The Fairview Way: How Two Howard University Graduates Created a Multi-Billion Dollar Investment Firm

Initial reluctance transformed into opportunity

Joanne Price initially declined the National Association of Investment Companies board's request to start Fairview, but eventually embraced the challenge after recognizing the need for reliable institutional capital beyond unpredictable SBA funding.

Personality diversity strengthens resolve

Price's gregarious nature complements Dr. Morris's reserved analytical style, enabling 'brutally honest' communication without a single unkind word exchanged over 31 years of partnership.

Rigorous trust-building preceded launch

Before committing, Morris conducted confidential background checks and insisted Price meet his wife, establishing a partnership based on verified character rather than casual professional acquaintance.

Fund-of-funds model bridges capital gaps

Fairview aggregates capital from public pensions, foundations, and endowments to invest in private equity and venture capital firms backing emerging technologies and capable entrepreneurs.

Defying industry mortality rates

While 60-70% of first-time funds fail to raise second funds, 94% of Fairview-backed managers have successfully raised follow-on capital, demonstrating superior due diligence.

Sustained institutional confidence

Managing over $9 billion in assets—down from a $10 billion peak due to strategic secondary sales—the firm recently secured $150 million from the Illinois State University Retirement System, an investor since 2017.

Performance transcends political cycles

Despite 2026 headwinds making 'diversity' a controversial term, Fairview continues raising capital based solely on track record, having built the firm from zero when minority-focused institutional investing barely existed.

Reputation as competitive moat

The founders encourage prospective investors to contact any existing limited partner for validation, relying on decades of transparent reporting rather than marketing campaigns.