🎙️ How Peter Harris Built the Nation’s Largest Education-Based Private Equity Fund
In this fascinating episode, Peter Harris, founding partner of University Growth Fund, shares his remarkable journey from international micro-franchising consultant to building the country’s largest education-based private equity fund. Through candid stories of helping women in Ghana transform their lives from $2 to $25 daily earnings, overcoming billionaire rejection during fund formation, and investing in unicorns like Spotify, Snapchat, and Airbnb, Peter reveals how putting students at the center rather than the periphery of venture capital creates extraordinary outcomes. From launching micro-franchises across three continents to graduating students earning 120% more than their peers, Peter demonstrates how authentic mission-driven business models can simultaneously generate exceptional returns while creating transformative educational experiences.
✨ Key Insights You’ll Learn:
International micro-franchising success stories transforming lives in developing countries
Student-centered venture capital model delivering 8% acceptance rates and 120% salary premiums
Building authentic programs that attract top-tier deal flow and investor confidence
Overcoming billionaire rejection through worst-case scenario analysis and bias recognition
AI-first business strategy versus traditional AI integration approaches
Longevity investing trends driven by data convergence and personalization opportunities
Power law dynamics in venture capital and embracing controversial investment decisions
Expanding from venture capital into private credit and private equity education
🌟 Peter’s Key Mentors:
Tom Stringham (Business Partner): Former Merrill Lynch investment banker and Harvard MBA who taught venture fundamentals and deal structuring
His Father: Computer engineer turned entrepreneur who showed how business can be a problem-solving tool
Jan Bergeson (Ally Bank): First major investor and biggest cheerleader who provided critical early credibility
University Professor: Taught micro-franchising concepts that shaped his international consulting approach
Various Industry Experts: Investment committee members who donate time to pepper students with decades of investment experience
👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation about creating win-win-win business models, the importance of taking calculated risks despite expert rejection, and how authentic educational programs can attract billion-dollar investment opportunities.
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