Fund Shack

Donald H. Chew, Jr., founding editor of the Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, joins Ross Butler on Fund Shack to discuss the evolution of corporate finance and its impact on national wealth. Based on his latest book, The Making of Modern Corporate Finance, Chew explores the shareholder revolution, Japan's stagnation, China's middle-income trap, and private equity's role in reshaping global markets. A masterclass in corporate & financial governance, offering insights into how corporate finance fuels economic prosperity.

Raja Hadji-Touma, Partner at Corsair Capital and Head of European Buyouts, discusses Corsair's focus on asset-light businesses in financial services, technology, and business services. He explains Corsair's thematic approach to identifying trends and opportunities, emphasizing hands-on value creation, digitization, and scaling businesses through operational and strategic improvements. Insights and Highlights Specialization and Evolution Corsair Capital, originally part of JP Morgan, began as a solution to recapitalize troubled financial institutions after the U.S. Savings and Loan crisis. Over time, the firm shifted focus from capital-intensive businesses to asset-light services and technology within the financial services ecosystem. This evolution allows Corsair to focus on operational efficiency and scalable growth, targeting sectors like insurance distribution, fund administration, and B2B payments. Value Creation and Hands-On Approach Corsair prioritizes active value creation by establishing clear 100-day and long-term strategic plans with management teams. Their approach involves operational improvements, talent development, and technology enhancements. With a focus on institutionalizing businesses, Corsair utilizes operating partners to assess organizational needs, streamline go-to-market strategies, and execute M&A strategies for growth. Market Trends and Opportunities The firm targets fragmented markets, especially within insurance distribution and B2B payments, leveraging consolidation opportunities to scale businesses. Raja highlights the impact of AI and automation as key trends driving efficiency and new investment avenues. Corsair also sees regulatory requirements as growth catalysts, creating demand for compliance-related services and technologies. Sector Focus: Building Platforms in Niche Markets Corsair focuses on mid-sized businesses with EBITDA between $5-20 million, scaling them to $50-70 million through buy-and-build strategies. The firm emphasizes recurring revenue models, high cash flow conversion, and resilience against economic cycles. Their thematic approach allows them to identify promising sectors and proactively source deals, often in bilateral settings. Outlook and Strategic Growth Despite slower deal flow in 2024, Corsair remains optimistic about the next six to nine months as private equity adjusts to market conditions. With strong sector tailwinds, such as digital transformation and regulatory compliance, Corsair continues to back businesses positioned for long-term value creation and consolidation opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arjun Raghavan, CEO of Partners Capital is the man private equity executives trust with their money. And not just them. Partners Capital has evolved from managing private equity executives' wealth to overseeing $60 billion for smaller endowments, family offices, and foundations globally. In this conversation, Arjun speaks to Ross Butler about the firm's "Advanced Endowment Approach", emphasizing diversification, resilience, and early-stage access to niche opportunities.  Origins and Growth Partners Capital was founded in 2001 to offer investment management services inspired by the endowment model. Initially focused on private equity partners, the firm expanded to serve smaller institutional clients and family offices. Under Arjun's leadership, the firm scaled operations globally, now managing $60 billion across Europe, Asia, and the US. Twin-Engine Investment Philosophy Central to Partners Capital's strategy is the twin-engine model. The beta engine focuses on cost-efficient diversification across traditional and alternative asset classes. Meanwhile, the alpha engine targets illiquid, high-return opportunities, providing both resilience and enhanced returns. Together, these engines ensure robust portfolio performance through cycles. Adapting to Market Dynamics In a challenging market environment marked by concentrated gains in public equities and the saturation of alternatives, Partners Capital remains agile. It prioritises resilience through true diversification, embracing strategies like private debt, venture capital, and specialist asset management.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross Butler speaks with Edward Talmor-Gera, Founder and CEO of NewVest, and Matthew Chapman, Director at NewVest. NewVest is a pioneering company providing low-cost, diversified index funds for private equity, private debt, and other private market strategies — revolutionizing how investors access private markets. Insights: Why Passive Investing in Private Markets is Revolutionary Edward explains how indexing challenges traditional notions about private equity by providing diversified exposure to the market's average return, which has consistently outperformed the median. He reveals that 70% of private equity funds in any vintage year underperform the pooled average, making an index approach both efficient and attractive. Debunking Myths About Private Equity Performance Edward and Matthew address a common myth: that trying to select top-performing funds is the only way to succeed in private equity. They share data proving that relative performance persistence among fund managers is statistically limited, making an index strategy a reliable alternative. NewVest's Unique Approach Fund Structure: NewVest employs a no-management-fee structure, charging only a low carry.  