Paige Finn DohertyFounding Partner, Behind Genius · Founding Partner at Behind Genius Ventures

What are key tips Cendana Capital Partner Kelli Fontaine has for a firm's annual meetings?

5 Feb 2023 · 1 min

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In this interview excerpt, Kelli Fontaine of Cendana Capital Partners shares her perspective on what makes a firm’s annual meeting memorable and effective. She emphasizes that presentations should be concise, as attendees have short attention spans, and should capitalize on the opportunity to engage all participants. Fontaine recommends using unique, high‑quality materials to deliver a clear market update and articulate the fund’s strategic direction. A critical component she highlights is featuring portfolio founders, allowing limited partners (LPs) to hear directly from the companies the firm backs, which adds credibility and depth to the meeting.

Chapters

So I'm curious what, among the annual meetings that you've attended, what stands out about a firm's annual meetings? And then are there any particularly memorable stories that you'd like to share about maybe like a favorite annual meeting that you've been to?
I think for annual meetings, presentations, it does not need to be long. I think people really want to capitalize on the fact that they have everybody there and they made the effort, and so they need to make it very long, and I don't think that's The truth. I think people have short attention spans. So I think, you know, a general overview with great materials that are unique is very impactful to the LPs to get the update and your thinking on the market and where you're going with your business, the fund. And then I think what stands out also is the portfolio founders, right? I think the LPs like to hear from the portfolio founders and get a sense of what the— who you're investing in. And so I think that's always an important part of the meeting.