By A new book has shed light on the after-hours activities at one of the world’s largest hedge funds, revealing a surprising aspect of life at a Bridgewater-owned mansion.
Stripper Policy at Bridgewater Mansion
According to Rob Copeland’s “The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and the Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend,” strippers were a regular occurrence at a Connecticut mansion owned by Bridgewater. The book claims that the frequency of these visits led the company to establish a formal policy regarding their presence.
The policy, referred to as “Stripper Policy at The Lookout,” outlined specific guidelines. One of the rules stated that “All guests are to be informed when making their reservation that there will be ‘Special Entertainment’ that night.” This document, as detailed in the book, was part of the company’s efforts to manage these events.
The Lookout Estate
The mansion, known as “The Lookout,” was located near Bridgewater’s headquarters. It was equipped with luxurious amenities such as a pool and a Jacuzzi. The estate was a popular spot for Bridgewater employees, who reportedly partied as hard as they worked. The New York Times had previously reported on this property in 2017, noting its use for off-site retreats where employees could unwind.
Guests were allowed to stay overnight at The Lookout, but the primary bedroom was almost always reserved for Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater. The book also noted that Bridgewater invested millions of dollars in renovating the colonial estate to make it a prime location for relaxation and entertainment.
Additional Employee Perks
Beyond the activities at The Lookout, Bridgewater offered other notable perks to its employees. These included access to a 45-foot “Rockstar Bus” that transported workers from the headquarters to various destinations such as bars, casinos, or Dalio’s other properties. These perks were part of the company’s efforts to maintain a balance between the intense work environment and leisure activities.
Bridgewater’s Rating System
Despite the luxurious perks, Bridgewater was also known for its rigorous and sometimes harsh rating system. Employees were required to rate each other on a scale of 1 to 10, with the profiles and ratings publicly accessible within the company. This system was designed to maintain high standards and accountability among staff.
Dalio’s Response and Departure
In October 2022, Ray Dalio announced his decision to step down from his leadership role at Bridgewater to allow the “next generation” to take charge. Regarding the book’s claims, a Bridgewater spokesman did not specifically address the stripper policy. Instead, the company referred to a detailed statement made by Dalio on LinkedIn, where he described the book as “sensational and inaccurate,” aimed at appealing to those who enjoy gossip.
Dalio expressed his belief that most people would not be swayed by the book’s sensationalism and would instead evaluate the value of his insights independently. He stated, “If they like it, I will keep providing it. If they don’t, I won’t.”