E259: The Institutional Way to Invest in Crypto w/Rennick Palley

Episode 259

What does it take to build four top-decile crypto funds in one of the most volatile asset classes on earth? In this episode, I talk with Rennick Palley, Founder of Stratos, about how he approaches crypto investing with a disciplined, mathematically grounded framework. We break down how Stratos constructs top-performing venture and liquid portfolios, why crypto is shifting from momentum-driven trends to fundamentals, how to size positions without blowing up, and why Bitcoin and gold are behaving the way they are in today’s macro environment. Rennick also shares his philosophy on decisiveness, conviction, and avoiding the costly mistakes investors make when they hesitate.

Highlights:

How Stratos generated four top-decile crypto venture funds
Why fund size matters more than most crypto investors admit
Crypto’s evolution from momentum to fundamentals-driven investing
How to size early-stage positions and avoid portfolio blowups
Why the smartest investors focus on: “Just don’t screw this up”
The future of Bitcoin as digital gold
Why gold is outperforming Bitcoin this year — and why that may change
What on-chain data reveals about global truth systems
Why most crypto VC funds underperform the benchmark (just like traditional VC vs. Nasdaq)
How institutions should think about crypto allocation and volatility
The behavioral cost of hesitation and the danger of inaction
Why crypto provides “free leverage” — and why that makes risk management essential
Thoughts on government seizure scenarios, custody, and ETF risk
Meme coins, debasement psychology, and the role of speculation
How investors can compound returns across cycles without blowing up

Guest Bio:

Rennick Palley is the Founder of Stratos, an investment firm he launched in 2016 after entering the crypto markets. Under his leadership, Stratos has built multiple top-decile venture funds and a liquid strategy designed to compound capital across highly volatile cycles. Before founding Stratos, Rennick worked as a Research Associate at Sanders Capital, a $75 billion global equity manager known for its fundamental, value-driven approach. He holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Applied Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and a Master’s in Quantitative Finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Rennick blends value-investing discipline, quantitative rigor, and crypto-native insight, making him one of the most analytical and thoughtful investors in digital assets today.

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Stay Connected with Rennick Palley:

X/Twitter: https://x.com/RennickPalley Stratos: https://www.stratos.xyz/

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Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants

Published on 1 week, 1 day ago