5 timeless lessons for modern entrepreneurs to better investments

The second day of AIBC Asia 2025 at SMX Manila opened with a workshop that challenged attendees to look in the mirror and ask a fundamental question: “Would you invest in you?” Inspired by Peter Lynch’s classic value investing book, One Up On Wall Street, the session was led by Nicholas Levenstein, Managing Director of Nicholas Levenstein & Company, and brought a fresh, practical perspective to the art of self-assessment for business owners and founders.

Levenstein, a hedge fund manager and entrepreneur with a proven record in derivatives trading and business buyouts, set the tone with a punchy opening: “If you looked outside about your own business, even though you put lots of time and effort into it, would it be attractive or could you make it more attractive?” The workshop was designed to update Lynch’s timeless principles for today’s digital, global, and fast-moving business world, guiding participants to evaluate their ventures as seasoned investors would.

Nicholas Levenstein’s approach

Nicholas Levenstein currently serves as Managing Director at Nicholas Levenstein & Company, where he has achieved a 225% after-fee return for investors over 13 quarters with only two quarterly losses, and no investor exiting at a loss. With decades of experience in finance, trading, and business operations, Levenstein’s approach is rooted in real results and practical wisdom. His background spans successful company buyouts, hedge fund management, and a career that has weathered both booms and downturns.

Levenstein’s session distilled the essence of value investing into actionable insights for founders and business leaders. He drew from personal stories, including his own early ventures and lessons learned from both success and failure. “Sometimes you can make money, and it’s interesting, right? But you’ll never find the perfect business. Sometimes you can make money and it’s interesting, but sometimes you’re just grinding yourself to death and it’s not worth it,” he shared.

Key lessons from the workshop included:

• The most attractive businesses are often simple, easy to understand, and fulfil a real, ongoing need; think carpet cleaning for casinos rather than the latest flashy tech. 
• Repeat revenue models and niche markets can be more valuable than chasing mass-market appeal. 
• Inside ownership and employee engagement are powerful drivers for long-term success. 
• Having a “moat” or defensible niche is crucial, especially in competitive industries. 
• Honest self-assessment, asking if you would truly invest in your own business—can reveal both strengths and areas for improvement. 

From Wall Street to your street

Levenstein encouraged the audience to “be very self honest and say, ‘Are you getting the green lights? Or am I grinding myself to death?’” He invited founders to share their business stories and openly discussed the importance of knowing when to pivot, sell, or double down.

This workshop opened the second day of AIBC Asia 2025 with high-value insights into how entrepreneurs and business leaders can apply classic value investing principles to their own ventures, helping them position for investment, growth, or exit in a crowded and competitive market.

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