Hearts and Minds is an innovative philanthropic organisation that consists of a unique ASX-listed investment company, Hearts and Minds Investments Limited (HM1) and an annual investor conference, Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference.
Our story begins in 2016, with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Board discussing new avenues to fund critical medical research. It was during one of these conversations that Dr Gary Weiss AM, who had recently returned from the Sohn Conference in New York, shared a groundbreaking idea: "What if we could bring this concept to Sydney? Let's create an event that captures the same spirit but with a unique Aussie twist."
The idea gained quick momentum, and the Hearts & Minds Conference was born. Matthew Grounds AM, Chairman of the Victor Chang Institute, along with founding team members - Guy Fowler OAM, Dr Gary Weiss AM, Jonathan Pease, Maggie O’Neill, Michael Walsh and Yvonne Moxham, alongside key supporters - dedicated their time, expertise, networks, and capital to make this vision a reality.
In the first year, the team assembled an impressive lineup of fund managers, receiving substantial support from prominent figures in the Australian investment community. The result was a disruptive event that played out to a sold-out crowd at the iconic Sydney Opera House, raising over $2 million dollars for medical research at Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Black Dog Institute, MS Research Australia and JDRF Australia.
Since the inaugural event in 2016, the Hearts & Minds Conference has quickly become Australia's premier investor event. The industry's who’s who comes together for a fast-paced day of exclusive idea sharing, all for a good cause. Hearts & Minds has hosted investment heavyweights including Charlie Munger, Bill Ackman, Howard Marks, Ray Dalio, Dan Loeb and Cathie Wood, making each conference an unmissable experience.
In 2018, Hearts and Minds Investments Limited (HM1) was founded and listed on the ASX following an oversubscribed IPO. HM1 is a unique global investment portfolio of 25-30 positions, featuring the diverse investment approaches, expertise, and styles of over 15 respected fund managers, many of whom aren’t readily accessible to retail investors. These managers provide their highest-conviction stock recommendations to HM1 on a pro bono basis, enabling HM1 to donate typical management fees to leading Australian medical research organisations (donation amount is equivalent to 1.5% of NTA per year).
Today, Hearts & Minds is proudly one of Australia's top corporate philanthropists, having contributed over $65 million to Australian medical research since inception.
We've achieved a lot in our first eight years together, here's a few of our key milestones.
Inaugural Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference
Hearts & Minds held its first Investment Leaders Conference. Inspired by the Sohn New York format we brought together 32 influential thought leaders and fund managers to present their exclusive insights to a sold-out crowd at the Sydney Opera House, in support of Australian medical research.
Second sold out investment leaders event
Returning to the Sydney Opera House following a successful inaugural event. Headliners included Futurist Ramez Naam, local hall-of-famers Peter Cooper and Phil King as well as former Prime Minister The Hon. Paul Keating.
Launched philanthropic special purpose vehicle
A small SPV was set up to invest in the ideas presented at the 2017 conference. In line with the philanthropic purpose of Hearts & Minds, any returns over 8% were split between investors and medical research beneficiaries, resulting in a $1 million donation.
HM1 lists on the ASX following an oversubscribed IPO
HM1 was formed to expand on the philanthropic mission of the conference and create a sustainable funding model for our beneficiaries. Listed on the ASX, HM1 is a high conviction global portfolio which includes stocks presented on stage at the annual Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference. All fund managers generously waive their fees enabling HM1 to donate 1.5% of net tangible assets per annum to leading medical research institutes.
The Conference goes to Melbourne
Hearts & Minds heads interstate for the first time, delivering the 2018 event at Melbourne's foremost concert venue, Hamer Hall at the Arts Centre. Over 1,000 investors joined us for a day of exclusive, actionable insights from industry leaders.
Hearts & Minds Group reaches $20million donated
Through the generous support of the investment community, media, partners and our associated listed investment company (HM1), Hearts & Minds reaches $20 million donated milestone in four years.
SH&M goes virtual
As with most events during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hearts & Minds pivoted to deliver the 2020 and 2021 Conferences virtually. Reaching a new global audience and attracting investing legends Bill Ackman (2020) and Charlie Munger (2021).
Hello Hobart!
In partnership with the Tasmanian Government the Conference travelled, along with 700+ attendees, to picturesque Hobart for the seventh annual event. The evening prior we held a unique museum and dining experience at Mona, the largest privately owned museum in the Southern hemisphere, hosted by owner David Walsh.