Flight #117: Public vs Private: Where Should You Really Be Investing?

Are private equity and alternative investments really the secret weapon of the wealthy or are public markets still your best bet? In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions we hear: should you look beyond the stock market? We’ll break down what private equity really is, who it’s for, and why some companies stay private instead of going public. You’ll learn how these investments work, why they’re not always the golden ticket they appear to be, and how to think critically about diversifying your portfolio.

The conversation also explores the psychological side of investing—why complexity often feels safer but can lead to costly mistakes. You’ll hear about “unicorn” companies, venture capital, and how to evaluate whether private real estate or equity fits your financial goals. By the end, you’ll understand when it makes sense to branch out, and when sticking with simple, time-tested public investments may be the smartest move of all.

What You’ll Learn In Today’s Episode:

What private equity and private real estate investing actually mean.
Why some companies stay private rather than going public.
The pros and cons of investing outside the stock market.
Who private equity investments are most suitable for.
How to evaluate your portfolio diversification strategy.
Why complexity doesn’t always equal better returns.
What to know about “unicorn” companies and their valuations.
How to balance risk and liquidity in alternative investments.
Why public markets remain strong, even at all-time highs.
Key questions to ask before pursuing private opportunities.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

“I believe you can be wealthy and just invest in the public market.” – Charlie Mattingly
“Sometimes we seek out complexity because we feel like we’re supposed to, and I think that’s the way we’re wired because it makes us feel like we’re doing something really good. But in the world of investing, I think that the opposite is probably true. Seek out simplicity. Complexity is not always the answer, and it’s our natural inclination to do that. Sometimes it gets us in trouble.” – Andy Christopher
“Public markets remain robust. They continue to provide value and have the same level of economic value as they did over the last 30+ years. So I have faith in the public markets that this is still a good investment.” – Andy Christopher

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