NYALT Episode 95
An Alternative Perspective
Bad news travels faster than ever, and market rumors have the power to reshape entire institutions overnight. In this thought-provoking NY-AIR episode, leading journalists and investor relations experts sit down after the Silicon Valley Bank crisis to dissect today’s complex, often fraught, relationship between alternative investment firms and the media. Gain tactical advice on reputation management, transparency, and how trust is earned in the unforgiving arenas of hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital.
Featured Guests
Amanda Cantrell
US Investing Team Leader, Bloomberg Former Finance Features Editor, Insider
Amanda Cantrell brings two decades of reporting and editorial leadership on alternative investments, hedge funds, and institutional asset management. Currently steering Bloomberg’s US Investing coverage, she’s a former Insider features editor and longtime leader at Institutional Investor. Amanda is recognized for her nuanced, deeply sourced coverage, awards for breaking news features, and expertise in translating market complexity for professionals.
Maneet Ahuja
Senior Editor, Founder, Editor-at-Large, Iconoclass at Forbes
A key voice shaping financial journalism at Forbes, Monique is renowned for her coverage of alternative investments, her foundational role at Iconoclass, and her ability to bridge editorial depth with practical business insight. Monique’s career spans features on institutional markets, buy-side crises, and strategic communications, building credibility with CEOs and comms leaders across asset management.
Antoine Gara
US Private Equity & Deals Editor, Financial Times
As the Financial Times’ US private equity and deals editor, Antoine Gara is an authority on global buyouts, private capital trends, and market-moving stories. Gara’s reporting influenced perspectives on SVB’s collapse, private fund risks, and the evolution of market transparency. Previously at Forbes and Institutional Investor, Gara’s deep network and analytic skills have made his coverage essential reading for decision-makers.
Sarah Tomolonius
Partner, Head of Investor Relations, M13 Board Director, Sustainability Investment Leadership Council
Sarah Tomolonius is a global leader in investor relations and strategic fundraising for alternatives, steering M13’s communications and relationship-building with LPs, founders, and reporters. Her career includes senior IR roles at Arlon Group, StepStone, Citi Private Equity, and Edelman. She champions authentic communication, culture-building, and long-term stakeholder value, regularly advising on crisis management and integrated PR for firms in complex markets.
Key Insights From This Episode
Relationships Drive Reputation—Not Just News Cycles
Building trust between journalists and investment managers is essential; no-comment responses often signal defensiveness, while proactive engagement with the media drives narrative control and long-term reputation.
Crisis Preparation Is a Team Sport
Firms must establish internal strategies, consensus messaging, and involve legal, IR, external counsel, and PR professionals well before a crisis strikes—reacting late can mean jeopardizing fundraising, investor trust, or regulatory compliance.
Context Is King in Private Markets
Journalists face incomplete data, regulatory filings, and opaque operations in private assets; sharing context, background, and accurate information helps avoid misinterpretation and strengthens credibility for both parties.
Transparency Is Now Table Stakes
Firms that cultivate transparency—through social media, robust branding, and openness with press—gain advantage in crises and talent acquisition, as investors increasingly demand accountability and culture.
Background Conversations Build Trust
While “no comment” rarely helps, off-record and background exchanges can inform reporting, build trust, and clarify complex legal or market issues for feature stories.
PR Has Evolved Into Strategic Partnership
PR teams are no longer gatekeepers—they’re strategic partners who facilitate, contextualize, and enhance direct relationships between reporters and investment managers. Mapping internal communications is key to effective external messaging.
Access the Full Conversation
Tune in for practical insights, real-world case studies, and the psychology behind today’s financial media relations. This episode gives asset managers, IR leaders, and journalists the playbook for navigating crisis, building trust, and communicating strategically in private and public markets.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“No comment shuts the door early—transparency builds trust and reputation.”
— Sarah Tomolonius
“Journalists want context as much as facts. The story must hold water to the industry’s insiders first.”
— Antoine Gara
“PR professionals have evolved—now they’re crucial facilitators, not just press release machines.”
— Amanda Cantrell
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