Planet MicroCap Podcast | MicroCap Investing Strategies

Planet MicroCap
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Educating the Next Generation of Investors in MicroCap Stocks

  1. 4D AGO

    Financial Archaeology: Deep Research and Uncommon Insights with Gwen Hofmeyr, Founder and Senior Analyst at Maiden Financial

    My guest on the show today is Gwen Hofmeyr, Founder and Senior Analyst at Maiden Financial. In this episode, Gwen walks us through her unique research methodology — which she refers to as “financial archaeology.” This is a process built around extremely deep, original investigative work designed to uncover uncommon information — insights that simply aren’t available in typical company reports or mainstream research. We discuss how Gwen routinely spends 200 to 600 hours analyzing a single company, validating market share by breaking down thousands of individual products, and constructing an understanding of a business that is entirely independent of management narrative and sell-side opinion. We also talk about how this approach leads to owner-level conviction, and why that conviction matters so much in the microcap universe, where volatility is high and broad consensus is often absent. Gwen also shares why some of the most compelling opportunities she’s finding today are in Europe, particularly in industrial and lagging-edge technology companies, and how AI is actually increasing the value of deep human research — not replacing it. For more information about Maiden Financial, please visit: https://www.maidenfinancial.io/ Planet MicroCap Podcast is on YouTube! All archived episodes and each new episode will be posted on the Planet MicroCap YouTube channel. I’ve provided the link in the description if you’d like to subscribe. You’ll also get the chance to watch all our Video Interviews with management teams, educational panels from the conference, as well as expert commentary from some familiar guests on the podcast. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1Q5Yfym Click here to rate and review the Planet MicroCap Podcast The Planet MicroCap Podcast is brought to you by SNN Incorporated, The Official MicroCap News Source, and the Planet MicroCap Review Magazine, the leading magazine in the MicroCap market. You can Follow the Planet MicroCap Podcast on Twitter @BobbyKKraft

    42 min

  2. OCT 29

    The Case for MicroCaps and Why We're in the Early Innings of a New Cycle that Favors Smaller Companies with Doug Porter, Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst at Acuitas Investments

    My guest on the show today is Doug Porter, Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analysts at Acuitas Investments. Doug and his team recently published a new white paper titled, "The Case for MicroCap." For most of you listening in, you're already a diehard MicroCap-per, and we've all succumbed to the altar to the merits of hunting in inefficient markets. Having said that, I invited Doug on here to not only remind us why we are here, why we hunt for the best investment ideas in our neck of the woods, but more importantly, in my opinion, to showcase why in 2025, the case for investing in MicroCaps has merit as a place to build wealth and allocate capital. Doug breaks down the structural inefficiencies and long-term opportunity in the micro-cap equity market — a segment that remains largely ignored by big institutions, but continues to be fertile ground for alpha generation. We discuss why micro-caps have historically outperformed in 84% of rolling 30-year periods, the critical role of active management in filtering out the riskiest names, and why Doug believes we’re in the early innings of a new cycle that favors smaller companies. Doug also explains how “Stable Operators” — profitable, cash-generating niche businesses — are among the most compelling yet overlooked opportunities in today’s market, and why a dedicated micro-cap allocation can offer diversification, M&A upside, and even a liquid alternative to private equity. Finally, we cover Acuitas’s approach to identifying skilled micro-cap managers across the globe — and how this ecosystem of small, research-driven funds continues to uncover value where few others are looking. For more information about Doug Porter and Acuitas Investments, please visit: https://acuitasinvestments.com/ Planet MicroCap Podcast is on YouTube! All archived episodes and each new episode will be posted on the Planet MicroCap YouTube channel. I’ve provided the link in the description if you’d like to subscribe. You’ll also get the chance to watch all our Video Interviews with management teams, educational panels from the conference, as well as expert commentary from some familiar guests on the podcast. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1Q5Yfym Click here to rate and review the Planet MicroCap Podcast The Planet MicroCap Podcast is brought to you by SNN Incorporated, The Official MicroCap News Source, and the Planet MicroCap Review Magazine, the leading magazine in the MicroCap market. You can Follow the Planet MicroCap Podcast on Twitter @BobbyKKraft

