A new office building in Dallas’ Design District is drawing a growing community of young finance leaders aiming to foster collaboration and innovation among emerging investment professionals. The Capital, a 10-story property developed by Daniel Hersh, 31, and Chad Cook, 49, is positioning itself as a hub for private equity firms, hedge funds, family offices, real estate investors, and tech startups looking to establish themselves in Dallas’ evolving financial landscape.
The initiative seeks to replicate the dynamic culture once cultivated by legendary investor Richard Rainwater in his Fort Worth office, where deals were known to come together as people crossed hallways. Daniel Hersh, vice president at HFI Capital Management and son of Ken Hersh—co-founder of natural resources-focused NGP Energy Capital Management—describes The Capital as an “ecosystem” designed to support financiers in the “fifth inning” of their careers. Hersh said the building aims to attract leaders who are just entering their operational prime, blending youthful energy with strategic ambition.
Dallas’ financial sector, historically dominated by oil, gas, and real estate titans, is witnessing diversification with an influx of private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund activity. This shift has made the city increasingly attractive to millennials and Generation X professionals seeking a business-friendly environment with ample growth potential.
The Capital currently houses a blend of finance-oriented tenants in their 30s to early 50s. Key occupants include HFI Capital Management, which is relocating from a smaller Old Parkland office into a substantially larger 23,000-square-foot space in the building. Other tenants encompass a range of investment entities, including tech-focused startups and energy firms. Although only two companies have fully moved in, communal areas such as the ninth-floor lounge—with panoramic views of downtown Dallas—are regularly utilized for networking events, panel discussions, and social gatherings.
Cook emphasized the building’s role in cultivating proximity among like-minded investors, noting that the design District’s combination of art galleries, showrooms, and upscale dining venues adds to the atmosphere attracting younger finance professionals. Enhancements including a gym, pickleball court, and a forthcoming golf simulator contribute to The Capital’s appeal as a multi-use space fostering community and collaboration.
John Block, 40, co-founder and CEO of Unity Partners, a Dallas-headquartered private equity firm, relocated from San Francisco in 2022 and chose The Capital as the firm’s headquarters. Block highlighted the building’s distinctive design and how it resonates with his vision of creating an environment that “makes my heartbeat” and excites his team. Unity Partners focuses on lower-middle-market service businesses, backing ambitious leaders to build scalable platforms.
The Capital also aims to facilitate deal-making and idea exchange across its tenants. Rod Jones, managing partner at family office Cain Capital, anticipates that shared spaces will enable informal conversations about market trends and investment opportunities, reminiscent of his early experiences at Old Parkland. Cain Capital, with a portfolio spanning real estate, agriculture, and cybersecurity, plans to move in later this year.
By blending a range of private equity, hedge funds, family offices, and venture capital operations within the growing arts district, The Capital endeavors to create a vibrant, youthful finance community at the forefront of Dallas’ broader economic evolution.