Featured Allocator | Dani Mey of The J. Paul Getty Trust
EAA: What drew you to the LP space and how did your background shape your path here?
Dani: I first learned about and became interested in the allocator space while studying for the CFA program. Though the program covers a wide range of asset classes and topics, I found myself the most drawn to the holistic approach of portfolio management rather than digging deep into one particular area within an asset class. As I gained more work experience, I realized that I enjoy and excel at roles where it marries interpersonal skills and analytical skills. Manager selection, the essence of what allocators do day to day, fits perfectly in that box.
EAA: Tell us more about your organization. What’s its origin story and core mission?
Dani: The J. Paul Getty Trust, founded in 1953 by oil magnate J. Paul Getty, is one of the world's largest cultural institutions, dedicated to the conservation, understanding, and enjoyment of the visual arts. After Mr. Getty's death in 1976, his estate significantly expanded the Trust’s endowment, enabling the 1997 opening of the Getty Center in Los Angeles. The endowment’s investment returns support the vast majority of the operating budget of the Getty Center, Getty Villa, and the other Getty programs.
The Trust advances its mission—"exhibiting, conserving, and understanding the world’s artistic and cultural heritage"—through four key programs: the Getty Museum, which houses European art and antiquities; the Getty Research Institute, supporting art historical scholarship; the Getty Conservation Institute, focusing on international preservation efforts; and the Getty Foundation, which funds global arts initiatives and education.
EAA: How should GPs and fellow LPs understand your firm's investment philosophy?
Dani: We don’t try to fill buckets or check lists. Bottom-up evaluation of the team/the strategy /execution has been our North Star.
EAA: What’s been a defining moment in your allocator journey so far?
Dani: I’d say the single most defining moment in my allocator journey was the invitation to interview with the Getty team. Without any direct prior experience as an LP, I am truly grateful for the opportunity and for the team’s willingness to take a chance on me when I quit my job in Shanghai and moved back to California.
EAA: What’s a current idea, market shift, or emerging thesis that’s on your radar?
Dani: I primarily work on our Private Equity portfolio. For buyout, we have maintained our focus on lower-middle market, consciously building our pipeline in the emerging manager space and the independent sponsor space. For venture capital, we are closely monitoring the evolution of multi-stage firms and emerging managers. Overall, we care more about manager-strategy fit rather than pursuing trends.
EAA: If you had to put all your money in one investment, what would it be?
Dani: I’m a big proponent of diversification, so the S&P 500 ETF would be the one investment vehicle I’d happily invest all my money into over long-time horizon (kinda cheating).
EAA: What podcasts do you listen to? What books do you recommend?
Dani: Other than All-in, I also enjoy How I Built This, Founders, BG2, Acquired, and No Priors (Sarah Guo @ Conviction on everything AI).
EAA: If you weren’t in investing, what would you be doing?
Dani: Fun fact, I almost pursued a career in speech language pathology!
EAA: What are you most excited about for the next 10 years?
Dani: About myself: 2 kids + 2 dogs
About the world: It’s exciting to live in a world that’s rapidly evolving every day/month/year. I’m really looking forward to seeing how AI could dramatically improve human productivity and change how we interact with information and other people.
EAA: What’s the best way to get in touch with you?
Dani: You can find me on LinkedIn (Dani Mey)!