Always Be Fundraising: Course Outline
In private markets, the phrase "Always Be Fundraising" is a mindset that distinguishes top-tier brand builders & capital raisers from peers.
There’s a temptation to think the work is done once a fund is closed and the last ink is dry on the final subscription. But the truth is, fundraising never stops.
In Always Be Fundraising, you’ll learn how to navigate the full fundraising lifecycle, from your go-to-market strategy to building lasting LP relationships, with insights from experienced brand builders, capital raisers, and limited partners.
Lesson 1: Pipeline Development: Building Top of Funnel
In this session, Andrew Darcovich, Head of Investor Relations at Alpha Edison, joins Matt Curtolo to break down how to build an effective fundraising pipeline from scratch.
Drawing on over a decade of fundraising experience across hedge funds, venture capital, and growth equity, Andrew shares practical frameworks for cultivating top-of-funnel relationships, prioritizing outreach, and turning contacts into long-term advocates.
Learn how to leverage your existing network, build trust that compounds over time, and apply a "trust-raising" mindset to every interaction.
From developing high-quality prospect lists to maximizing ROI on meetings and events, this session blends candid advice, real-world tactics, and a people-first approach to fundraising success.
Lesson 2: Going to Market
In lesson 2 of Always Be Fundraising Matt Curtolo sits down with Kelly O’Kane from IVP.
Kelly O'Kane shares her extensive experience in investor relations and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of strategy in determining fund size, understanding LP perspectives, and the necessity of transparency and communication throughout the fundraising process.
The discussion covers the art and science of launching funds, adapting to market changes, and the significance of storytelling in conveying a fund's narrative to potential investors.
Lesson 3: Crafting the Narrative
In this solo session, Matt Curtolo shares how to craft a clear, compelling narrative that helps GPs stand out in a crowded market.
Drawing on two decades of LP experience and countless pitch reviews, Matt breaks down how to define your authentic strengths, blend storytelling with data, and avoid the common pitfalls that derail fundraising conversations.
Learn why personal credibility is your biggest differentiator, how to make your story memorable and repeatable, and what it really takes to turn a strong narrative into long-term investor trust. Packed with practical advice and real-world insights, this session is essential for GPs looking to sharpen their pitch and deepen engagement with LPs.
Lesson 4: Open the Gates
In this session, Kathryn Pothier, Partner & Head of IR at Epiris, joins Matt Curtolo to unpack what happens once LPs begin engaging in the fundraising process.
Kathryn shares practical strategies for preparing outreach, running great first meetings, and navigating nuanced follow-ups all while staying relentlessly focused on what she calls focused transparency.
Learn how to personalize outreach without losing efficiency, tailor conversations in real time, and use the data room as an extension of your brand.
From building rapport to spotting true buying signals, this lesson blends high EQ, tactical insight, and years of cross-border fundraising experience.
Lesson 5: Setting the Timeline
In lesson 5 of Always Be Fundraising Matt Curtolo sits down with Ashton Rosin from FirstMark.
Ashton Rosin draws on a decade of experience at multiple venture firms to offer a practical look at what it really takes to run a successful fundraise, from building internal timelines to creating urgency without pressure.
The session explores how to define success beyond just dollars closed, why thoughtful fund sizing and hard cap discipline matter more than vanity metrics, and how to balance storytelling, process, and resource allocation in today’s market.
Lesson 6: What Happens after a Final Close?
In this lesson of Always Be Fundraising Matt Curtolo sits down with Chris Doppman to explore what happens after a final close.
Chris, an IR leader with experience across Carlyle, NEA, and TCV, shares practical strategies for transitioning from capital raised to long-term relationship management.
The session covers how to onboard new LPs effectively, set communication cadences based on preferences, and build internal alignment around consistent, timely messaging.
Chris also unpacks the role of IR as an internal advocate for LPs, the importance of post-close momentum, and why strong partnerships are built through trust, not just performance.
Lesson 7: Keeping Your LPs Happy
In this session, Lisa Cawley, Managing Director at Screendoor, joins Matt Curtolo to discuss how GPs can build lasting relationships with LPs by focusing on transparency, communication, and trust.
Drawing on her extensive LP experience, Lisa shares practical insights on the right cadence and style of communication, how to deliver both good and bad news effectively, and why thoughtful, authentic relationship-building is key to long-term success.
Learn how GPs can create more resilient partnerships, and turn existing investors into future advocates.
Lesson 8: Strategic LPAC Construction & Utilization
In this lesson of Always Be Fundraising Matt Curtolo sits down with Chris Schelling from Aksia.
Matt & Chris, Managing Director at Aksia, offer a candid look at the role, construction, and strategic value of LPACs.
Drawing on two decades of experience across pensions, wealth platforms, and consulting, Chris unpacks how LPACs can provide meaningful oversight, guide decision-making, and serve as a critical feedback loop. The session explores best practices in LPAC composition, meeting cadence, and transparency, plus how GPs can avoid performative governance and make the LPAC a true strategic asset.
Lesson 9: Mastering the AGM from an LP Perspective
In this session, Matt Curtolo draws on two decades of LP experience to break down what it really takes to master the AGM.
From the golden era of private equity to today's hybrid formats, Matt shares firsthand insights on how LP expectations have evolved and how GPs can design AGMs that deliver lasting impact.
Learn how to create a memorable AGM that balances content and connection, why logistics and small details matter more than you think, and how to turn your annual meeting into a powerful tool for relationship-building and re-underwriting.
Lesson 10: Effective Content Strategies
In this session, Allen Plummer, Global Head of Content at Carlyle, joins Matt Curtolo to explore what makes an effective content strategy for private fund marketers and investor relations professionals.
Allen shares how his background in journalism and financial services shaped his approach to storytelling, and why authenticity, timeliness, and a clear point of view are more important than ever.
The conversation covers practical guidance on choosing the right content formats and channels, balancing thought leadership with brand promotion, navigating compliance without losing authenticity, and how even smaller firms can build a consistent, high-impact content strategy..
Lesson 11: In-Person Interactions
In this lesson of Always Be Fundraising, Matt Curtolo sits down with Natasha Azar, Head of Investor Relations at OMX Ventures and former IR lead at Osage University Partners.
The session explores how virtual meetings have become the norm for introductions, but why meaningful relationships are still forged face-to-face. Natasha unpacks strategies for regional roadshows, the value of informal LP catch-ups, and how to assess whether an event is worth the investment.
She also offers tactical guidance on optimizing time with LPs, leveraging peer networks to evaluate conferences, and how IR can add value beyond the fundraise through education, empathy, and consistency.
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