Summary
Today in this Episode of Alt Investing Made Easy hosts Sarah Florer and Roland Wiederaenders welcome Mark Flickinger from BIP Ventures to discuss investing in operating business through private equity, one of the classes of alternative investments. Mark is highly experienced and shares special insights developed from his background in competitive rowing and its impact on his investment philosophy. The conversation covers BIP Ventures' unique approach to private equity investing using the concept of ‘having a right to win’, which focuses on seeking success through adding value by taking active involvement in portfolio companies promote their positive development. Further, in continuing with the concept of democratization of capital that we have developed on Alt Investing Made Easy, Mark discusses the need for individual investors to have access to private markets and the recent developments in SEC regulations that support this shift.

Further information on:

Mark Flickinger
In his role as General Partner and Chief Operating Officer of BIP Capital, Mark Flickinger oversees the operations of the firm with a focus on fundraising and investor success. Before joining BIP Capital, Mark held leadership roles for startup consulting firm 4th Strand before and after it was acquired by Intertek. Mark's experience also includes a biotech startup developing therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases. He recently served as the Chairman of the Board for Venture Atlanta and has served on several company boards.​ Mark earned an MBA in General Management and Entrepreneurship from The University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University. He was a member of the US National Rowing Team from 2001-2008.

Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-flickinger-24295538/

BIP Capital
BIP Capital is an integrated private market investment platform that offers traditional venture anchor funds through BIP Ventures, an evergreen equity BDC through the BIP Ventures Evergreen BDC, and access to LAGO Evergreen Credit, a private credit BDC through partnership with LAGO Asset Management. With a distinctive multi-stage, multi-sector investment approach and a growing array of capital offerings, we support advisors and deliver wealth preservation and growth opportunities for thousands of investors.

BIP Ventures Evergreen Funds: https://www.bipevergreenfunds.com/
BIP Ventures: https://www.bipventures.vc/
BIP Capital Alternative Assets Webinars (Q2 2025): https://info.bipcapital.com/webinars
Contact BIP Capital: [email protected]

Sponsored by:
Real Advisers, Austin, Texas

Special thanks to:

Grable Martin PLLC

Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

Please contact us: [email protected]

Roland Wiederanders: [email protected]

Sarah Florer: [email protected]

Takeaways

• Mark Flickinger emphasizes the importance of teamwork in both sports and business.
• Athletics taught Mark valuable lessons about perseverance and success.
• BIP Ventures focuses on long-term investments in promising companies.
• The firm aims to democratize access to private markets for individual investors.
• Mark's investment strategy involves active involvement in portfolio companies.
• The Evergreen Fund model allows for lower minimum investments and greater accessibility.
• Investors should consider the track record and management of investment firms.
• The SEC is evolving to allow broader access to private investments.
• Mark shares a success story about Play On Sports and its growth.
• Investing in private markets can provide diversification and potential for higher returns.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alternative Investments

04:52 Mark Flickinger's Athletic Background and Its Influence

10:00 Overview of BIP Ventures and Investment Philosophy

15:04 The Importance of Active Involvement in Investments

20:11 Success Stories and Practical Examples

24:51 Details on Investment Funds and Accessibility

30:00 Democratization of Capital and SEC Developments

35:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Invest

Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”

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