At Curi Capital, it’s our mission to help clients build true wealth, however they define it. Our team brings the knowledge, experience, and passion to help clients meet their goals through a wide range of financial services and solutions—and we’d love for you to meet them.
Each month, we will engage a different member of the Curi Capital team to learn more about their experiences, their insights, and their perspectives, while providing an opportunity for you to get to know them on a more personal level.
This month, we sat down with Jon Autry, Director of Private Investments, to discuss his passion for working with numbers and people, the evolution of his career, and where he finds joy outside of work.
COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH CURI CAPITAL AND WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN LIKE SO FAR?
As the Director of Private Investments, I’m focused on identifying interesting and compelling investment opportunities in the private markets—across private equity, private credit, and real assets for our clients.
I began my role in January of 2022, and so far, it has been a wonderful experience with both the team and firm.
WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CAREER?
I sort of stumbled into finance and investing as I originally attended NC State University for engineering. I’ve always gravitated to mathematics and was encouraged by many to go into engineering, but I quickly realized that while I do enjoy working with numbers, I also enjoy working with people.
Through various iterations, I discovered a nice blend of my interests in the investment world as you can dig into the quantitative side of things through financial analysis and investment underwriting, while also pairing that with the ability to work closely with people.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN YOUR CAREER BEFORE JOINING CURI CAPITAL?
I spent the last six years at NC State in their office of investments, where I primarily identified new opportunities in the private markets. I was able to help build the portfolio from the ground up on the private side of things, which was a great experience.
Prior to my time with NC State, I was an Investment Research Associate in the research group at CAPTRUST on Mark Paccione’s team. It’s been great getting to work closely with Mark again on the Curi Capital team, after knowing each other for the better part of the past decade.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FIRM?
I hope to enhance the brand name of Curi Capital within the private marketplace—not just across our client base but also within our partner community. For me personally, I want to be the go-to person for all things private investments for both our clients and advisors. Continuing to find compelling opportunities for our clients and building out our offerings is key as our firm continues to grow.
WHAT SETS CURI CAPITAL APART FROM OTHER FIRMS?
The way our firm is run from the top-down truly sets us apart. The transparency of our leadership team is a distinguishing factor which allows us to remain unified on a clear path to best serve our clients. I appreciate the thoughtful and systematic methods in place to help us reach our firm’s vision. It is unique and refreshing to be somewhere like Curi Capital with leadership that values input and is laser focused on delivering a high-touch, personalized approach to each and every client.
WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
During my time working with NC State, I was able to have dinner with a former United States Vice President at an event through an investment we made. Having conversations with someone who’s spent time working in the public eye is extremely motivating.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to sit down with former professional athletes and state governors to discuss their investment focus and how prior roles shape their view of capital markets. Being able to have open conversations with such individuals inevitably impacts you and is an unforgettable experience.
WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
Becoming a father to two little girls, a 3-year-old and 1-year-old, has certainly been a pivotal moment in my life.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I love to play golf, although having two little girls has decreased the amount of time I’m able to do that significantly! I’m a big fan of attending live music shows as well and always look for opportunities to do so in the Raleigh area.
This piece was created and published prior to the merger of RMB Capital Management and Curi Capital in January 2024. We are posting them here so clients can get to know our staff. Please note that the employee’s current role/position at the merged company may be different than the ones described in this historical piece.