    37 min

  3. OCT 9

    Aluula Composites (TSX-V: AUUA): Fusing High Performance and Sustainability in Next-Gen Materials

    My guest today is Sage Berryman, CEO of Aluula Composites (TSXV: AUUA). Aluula is focused on revolutionizing material science. Founded in 2019, the company has developed a patented process for producing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites without glues—fusing at the molecular level to create materials that are lighter, stronger, more durable, and fully recyclable. This “mono-material” design also enables circularity and addresses the growing demand for PFAS-free solutions. The company first gained traction in windsports through its Ocean Rodeo subsidiary, but following a 2023 RTO and a 2024 strategic refocus under Sage’s leadership, Alula divested Ocean Rodeo to concentrate on becoming an ingredient brand. Today, Aluula is targeting both premium outdoor markets—packs, tents, wind sports—and larger commercial and industrial applications, where strength, durability, and recyclability are key. Aluula will be presenting at our conference in Toronto, the Planet MicroCap Showcase on October 21-23, and invited her on to discuss: The science behind Aluula’s glue-free composites Strategic pivot from Ocean Rodeo to ingredient branding Long but improving sales cycles for adoption Differentiation from commodity materials like polyester and nylon Expansion plans into higher-volume industrial applications Financial discipline, with recent margins of 40–45% For more information about Aluula Composites, please visit: https://aluula.com/ This podcast was recorded and is being made available by SNN, Inc. (together with its affiliates and its and their employees, “SNN”) solely for informational purposes. SNN is not providing or undertaking to provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice in or by virtue of this podcast. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and such information, statements, comments, views, and opinions, and the viewing of/listening to this podcast are not intended to be and should not be construed as the provision of investment advice by SNN. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or other course of action. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast (including by guest speakers who are not officers, employees, or agents of SNN) are not necessarily those of SNN and may not be current. Reference to any specific third-party entity, product, service, materials, or content does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the SNN. SNN assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. The views expressed by guest speakers are their own and their appearance on this podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SNN does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions contained in this podcast, which may include forward-looking statements where actual results may differ materially. SNN does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change, or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views or opinions set forth in this podcast. SNN EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. By accessing this podcast, the listener acknowledges that the entire contents and design of this podcast, are the property of SNN, or used by SNN with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this podcast may save and use information contained in the podcast only for personal or other non-commercial educational purposes. No other use, including without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing of this podcast may be made without the prior written consent of SNN.

    38 min

  4. SEP 26

    Compounders, Value Today, and Value Tomorrow with Balkar Sivia, Founder & Portfolio Manager at White Falcon Capital Management

    My guest on the show today is Balkar Sivia, Founder & Portfolio Manager at White Falcon Capital Management. In this episode, Balkar shares his unique path from engineering to investing, and why he built White Falcon around an unconstrained, opportunistic philosophy — one that rejects traditional style boxes like “growth” or “value.” We dive into White Falcon’s three “engines” — Compounders, Value Today, and Value Tomorrow — and how, for Balkar, this structure should result in part of the portfolio always working. Balkar walks through case studies, explaining how he looks for quality businesses facing temporary challenges, and how narrative shifts and multiple expansion drive returns over a three-year horizon. We also discuss the lessons he’s learned in managing value traps, how he’s thinking about AI as an investor, and the importance of evolving your process over time. At the heart of it all is a focus on quality management, incentives, and high-conviction positions in a concentrated 20-stock North American portfolio. For more information about White Falcon Capital Management, please visit: https://www.whitefalconcap.com/ You can Follow Balkar on Twitter/X @WhiteFalconCap: https://x.com/whitefalconcap Planet MicroCap Podcast is on YouTube! All archived episodes and each new episode will be posted on the Planet MicroCap YouTube channel. I’ve provided the link in the description if you’d like to subscribe. You’ll also get the chance to watch all our Video Interviews with management teams, educational panels from the conference, as well as expert commentary from some familiar guests on the podcast. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1Q5Yfym Click here to rate and review the Planet MicroCap Podcast The Planet MicroCap Podcast is brought to you by SNN Incorporated, The Official MicroCap News Source, and the Planet MicroCap Review Magazine, the leading magazine in the MicroCap market. You can Follow the Planet MicroCap Podcast on Twitter @BobbyKKraft

