Host Brian Dally, CEO and cofounder of Groundfloor, launches the Beyond the Stock Market Podcast with first guest Robert Varghese, Groundfloor’s head of investments, to introduce the show and discuss private market trends. Varghese recounts 30+ years across investment banking and mutual fund management, before moving into fintech and private credit and joining Groundfloor. He defines alternatives and private markets (private debt, private equity, real estate, infrastructure), explains their growing mainstream access, and argues portfolios benefit from combining public and private assets to address stock volatility. He emphasizes all investing involves risk and investors must be appropriately compensated, highlighting risks beyond volatility such as duration, term, and liquidity. The episode ends teasing part two on future investing trends and Groundfloor updates.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:44 Meet Robert Varghese

01:43 Roberts Career Journey

06:10 Defining Private Markets

08:28 Why Not Just Stocks

10:34 Risk and Return Basics

14:19 What’s Next in Private Markets

17:07 Part Two and Wrap Up

Beyond the Stock Market podcast: https://groundfloor.com/podcast

Connect with Brian Dally on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdally/

Connect with Robert Varghese on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-robert-varghese-cmt-b340338/

References:

• Treasury Bills: https://www.treasurydirect.gov/marketable-securities/treasury-bills/
• State Street: https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary