Jan 31 - Synergist NY x Latham & Watkins | Creative Deal Structuring (hybrid)
Join Synergist NY for an engaging and informative discussion on creative deal structures in today's market with Latham & Watkins, followed by a networking cocktail hour. Register here. 

Feb 7 - Synergist Boston | Galentine's Speed Networking Happy Hour (in person) 
Join Synergist Boston for a Galentine’s Speed Networking happy hour. Meet and network with other female investment professionals in Boston. Please RSVP here. 

Feb 8 - Synergist SF x ValueAct Capital | Women in Public Markets (in person)
Join Synergist SF for an intimate dinner sponsored by ValueAct Capital. Meet and network with other female public markets investment professionals in the Bay Area. Additional details will be shared with confirmed attendees. Registration now closed.

Feb 21 - Synergist Chicago x OVA Egg Freezing | Fertility 101 (hybrid)
Join Synergist Chicago for an interactive and empowering evening of education brought to you by one of the country's top independent fertility labs owned and operated by a female embryologist. There will be a virtual option for non-Chicago members. Additional details and registration info forthcoming. 

Annual Investor Mentorship Programs
We are excited to launch the annual mentorship programs in NY, Boston, SF, and LA. Please visit the links to register to be a mentee or mentor. Deadlines to apply are end of January. 

3rd Annual Synergist Compensation Survey
We are excited to launch the third annual Synergist Compensation Survey! Open to all current investors, the survey will be live until February 15th, 2024 and covers cash, carry, and benefits for investors across stages.  Results will be shared in Q2'24. 
 

Laura Albrecht
Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer at Maranon Capital
 

Please describe your background and what led you to your current position in private credit. 
I began my career in a business valuation role but wanted to be closer to the transactional side and accountable for outcomes.  I transitioned to a private equity fund of funds, which developed my skills in fund management, yet not investing at the company level.  After a CFA and an MBA, I started at a private equity firm pursuing both buyout and sponsor financing transactions.  After the successful launch of Maranon Capital, I joined to focus on investing in private credit opportunities across different securities and a variety of industries.  Currently, at Maranon, I am a Managing Director on the Investment team as well as the Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing human resources, talent development, legal documentation and DEI and ESG initiatives. 

What led you to pursue responsibilities at Maranon outside of your investing position and how do you balance your CAO duties with your responsibilities as a MD and Investment Committee member?
I love investing in middle market businesses – learning about businesses, meeting management teams, partnering with sponsors and supporting companies after close.  Every deal presents an opportunity to learn something new.  Yet, the Chief Administrative Officer role afforded an opportunity to manage and oversee new challenges to further support the firm, while also growing me professionally.  To help with the balance, I have talented teammates, who partner with me across initiatives.

What advice do you wish you would have learned earlier in your career?
To be your authentic self – live true to your individual yearnings, values and personality to break through group pressures or gender perceptions.  It could mean pursuing a less traditional path or being the voice of dissension – all while wearing those sassy heels.

How has your MBA been helpful in your career? Would you recommend pursuing, if so, any advice on timing and format (part time vs full time)?
Despite a traditional finance background, an MBA helped me to pivot slightly more easily in my career path while also gaining an expansive network of allies.  Although I am a believer in education, I do not believe an MBA is a requirement for career success.  As to timing, business schools prefer a few years of work experience after undergraduate studies to bring real-life examples into classroom discussions.  And, personal circumstances will influence the decision between part-time versus full-time. 

Any words of wisdom for balancing life, family, and motherhood with a career in investing?  
“Balance” for me is an aspirational ideal that really does not exist.  I do believe one can simultaneously have professional success and personal happiness, with the key to not be overly unbalanced towards work for too long. 
 
For me, this is even remotely possible due to my supportive and loving husband.  Also, I prioritize the values of tasks over the actual task itself, e.g., making dinner every night.  Instead, for example, we eat out more than I would like, but we are together as a family sharing about our respective day.  Lastly, being present with loved ones and making the most of quality moments – no cell phone distractions.  I’m still working on this last part. 

Thank you for your time and insights, Laura! To learn more about Maranon Capital, click here.