In this episode, we sit down with Obediah Ayton, a leading figure in the Middle East’s investment and family office landscape, to unpack the realities of how family offices operate in the UAE. From the difference between family offices and family holdings to the nuances of communication, governance, and deal flow, Obediah shares insider perspectives you rarely hear publicly.🔑 What we cover in this episode:How family offices differ from family holdings (structure, decision-making & governance)Why UAE family offices behave differently from Western onesThe biggest challenges family offices face today — internally and in the marketHow founders, GPs & fundraisers often misread family office expectationsThe right way to communicate and build trust when approaching a UAE family officeWhat happens behind the scenes: mandates, approvals, deal filters & accessHow to authentically build relationships in the GCC family office ecosystemWhether you’re a founder, GP, wealth advisor, or simply curious about how private capital really moves in this region, this episode offers rare clarity into one of the most influential (and misunderstood) parts of the investment world.✨ About the GuestObediah Ayton is an investor, advisor, and senior executive known for his extensive work with UHNW families, holding groups, and private investment offices across the Middle East, including roles shaping strategy, capital deployment, and ecosystem development.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obediah-ayton/📍 Episode filmed at On The Road Specialty Café (https://share.google/AkC1kYAp4RfOV5DtZ), Al Quoz, Dubai, our fantastic venue partner.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more unfiltered insights into the world of private markets and family offices.#FamilyOffice #PrivateWealth #UAEInvestments #GCCCapital #UnfilteredInvestmentsDisclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are personal opinions and should not be taken as financial advice or as guidance from any specific family office.
In this episode, we sit down with James Varela, Partner at Rede Partners, to dive deep into the world of private markets fundraising. From the challenges GPs face today to how LPs really think, James shares insider perspectives on what drives successful fundraising across Europe, the MENA region, and beyond.🔑 What we cover in this episode:How fundraising culture and LP behavior differ across regionsThe real role of placement agents and why GPs need themMissteps managers make when raising capital (and how to avoid them)Liquidity pressures, secondaries, and the rise of private creditWhat makes a GP “fundable” in today’s tough marketThe Gulf sovereign wealth funds’ role in global capital flowsWhether you’re a fund manager, investor, or just curious about the private markets ecosystem, this episode offers rare insights into the dynamics shaping capital raising today.✨ About the GuestJames Varela is a Partner at Rede Partners, recognized as a PEI Future 40 Leader and Placement Agent of the Year, with nearly two decades of experience helping managers navigate the fundraising journey globally.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-varela/📍 Episode filmed at On The Road Specialty Café (https://share.google/AkC1kYAp4RfOV5DtZ), Al Quoz, Dubai, our amazing venue partner.👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more unfiltered insights into the world of private markets.#PrivateEquity #Fundraising #PrivateMarkets #PlacementAgent #UnfilteredInvestments
In Episode 3 of Unfiltered Investments, I sit down with Antoine Bruna, Co-Founder of CapQuest, a Dubai-based platform simplifying equity management, SAFE conversions, and ESOPs for startups and investors across the MENA region.From starting his career at 19 during the 2008 crisis to building multiple ventures (including ArrowFin Consulting and Repeat App), Antoine shares his journey through auditing, entrepreneurship, and venture building, and the real lessons behind dilution, fundraising, and control.🎙️ Topics we explore:What founders often misunderstand about VCs and fundraisingHow CapQuest was born out of the chaos of managing messy cap tablesWhy angel investors differ from VCs and PEsSAFE notes, term sheets, and ESOPs explained simplyThe evolution of the MENA startup ecosystemHis take on the “100 customer challenge” and MVP validation💬 Guest: Antoine BrunaCo-Founder @ CapQuest (https://capquest.io/)Member @ Fusion42📍Based in Dubai, Antoine also teaches and mentors through Fusion42 and other founder networks, helping startups build scalable, investor-ready businesses.🎧 Watch till the end for his brutally honest take on myths around entrepreneurship — from VC pressures to the reality of risk, family, and burnout.Connect with Antoine:🔗 LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-bruna-719562b2/📢 Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
🎙️ About This EpisodeIn this episode of Unfiltered Investments, host Damini Mulchandani sits down with Eric Sim, former UBS Managing Director turned author, keynote speaker, and educator.Eric shares his fascinating journey — from being rejected by Princeton for a PhD to building a portfolio career that blends finance, teaching, writing, and public speaking. He reveals why having multiple identities is key in today’s world, how small actions lead to big outcomes, and how professionals can thrive in the age of AI and automation.🎯 Key Takeaways:How Eric transitioned from investment banking to independent entrepreneurship.Why “small actions” compound into extraordinary results.Building social capital and networks the smart way.The role of creativity and adaptability in a tech-driven finance industry.Practical tips to future-proof your career in finance and beyond.💡 Action Items:Reach out to two people to build social capital.Use your creative or analytical skills to add value and connect with others.Explore how AI can personalize finance and client experiences.Keep learning, stay curious, and never stop adapting.🧠 About Eric Sim:Author of Small Actions: Leading Your Career to Big Success and one of LinkedIn’s top voices in finance and education.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeric/Details: https://iol.life/speaking-engagements/Book: https://www.amazon.ae/Small-Actions-Leading-Career-Success/dp/9811233853Unfiltered Investments:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unfilteredinvestments/?viewAsMember=true⚠️ Disclaimer:The views shared in this podcast are personal opinions for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Welcome to the first episode of Unfiltered Investments 🎙️, a podcast where we simplify the world of alternative investments and speak directly with the leaders shaping the industry.In this episode, we sit down with Mr. William Tohmé, CEO & President of CFA Society Emirates, to explore:- His personal journey from Lebanon during the civil war to leading finance in the UAE- The differences between equities, bonds, and REITs (explained in simple terms)- Why fees matter, and how to spot hidden ones- The role of trust and ethics in choosing the right financial advisor- How institutional investors like pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices think differently- The rise of AI in wealth management- Insights on Islamic finance (Sukuk), financial literacy initiatives, and the future of the GCC investment landscape✨ Key Lesson: “Never say ‘I know.’ Stay curious, keep learning, and let your bottle fill with knowledge.”📌 About Unfiltered InvestmentsWe are building a community to demystify alternative investments, starting with our podcast, leading into events, webinars, and eventually building tools that connect investors and fund managers across the region.
🔗 Follow UsInstagram: @unfilteredinvestmentsLinkedIn: Unfiltered InvestmentsEmail: hello@unfilteredinvestments.com👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, family offices, and wealth management in the MENA region.⚠️ DisclaimerThe views expressed in this episode are those of the speaker(s) and do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Unfiltered Investments and its hosts/guests are not responsible for any investment decisions you make based on this content. Always conduct your own research and seek advice from licensed financial professionals before making investment decisions.#Investing #Finance #MENA #CFA #WealthManagement #UnfilteredInvestments