How I Invest with David Weisburd•August 13, 2025

E199: How Rahul Moodgal Raised $99 Billion by Playing the Long Game

Most people pitch performance. Rahul Moodgal built a career on pitching relationships. In this episode, I go deep with Rahul Moodgal—Head of Investor Relations at Parvus Asset Management and one of the most trusted capital raisers in the hedge fund world. Over his career, Rahul has raised $99 billion across platforms like TCI and Parvus, building decades-long relationships with LPs, endowments, and mission-driven institutions around the globe. We explore how Rahul flips traditional fundraising on its head: opening with the negatives, focusing on long-term alignment, and avoiding the sales-y traps that doom many GPs. If you're a manager trying to understand how world-class LPs think—or an allocator looking to work with truly values-aligned capital—this is the playbook.

Rahul Mehta

David Thompson

The Children's Investment Fund

Parvis Asset Management

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Podcast Summary

In this episode of the HowInvest podcast, Rahul shares his unique approach to relationship-building in the investment world, emphasizing the power of long-term connections. He discusses his strategies for successful fundraising, such as focusing on transparency and aligning with client values rather than just performance. Rahul highlights the importance of understanding client needs and maintaining a personal touch, advocating for in-person meetings and genuine relationship-building over purely digital interactions. Through anecdotes and experiences, he illustrates how these principles lead to sustainable and impactful partnerships.

Speakers

Rahul Mehta

Renowned financier with a remarkable career spanning two decades, Rahul has successfully raised $99 billion, primarily through innovative relationship-building. Formerly Head of Investor Relations at The Children's Investment Fund, his contrarian approach to fundraising has consistently engaged top-tier investors globally.

David Thompson (Host)

Financial strategist and creator of HowInvest podcast, David has cultivated a platform for deep insights into investment dynamics. Known for his expertise, he bridges GPs and LPs with compelling discussions that have become indispensable for industry professionals.

Key Takeaways

Lead with Transparency

Challenge conventional pitches by starting with negatives. This unique approach can engage your audience by addressing their concerns upfront, enabling you to build trust and deeper connections. It’s a way to flip expectations and differentiate yourself in the marketplace.

Focus on Relationship Building

Prioritize the creation of long-term relationships over short-term transactions. Aim to understand the human behind the investment, align on values, and maintain open communication. This shift ensures longevity and sustainability even during challenging economic times.

Understand Your Clients' Needs

Take time to deeply understand your clients' strategies, goals, and pain points. Approach client interactions like a doctor: diagnose their needs before offering a solution. This empathetic approach creates alignment and builds trust.

Embrace the Long Game

Adopt a long-term perspective in professional relationships. Recognize that building genuine trust may take years, but once established, these relationships can lead to substantial opportunities. Focus on enduring personal connections rather than immediate outcomes.

Be Vulnerable and Authentic

Engage authentically with colleagues and clients. Vulnerability invites others to do the same, creating a foundation for strong, genuine relationships. Face-to-face interactions enhance this authenticity, making personal connections more meaningful and impactful.