Kelly Ann Winget is the founder of Alternative Wealth Partners (AWP), a private equity firm that builds diversified portfolios across industries such as emerging markets, energy and infrastructure. In this interview with Crain Currency, Winget discusses her investment approach and efforts to make investing more inclusive for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
You spent years raising capital and working with various firms before launching Alternative Wealth Partners in 2020. What led you to start your own private equity firm?
I saw firsthand how limited access to alternative investments was for most investors. Traditional private equity tends to cater to institutions and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, leaving out the “everyday millionaire” who is looking for more diversified, noncorrelated opportunities. I founded AWP to bridge that gap: To provide transparency, education and access to institutional-grade investments for investors who wanted to build wealth outside of Wall Street’s traditional model.
Your firm emphasizes building wealth through diversification. How does your investment strategy differ from traditional private equity approaches?
At AWP, we believe that true wealth comes from diversification, not just across asset classes but across industries and perspectives. Our investment approach is contrarian in that we focus on noncorrelated assets, meaning investments that don’t follow the ups and downs of the public markets. We target sectors like energy, infrastructure, supply chain/manufacturing and niche venture opportunities — areas that traditional funds either overlook or don’t know how to navigate effectively. We believe we are heading into the next “industrial revolution,” where systems will be innovated and rebuilt. AI is disrupting every industry except the physical, and we see massive opportunity here to secure alpha returns and hold attractive positions across industries.
AWP recently launched its second fund, targeting $150 million. What industries does this fund focus on, and how does it fit into your overall portfolio?
The AWP Diversity Fund is designed to invest in overlooked opportunities with strong return potential. This fund focuses on industries where leadership and innovation are creating significant opportunities, including energy solutions, industrial infrastructure, data centers, supply chain solutions and essential services. This diversification strategy allows us to build a resilient portfolio, mitigate risk and target above-market returns.
In your book, Pitch the Bitch: Grab Your Financial Future by the Bags, you explore the female experience in the investment world. What key lessons do you hope readers take away?
The biggest lesson is that wealth is power. And women, especially, need to take control of their financial futures. Throughout my career, I’ve seen too many women hesitate to invest because they feel like they don’t know enough or they’re waiting for permission to get started. Pitch the Bitch is about breaking that cycle.
I want readers to understand that money isn’t just about numbers; it’s about access, freedom and choice. I also want women to stop underestimating their ability to be great investors. You don’t need to be a Wall Street expert to build wealth; you just need to start. My book breaks down investing in a way that’s approachable, giving readers the tools and confidence to take action.
The investment industry has traditionally been male-dominated. What advice would you give to women and LGBTQ+ individuals looking to take control of their financial futures?
My biggest piece of advice is: Start now. Don’t wait until you feel like an expert, because the reality is, most investors — even the ones managing billions — are constantly learning. The sooner you start investing, the more opportunities you’ll have to grow your wealth.
Also, seek out alternative investments. Too often, people think stocks and bonds are the only options. But real estate, private equity and small-business investments can provide strong returns while giving you more control over your financial future.
For women and LGBTQ+ individuals, community is key. Surround yourself with people who support your financial goals, whether it’s a network of like-minded investors, a financial coach or a firm that prioritizes education and access. And finally, own your power. Money is a tool, and understanding how to use it gives you the freedom to live on your own terms.