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.
In 2016, Matthew Grounds AM had just taken over as Chairman of the world-renowned Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and, alongside the Board, he was seeking sustainable funding solutions for the Institute. Around the same time, Dr Gary Weiss AM, a fellow Director, had recently returned from the Sohn Conference in New York, and inspired by its success, proposed hosting a similar event in Australia.
The idea quickly gained traction. Gary and Matthew first went to Ian Narev, the then CEO of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and separately to Len Ainsworth, with a ‘blank piece of paper’ outlining what it could look like. Both provided substantial early support. Matthew then enlisted his long-time business partner, Guy Fowler OAM, to help bring the concept to life, and the Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference was born.
The founding team grew to include Creative Director Jonathan Pease (JP), Michael Walsh, Maggie O’Neill and John Du Vernet (JD) who transformed this vision into reality. Together, they continue to create unexpected experiences each year.
The inaugural Sohn Hearts & Minds event, held at the iconic Sydney Opera House, featured Howard Marks of Oaktree Capital as the keynote, addressing a sold-out audience shortly after the 2016 US election. This first conference was a resounding success, raising $4 million for medical research organisations: the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Black Dog Institute, MS Australia, and JDRF Australia.
Now Australia's premier investment and philanthropy event, Sohn Hearts & Minds gathers industry leaders for a dynamic day of exclusive idea-sharing, all in support of medical research. Over the years, Hearts and Minds has hosted industry legends like Ray Dalio, Charlie Munger, Dan Loeb, Cathie Wood and Bill Ackman, luminaries such as longevity expert Peter Attia MD, Red Notice author Bill Browder, entrepreneur Prof Scott Galloway and behavioural scientist Prof Dan Ariely and entertainers including Andrew Denton, Daryl Braithwaite and The Mark Seymour Trio of Hunters & Collectors.
Inspired by the successful format of the Sohn New York Conference, Hearts and Minds is proud to be the exclusive Australian affiliate. The Sohn Conference Foundation was established in 1995 by Evan Sohn in memory of his brother Ira, a Wall St banker who passed away prematurely. The Foundation raises funds for medical research through annual events held in ten cities worldwide.
Impressed by the high-performing stock picks presented at the inaugural conference, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) was established by Guy and Matthew for family offices to invest in the ideas pitched at the 2017 conference. Returns over 8% were split evenly between investors and medical research organisations, resulting in a $1 million donation.
Off the back of this strong performance, Guy and Matthew set about establishing a listed investment company, Hearts and Minds Investments Limited (HM1). Supported by Australia's largest families, universities, and high net worth individuals, HM1 was listed on the ASX following an oversubscribed IPO in November 2018, with Chris Cuffe AO as Chairman.
HM1 is a unique global investment portfolio of 25-30 positions, recommended by selected managers from each Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference, as well as seven Core Fund Managers. These managers each provide their high conviction stock recommendations pro bono, allowing HM1 to donate typical management fees to leading Australian medical research organisations.
Today, Hearts and Minds is proud to be one of Australia's top corporate philanthropists, having contributed over $70 million to Australian medical research since its inception.
Hearts and Minds is only possible thanks to our many supporters who have dedicated their time, expertise, networks and capital over the years.
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.
Australia’s leading investment conference returns to Sydney
Sohn Hearts & Minds returns to the Sydney Opera House, featuring headliners like Wall Street icon Dan Loeb and renowned Dr. Peter Attia. In 2023, 47% of speakers were international, representing four countries, offering a diverse range of insights and stock picks.