Three Takeaways from Our Interview with Kim Arthur and James Maxwell on "Owning The Future"

Rusty Vanneman

— 2 min read

1. Investors should own the future - not chase the past

James and Kim emphasize that true portfolio resilience lies in positioning for tomorrow’s breakthroughs, not merely tilting toward what’s been successful yesterday. The argument: structural change (technology, biology, climate, etc.) will reshape markets, and those who underweight or ignore innovation risk being left behind. Their mindset is not reactionary (buy what’s already up), but anticipatory (identify what’s emerging). In short: you don’t want to own the past — you want to own the future.

2. AI isn’t a concept — James highlights real, practical applications

In the conversation, James walks listeners through how Main is integrating AI in concrete ways, not just in theory. Some of his examples:

  • Using AI to enhance operational workflows in portfolio companies (e.g. automating customer service, analyzing supply chain data).
  • Leveraging machine learning to spot signals earlier, e.g. in product adoption, market demand, or risk anomalies.
  • Partnering with companies whose core businesses already embed AI infrastructure, so they scale with it.

Rather than chasing AI buzzwords, James insists on defensible moats and real ROI. That means looking under the hood: does the AI meaningfully reduce costs, improve retention, or create new capabilities? If yes, it’s not hype, it’s compounding potential.

3. Main’s growth-investing philosophy diverges from “growth at all costs” peers

Many growth investors today chase momentum, short-term catalysts, or speculative narratives. Main takes a different route:

  • Long horizon + conviction: Main is willing to hold names through volatility when the thesis remains intact.
  • Deep operational partnership: Rather than passive exposure, Main seeks to partner with founders and management, helping with strategy, scaling, governance.
  • Selective breadth: They aren’t forced to own “all the hottest names.” Discipline matters: conviction over diversification.
  • Risk through fundamentals, not leverage or hype: They focus on durable business models, unit economics, and real customer value, rather than highly-compressed valuations or speculative bets.

This is growth investing with a craft orientation — slower, more deliberate, and aligned with founders.

Bonus: “Owning the future” even in health, well-being, and performance

Kim and James don’t just talk theory — they live a “future-oriented” life in parallel with their investing philosophy:

  • Physical & mental health as infrastructure: They invest in habits, recovery, fitness, sleep, nutrition, viewing these not as optional but foundational.
  • Continuous learning and adaptability: They treat their own cognition and performance like a portfolio, constantly upgrading through reading, coaching, self-experiments.
  • Alignment of purpose and vocation: Rather than compartmentalizing “life vs work,” they aim to design systems (routines, teams, environments) that support thriving across both.

In short: owning the future for them includes owning themselves. By treating their bodies, minds, and professional roles as systems to be upgraded, they strive to be in the “future state” themselves.

Please listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GKs41qX6WEdnyap8xKhdt

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