    44 min

  5. SEP 17

    Why International MicroCaps Are a Target-Rich Universe with Ben Finser, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Fin Capital Management

    My guest on the show today is Ben Finser, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Fin Capital Management. In this episode, Ben shares his journey from a decade at Kabouter Management to launching Fin Capital in 2024, and how his entrepreneurial background shaped his passion for analyzing and owning high-quality businesses. We dive into his exclusive focus on international micro and small caps, a “target-rich universe” of some 15,000 listed companies in developed markets outside the US. Ben explains why these overlooked businesses — often with no sell-side coverage and tiny trading volumes — present compelling opportunities for investors willing to dig deeper. Ben also details his boots-on-the-ground due diligence process, including traveling globally to meet management teams, comparing companies to global peers, and navigating cultural nuances when assessing business quality and long-term growth. We talk about his “pseudo-activist” engagement approach, where he works alongside management to improve disclosures, expand investor outreach, and unlock value. Finally, Ben shares a case study of a Japanese procurement software company he helped bring onto investors’ radar, and offers perspective on why US outperformance may be cyclical — and why international microcaps deserve a place in more portfolios. For more information about Ben Finser and Fin Capital Management, please visit: https://fincapitalmanagement.com Planet MicroCap Podcast is on YouTube! All archived episodes and each new episode will be posted on the Planet MicroCap YouTube channel. I’ve provided the link in the description if you’d like to subscribe. You’ll also get the chance to watch all our Video Interviews with management teams, educational panels from the conference, as well as expert commentary from some familiar guests on the podcast. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1Q5Yfym Click here to rate and review the Planet MicroCap Podcast The Planet MicroCap Podcast is brought to you by SNN Incorporated, The Official MicroCap News Source, and the Planet MicroCap Review Magazine, the leading magazine in the MicroCap market. You can Follow the Planet MicroCap Podcast on Twitter @BobbyKKraft

    1h 5m

  6. SEP 10

    Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG | OTCQB: HBFGF): Consolidator of Emerging Food Brands

    My guest today is Sean Black, CEO of Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG | OTCQB: HBFGF). Happy Belly is a Canadian consolidator of emerging Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) brands, with expansion plans into the U.S. The company started as Plantingco, a niche plant-based CPG business, but under Sean’s leadership pivoted to become food agnostic—focused on scalable, cash flow positive QSR concepts. The model is straightforward: acquire small, profitable, debt-free brands, grow corporate stores with free cash flow, and scale through franchising. The portfolio is intentionally diversified with no duplication—think Rosie’s Burgers as a Shake Shack equivalent, IQ Foods as Canada’s Sweet Green, and Pyro as a Cava-style concept. I spoke with Sean to learn more about the company, as well as: The pivot from Plantingco to QSR consolidation M&A model and brand strategy Growth targets and the $100 million milestone Risks, alignment, and long-term vision For more information about Happy Belly Food Group, please visit: https://happybellyfg.com/ This podcast was recorded and is being made available by SNN, Inc. (together with its affiliates and its and their employees, “SNN”) solely for informational purposes. SNN is not providing or undertaking to provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice in or by virtue of this podcast. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and such information, statements, comments, views, and opinions, and the viewing of/listening to this podcast are not intended to be and should not be construed as the provision of investment advice by SNN. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or other course of action. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast (including by guest speakers who are not officers, employees, or agents of SNN) are not necessarily those of SNN and may not be current. Reference to any specific third-party entity, product, service, materials, or content does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the SNN. SNN assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. The views expressed by guest speakers are their own and their appearance on this podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SNN does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions contained in this podcast, which may include forward-looking statements where actual results may differ materially. SNN does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change, or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views or opinions set forth in this podcast. SNN EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. By accessing this podcast, the listener acknowledges that the entire contents and design of this podcast, are the property of SNN, or used by SNN with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this podcast may save and use information contained in the podcast only for personal or other non-commercial educational purposes. No other use, including without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing of this podcast may be made without the prior written consent of SNN.

