University Endowments Change the Way They're Investing

The video discusses the founding of Harvard College, highlighting John Harvard's contribution. It then shifts to Yale's investment transformation under David Swensen, who revolutionized endowment strategies by diversifying into non-traditional assets. This approach significantly grew Yale's endowment and influenced other universities to adopt similar strategies, reducing reliance on stocks and bonds in favor of alternatives like private equity and venture capital.

What significant contribution did John Harvard make to the college that bears his name?

How did David Swensen change the investment strategies of colleges?

What was the growth of Yale's endowment during David Swensen's tenure?

What shift occurred in university endowment investments by 2020?

How would the investment strategies of the mid-20th century endowment chiefs differ from today's?