Bryan Lawrence

Bryan Lawrence is a prominent hedge fund manager and the founder of Oakcliff Capital, an investment firm based in New York City. He established Oakcliff Capital in June 2004, and since then, the firm has achieved significant success, notably outperforming the S&P 500 with a return of 718% after fees by December 31, 2021, compared to the S&P 500's 392% during the same period.14

Background and Career

Bryan Lawrence's investment philosophy is heavily influenced by legendary investors such as Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. His approach focuses on concentrated value investing, where he aims to identify high-quality companies that are undervalued during market downturns. This strategy emphasizes making infrequent but substantial investments in businesses with strong fundamentals.34

Before founding Oakcliff Capital, Lawrence worked at Lazard, a global financial advisory and asset management firm. His decision to leave Lazard was pivotal in his career, marking the beginning of his journey in establishing his own investment strategy.4

Investment Strategy

Oakcliff Capital initially focused on special situations but has since shifted towards investing in high-quality companies. Lawrence believes that during financial crises, robust businesses tend to perform better and may even gain market share.2 His portfolio includes notable holdings such as Interactive Brokers and TransDigm Group, reflecting his strategy of investing in companies with strong operational performance.56

Personal Insights

Lawrence is known for his thoughtful approach to investing and rarely gives interviews, making his insights particularly valuable when shared. He emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in investment decisions and often reflects on lessons learned from his father's successful career in private equity.34

Overall, Bryan Lawrence is recognized for his disciplined investment approach and has built a reputation as a savvy investor within the hedge fund community.