Christopher Zook, Chairman & Chief Investment Officer, CAZ Investments

In an interview with Invest:, Christopher Zook, chairman and chief investment officer of CAZ Investments, discussed the firm’s expansion, Houston’s position as an energy and investment hub, and the growing accessibility of alternative assets. “We’re passionate about helping people know what’s possible,” Zook said.

What key changes over the past year have had the biggest impact on CAZ Investments?

One of the biggest changes for us has been moving offices for the first time in 25 years. That has been both a wonderful and challenging experience, but we are excited about it. We love our new home and our new space.

It also showcases Houston in a meaningful way. We tell people all the time that we are a Wall Street firm that happens to be based in Houston, Texas. Anyone who walks through our halls will feel that we are indeed a Wall Street firm with a Texas flair and a Texas feel.

Another major development has been regulatory changes. Last June, the SEC changed the rules regarding private assets. For the first time, someone does not have to be an accredited investor to invest in certain types of private assets. That means anyone who can meet the $2,500 minimum can invest with our firm. That was never true before June of last year.

We already had one registered fund, and we launched a second fund in February. Both are now available regardless of income or net worth.

Tony Robbins and I have worked for several years to make alternative investing available beyond just the wealthiest investors. We do not believe someone should have to have a specific net worth to invest in great businesses or assets. People should understand what they own and then have the freedom to decide what is best for them.

We are also excited about the progress being made around opening 401(k) plans to alternative and private assets. We think that will be good for consumers, savers, and retirees because it gives people more control over their financial future.

How is Houston’s investment ecosystem evolving?

Houston continues to be a strong, business-oriented economy and a place that makes it easier to do business. It has a more business-friendly culture and environment than many other places across the United States and around the world.

Texas is consistently ranked among the most business-friendly states, and Houston is a big reason for that. It is an amazingly diverse city with a wide range of talent and job skills that companies can identify, hire, and develop.

Another thing I love about Houston is its philanthropic nature. It is truly one of the most philanthropic and giving cities anywhere in the world, and we are proud of that.

Houston also has the Texas Medical Center and remains deeply tied to its role as the energy capital of the world. As energy demand grows, not only from data centers and artificial intelligence but from many other sources, Houston’s importance will only increase. It is truly the energy solutions capital for the next several decades of development needed to meet that demand.

What investment trends are you watching most closely right now?

Energy is the best investment opportunity I have seen in my career. What many people do not fully appreciate is how quickly demand is growing and how slowly supply is being replenished.

Everyone knows demand is increasing, but the reserve-replacement ratio is at the lowest level we have seen in 70 years. If you are using more energy than ever and replenishing less than ever, that eventually becomes a problem.

We are investing in newer technologies across the energy transition, including storage, power, and nuclear. However, many of these solutions will not come online quickly enough to fully meet demand. Data centers and AI are obvious drivers, but as more people around the world move into the middle class, energy consumption will continue to rise.

Energy as an asset class will be an amazing opportunity for at least the next decade, if not multiple decades.

Space and defense are another major theme. The way countries protect themselves today is completely different than it was decades ago, yet many defense systems are still based on older technology. You need modern technology and economically viable solutions.

Europe is also increasing defense spending significantly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There is a great deal of outdated equipment that must be replaced, creating a significant tailwind for the industry.

Space is both an important part of defense and a commercial opportunity. If you do not control both the skies and the space above the battlefield, you are going to lose.

Commercialization of space is creating major opportunities. Companies are building the supply chain needed to support research, communications, and commercial activity in orbit, and there are many ways to invest in that growth.

Private assets are another major theme. As alternative investing becomes more accessible, more firms will manage that capital. We want to own pieces of those firms. We are the largest in the world at investing in GP stakes, which means owning a stake in private asset management firms.

Professional sports is another important area, but it is really about cord cutting. More people are moving from broadcast and cable to streaming services. In 2005, 13 of the top 100 watched programs were sports. In 2025, 97 of the top 100 live programs were sports. That creates an enormous opportunity for team owners and media rights holders.

We also remain focused on healthcare, disruptive technology, and artificial intelligence, along with other areas of innovation that have significant growth potential.

How is CAZ Investments approaching community engagement in Houston?

As a firm, we take great pride in being a good corporate citizen of the city, the state, and the country. We invest a lot of time, energy, and effort in serving the community.

We have done work with the food bank and with veterans. Veterans hold a special place in our hearts, and we do a lot to support them. We also support organizations that help people who need food, shelter, clothing, or other assistance.

We are also passionate about children. We need to make sure they have the best education possible and the foundations that will help them become successful adults and good citizens.

Looking toward the next three to five years, what are CAZ Investments’ key goals and priorities?

Our No. 1 priority is to continue building a world-class team. In December, we announced on LinkedIn that anyone who refers us someone we hire will receive $25,000.

We are looking for the top 1% in each particular space, skill set, and area of focus. We will continue creating the best culture and environment possible so people can become the best version of themselves. When you build a team of people who are among the best in their positions, you usually are going to win.

Our other priority is continuing to take our message to the world. There are opportunities available that many people do not know they have, including the opportunity to invest in things they have never been able to access before.

We’re passionate about helping people know what’s possible. Then they can decide what is best for their personal situation.

We also want to help investment advisers across the country grow their businesses by coming alongside them as a partner and helping them serve their clients in the best possible way.