"Being a smart investor is frankly not a lot of magic... it is really hard because human nature doesn't lend itself to being a good investor... the power of compounding and the discipline of consistent investing is really the key to it." - Mike Collins
Takeaways
- Diversification and a long-term perspective are key in investing.
- Networks and communities play a crucial role in the venture capital ecosystem. This is underscored by the success of Alumni Ventures.
- Advancements in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and network-based systems are important trends to watch.
- He suggests that a straightforward investment in broad market ETFs, like the S&P 500, can be a wise decision for long-term investors.
- He advocates for a long-term approach to investing, advising against frequent portfolio checking and emphasizing the benefits of patience and discipline.
Bio
Mike Collins has been involved in almost every facet of venturing, from angel investing to venture capital, new business and product launches, and innovation consulting. He is currently CEO of Alumni Ventures Group, and launched AV’s first alumni fund, Green D Ventures, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner and is now Managing Partner Emeritus. Mike is a serial entrepreneur who has started multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group (partially owned by WPP), and RDM. He began his career at VC firm TA Associates. He holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from Dartmouth and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
