McCartney sees persistent volatility driven by Fed regime change, narrative ping-pong (chip earnings vs. supply constraints), and geopolitical uncertainty. She expects a coming wave of liquidity from private company exits (IPOs/lock-ups) after years of delayed events, which will create both buying opportunities and market fragility. Clients are using concentrated loans and derivatives to manage illiquid positions ahead of this liquidity event.

Perry notes that Carta now has 50,000+ companies on its cap table platform and has done 5 acquisitions in 9 months. He expects more company creation driven by wealth generated from AI IPOs, with founders using their own resources and seeking outside investment. Carta is expanding beyond cap tables into fund administration and tax advisory.

Dell argues the 1% AUM fee is 'enormously corrosive' to long-term wealth. Domain Money targets the 'emerging affluent' (avg. 42yo, $364k income, $1.3M net worth) who fall below traditional wealth management thresholds. The firm offers a flat-fee model with a dedicated CFP, handling investments, taxes, estate planning, and financial planning. Dell sees AI as a major cost-reduction tool for business processes.

Hawley reports strong demand from a younger generation of flyers (mid-40s), many driven by AI wealth. Sentient Jet now accepts crypto payments to serve clients with illiquid crypto wealth. The market has grown 11% YoY in the US, with 300 new customers in 9 months (7,000+ total). Fuel costs haven't slowed demand—reliability and consistency are now more important than cost.

Ellsworth sold Poppy to PepsiCo for ~$2B. She is now launching a new beverage brand in fall, using her own capital (~$2.5M) and seeking strategic partners. Key lessons: professionalize the business early, hire 18 months ahead, and don't let ego prevent hiring smarter people. She sees consumer demand shifting toward 'better for you' products without artificial ingredients, but taste must remain king.