylar Steinke welcomes Derek Osgood, CEO and Co-founder of DoubleO. Derek shares his extensive background in tech and his journey from PlayStation to venture-backed startups, ultimately leading to the creation of DoubleO, a process automation platform tailored for non-developers. Dive into the nuances of AI-driven automation, the concept of agentic processes, and how DoubleO is enabling firms to automate complex workflows with high accuracy. Whether you're in finance, marketing, procurement, or healthcare, this episode uncovers how DoubleO can revolutionize operational efficiency. Tune in to learn about the adoption of AI in companies and the best practices for initializing agentic automation.

Background: Brook Scardina, Managing Partner of Oak Real Estate Partners. Description: Join Mike Schroeder and his co-host Skyler Steinke as they dive into the intricacies of private credit with Brook Scardina, Managing Partner of Oak Real Estate Partners. Brook shares his extensive background in managing investments and pensions at UPS and UNC Management Company, before taking the leap into private credit at Oak Real Estate Partners. Discover how his firm navigates the unique private credit market, focusing on short-duration, senior-secured loans in the underserved sector of $2-$20 million for income-producing commercial real estate assets. Brook highlights the inefficiencies and opportunities within this market, how they mitigate risks, and the strategic advantages it offers to investors. Additionally, the episode delves into the broader financial market context, including volatility, asset allocation, and trends that impact investment strategies. Don't miss Brook's insights on why exposure to private credit can be instrumental in enhancing diversification, improving risk efficiency, and optimizing portfolio returns.