    43 min

  7. SEP 5

    Deep Value in Europe, Shareholder Activism, Stag Hunts, and Value Traps with Iggy on Investing

    My guest on the show today is Iggy, better known as Iggy on Investing, a deep value investor and blogger. In this episode, Iggy shares how the COVID-19 lockdown gave him the time to dive into investing, turning inspiration from Buffett and Graham into a disciplined deep value strategy focused on small, illiquid companies trading at substantial discounts to book value. We discuss his “Young Buffett”–style approach—seeking firms at 0.3× to 0.5× book with strong ROIC and catalysts, especially in overlooked European markets—as well as the role his blog plays in clarifying his thinking, building conviction, and holding through long, boring periods. Iggy also walks us through hard-learned lessons—from the importance of staying within your circle of competence and scrutinizing corporate governance, to navigating shareholder activism via a “stag hunt” scenario. And he shares how he’s building investor community in Europe, including hosting his 2nd Annual Benelux Investor Event on Saturday, September 27. For more information about Iggy on Investing and to attend his upcoming event, please visit: https://iggyoninvesting.substack.com/   You can follow Iggy on Investing on Twitter/X: https://x.com/iggyoninvesting Planet MicroCap Podcast is on YouTube! All archived episodes and each new episode will be posted on the Planet MicroCap YouTube channel. I’ve provided the link in the description if you’d like to subscribe. You’ll also get the chance to watch all our Video Interviews with management teams, educational panels from the conference, as well as expert commentary from some familiar guests on the podcast. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1Q5Yfym Click here to rate and review the Planet MicroCap Podcast The Planet MicroCap Podcast is brought to you by SNN Incorporated, The Official MicroCap News Source, and the Planet MicroCap Review Magazine, the leading magazine in the MicroCap market. You can Follow the Planet MicroCap Podcast on Twitter @BobbyKKraft

    47 min

  8. AUG 21

    Bringing Long-Term Value Investing to Spanish-Speaking Communities with Kayser Pravia, Founder of El Planeta Financiero

    My guest on the show today is Kayser Pravia, Founder of El Planeta Financiero. In this episode, Kayser shares his mission to expand financial literacy and microcap investing for Spanish-speaking investors worldwide. We discuss his evolution from day trading losses to a Buffett- and Lynch-inspired value investor, why he runs a concentrated portfolio, and his focus on recession-proof businesses with strong balance sheets. Kayser also talks about building El Planeta Financiero into a growing educational platform and investing community for Spanish speakers. For more information about El Planeta Financiero, you can subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@elplanetafinanciero  You can Follow Kayser Pravia on Twitter/X @elplanetaf: https://x.com/elplanetaf Planet MicroCap Podcast is on YouTube! All archived episodes and each new episode will be posted on the Planet MicroCap YouTube channel. I’ve provided the link in the description if you’d like to subscribe. You’ll also get the chance to watch all our Video Interviews with management teams, educational panels from the conference, as well as expert commentary from some familiar guests on the podcast. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1Q5Yfym Click here to rate and review the Planet MicroCap Podcast The Planet MicroCap Podcast is brought to you by SNN Incorporated, The Official MicroCap News Source, and the Planet MicroCap Review Magazine, the leading magazine in the MicroCap market. You can Follow the Planet MicroCap Podcast on Twitter @BobbyKKraft

    42 min
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