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Henry Ellenbogen - Man Versus Machine - [Invest Like the Best, EP.452]

In this episode, we sit down with Henry Ellenbogen, the founder and Managing Partner of Durable Capital Partners, to explore the philosophy and principles behind his distinctive approach to investing. With a career shaped by deep engagement with transformative companies and visionary leaders, Henry offers insights into how long-term value is built not just through financial acumen, but through understanding human behavior, organizational evolution, and structural change.
Henry Ellenbogen’s investment strategy centers on identifying the rare 1% of companies that generate outsized long-term returns, often small-cap firms undergoing radical transformation. He emphasizes 'Act II' entrepreneurs—founders who apply hard-won lessons from past ventures to new challenges—and backs them with a conviction-driven, long-term capital approach. His firm, Durable Capital, practices dollar cost averaging up in winning positions and prioritizes leadership, culture, and adaptability over short-term metrics. The conversation explores how AI and robotics are reshaping industries akin to past technological shifts, and why businesses must embrace continuous improvement—what he calls 'physical kaizen'—to maintain durable advantages. Henry also reflects on the importance of intellectual honesty, team development, and fostering environments where colleagues elevate one another. Through case studies like Netflix’s risky but successful pivot to streaming, he illustrates how resilience, vision, and patient capital enable companies to navigate disruption and emerge stronger.
04:00
04:00
Investment philosophy centers on understanding people and change
06:45
06:45
Investing should follow scientific principles like balance in nature
08:14
08:14
About 1% of stocks compound wealth at 20% annually over 10 years
15:52
15:52
Domino's became the top-performing small-cap of the 2010s by improving its product and embracing technology for convenience.
23:55
23:55
Max is an excellent example of an Act II entrepreneur, understanding technology, recruiting well, being a good leader, and resilient
29:05
29:05
Write a memo justifying buying more shares at higher prices to align investment theses.
33:12
33:12
Bought more of Colliers when it sold off due to short-term macro concerns
35:03
35:03
Short-term alpha is won by humans paired with machines, not by algorithms alone.
41:30
41:30
Bought more of Duolingo in 2022 using the Dollar Cost Averaging Down strategy
42:29
42:29
AI affects all IP-based businesses, not just tech companies
45:31
45:31
Danaher's Business System (DBS) based on kaizen has influenced many Fortune 500 CEOs.
48:25
48:25
AI is like the start of Kaizen in the human work world
54:57
54:57
Duolingo's CEO Luis shows remarkable efficiency in product development with AI, achieving high DAUs and rapid growth.
1:00:17
1:00:17
Robotics costs may drop 15%-20% due to scale, human capital, and LLMs
1:01:30
1:01:30
Soft competitive advantages include human capital management and operating excellence
1:08:35
1:08:35
Reflecting on outcome differences improves investment discipline
1:18:34
1:18:34
Investing is an apprenticeship; the best investors improve with age.
1:19:18
1:19:18
Junior team members can provide critical investment insights, such as understanding the millennial mindset.
1:26:57
1:26:57
Off-sites focus on lookbacks, industry studies, and CEO talks instead of traditional team-building.
1:29:12
1:29:12
Only hire people who can one day lead the organization.
1:36:01
1:36:01
Netflix’s stock dropped from $280 to $70 during its streaming transition
1:36:32
1:36:32
Reed took the financial risk seriously and initiated discussions that led to proactive funding.
1:44:22
1:44:22
Greatness is about being a great person, not just a great athlete
1:45:45
1:45:45
His mom emphasized responsibility even when supporting his decision to leave Harvard