Ep 2: Our 15 Year Journey: Lessons Learned and a Look Ahead | News & Insights | Validus Risk Management

Ep 2: Our 15 Year Journey: Lessons Learned and a Look Ahead

31 October 2025

Summary

Fifteen years ago, Validus was founded with a simple but ambitious goal: to bring sophisticated risk management and hedging expertise to the private capital sector. In this special anniversary episode of The Validus View, CEO Kevin Lester is joined by Marc Cogliatti, Head of Market Risk Strategies, and Haakon Blakstad, Chief Commercial Officer, to reflect on the firm’s journey from a small startup in Windsor to a global advisory and technology leader.

Key Takeaways

  • The story of Validus’ growth from a startup to a global partner for the private capital industry
  • Lessons from key macro events: from the financial crisis and Brexit to today’s market volatility
  • How innovation and technology have shaped the firm’s evolution
  • The growing sophistication of private capital firms in managing FX and interest rate risk
  • What the future holds for the industry and for Validus as it expands into Asia and beyond

Together, they discuss how macroeconomic shifts, from the global financial crisis and Brexit to the rise of private credit, have shaped both the industry and Validus itself. The conversation explores how the firm’s services and technology have evolved in tandem with client needs.

Looking ahead, the trio share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing private capital in a rapidly changing market, and how Validus continues to evolve: expanding across geographies, embracing technology and remaining true to its entrepreneurial roots.

This episode is both a look back at how far Validus has come and a look forward at the future of risk management in private markets.

Tune in to the full episode

Hosted by:  Kevin Lester, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
25 minutes

Behind the Mic: Host & Guests

Kevin Lester

Kevin Lester

Chief Executive Officer

Haakon Blakstad

Haakon Blakstad

Chief Commercial Officer

Marc Cogliatti

Marc Cogliatti

Chief of Staff