Dr. Alexandra Cook was a featured speaker at the Opal Group Family Office and Private Wealth
Management Forum in Newport, held on July 22, 2025.
When evaluating early-stage venture capital opportunities, I’m often asked: “What matters more—the
idea or the team?” My answer is always the same: it’s much more about the people than the idea.
Don’t misunderstand me. The idea must exist within the bounds of reality. It needs to be a viable
product or process with scalability that gives the company a genuine opportunity for success. But here’s
the truth that seasoned investors know: anybody can be an ideas person. The real question is—who can
execute?
Your Business Partners Matter
When you invest as a direct investor in early-stage ventures, the founders and leadership team become
your business partners. This isn’t a passive relationship. These are the people who will determine
whether your investment thrives or dies. That’s why I focus intensely on evaluating not just the founder,
but the entire leadership team, including those who might come on board later.
It’s always important to have the right partners.
Teaching the Next Generation
At the Opal conference, I had the opportunity to discuss how I involve my sons, Thaddeus and Victor, in
investment strategy, particularly in sectors where they have expertise. They’re deeply knowledgeable
about crypto and blockchain—areas where I know enough to be dangerous, as I jokingly say. But I’ve
learned to trust them as my experts in those spaces, and they’ve guided our family’s investment
decisions there.
This approach reflects a broader philosophy: recognize talent wherever it exists, support it, and give it
room to contribute meaningfully.
My Investment Focus
Throughout my career on the investment side, I’ve gained extensive experience in private equity,
particularly in the venture space. I’m sector-agnostic to some extent, but I’m definitely supportive of
tech. I prefer early-stage venture tech—seed rounds, maybe Series A or B. Everyone can apply
technology, which is why I remain industry-flexible.
Right now, I’m particularly excited about the AI space. Yes, we must look for quality deals—that applies
to any investment category. But this is truly a great time to be an investor, with renewed opportunities
emerging across the technology landscape.
The key is remembering that behind every pitch deck, every financial projection, and every innovative
concept, there are people. And those people will make all the difference.
About the Author:
Dr. Alexandra C. Cook, CPA, CGMA, CFF, FAIA (PRINCE2® Practitioner) is the founder of Dynastillion, a
family office advisory firm specializing in multi-generational wealth management, investment strategy,
and operational excellence. Dr. Cook serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Cooper Family Office and
Managing Member at Sunburst Ventures Florida & Puerto Rico. She brings over 30 years of experience
as an educator, CPA, software and ERP systems expert, and investment professional specializing in early-
stage venture capital and private equity. As Head of Due Diligence for Gauntlet Ventures, a fund of
funds, she combines her operational expertise with deep investment acumen to help families and
institutions build lasting legacies.