Access to Top Funds: NewVest invests in the 50 largest private equity and private debt funds each year, gaining near-complete access to the top players in the industry, including Blackstone, KKR, and Carlyle. Diversification and Cost Efficiency: By weighting investments according to target fund sizes, NewVest offers exposure to the asset class while drastically reducing fees and risk compared to active fund selection. The Evolution of Private Markets Investing Matthew emphasizes how passive instruments complement active strategies, allowing investors to focus on areas where they can achieve true alpha while leveraging the stability of an index for broader diversification. Future Plans and the Vision for Private Markets NewVest envisions a future where passive investing in private markets is as ubiquitous as it is in public markets. They aim to introduce sector-specific and niche indices, such as clean tech or geographic-focused products, and even indices for first-time funds. Aligning Interests and Democratizing Access Edward shares how NewVest's alignment with LPs and innovative approach is attracting institutions, family offices, and even individual investors.  Subscribe Now on your preferred platform to gain more expert insights in private capital. LinkedIn: Fund Shack LinkedIn Spotify: Fund Shack on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Fund Shack on Apple Podcasts YouTube: Fund Shack on YouTube Amazon Music: Fund Shack on Amazon Music Audible: Fund Shack on Audible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross Butler speaks with David Whileman, Partner at Inflexion Private Equity, about the untapped potential of minority private equity investments. David shares how minority investing provides entrepreneurs with the resources to scale without selling their businesses. The conversation explores the fund's strategy, its impact on portfolio companies, and the competitive advantages of minority investments in addressing a vast market underserved by traditional private equity. Insights: The Untapped Potential of Minority Investments: David explains how minority investing offers private equity benefits without requiring businesses to sell outright. This approach opens private equity to 75% of companies that are not typically for sale, particularly family-owned or entrepreneur-led businesses. Inflexion's Partnership Capital Fund Performance: Since launching in 2015, the fund has raised £1.75 billion, completed 24 investments, and exited nine, including several that achieved exceptional growth. David emphasizes the fund's ability to serve as the first institutional investor for established companies averaging £350 million in value. Building Trusted Relationships: Key to minority investing is fostering trust and alignment with entrepreneurs. David highlights how Partnership Capital avoids prescriptive exit strategies, allowing for collaborative decisions that benefit both investors and business owners. Expanding Globally and Corporate Partnerships: Inflexion has extended its reach across Europe and recently into corporate partnerships, where it supports divisions of large corporations seeking independence while maintaining alignment with their parent companies. Value Creation Beyond Capital: Inflexion delivers more than funding, offering expertise in talent management, technology adoption, pricing strategies, and global expansion. Its offices worldwide provide portfolio companies with the tools to enter new markets and scale effectively. Cultural Fit and Talent Recruitment: David underlines the importance of hiring professionals with emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial mindsets. He describes Inflexion's team as diverse and collaborative, ensuring alignment with the needs of entrepreneurs. RW Blears: Our sponsor for this episode is RW Blears, a UK law firm specialising in fund management. If you are a UK venture capital manager or growth investor and need a trusted legal adviser, visit https://blears.com/ #PrivateEquity #MinorityInvesting #PartnershipCapital #InflexionPrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PrivateEquityPodcast #DavidWhileman #FundShack #AlternativeInvestments #CollaborativeInvesting #PrivateEquityInsights #RossButler Subscribe Now on your preferred platform to gain more expert insights in private capital. LinkedIn: Fund Shack LinkedIn Spotify: Fund Shack on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Fund Shack on Apple Podcasts YouTube: Fund Shack on YouTube Amazon Music: Fund Shack on Amazon Music Audible: Fund Shack on Audible Contact Information: About Fund Shack: Fund Shack is a private equity podcast and global media channel for alternative investment professionals, produced by Linear B Group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Fund Shack, Ross Butler speaks with Colm Walsh, Managing Director of ICG Enterprise Trust. ICG Enterprise Trust is a listed private equity investor managed by ICG, a global alternative asset manager. Colm shares insights on ICG's investment strategies, including their focus on buyouts, the benefit of being part of ICG's extensive platform, and the importance of experienced managers in achieving consistent returns. They also discuss the unique advantages of the investment trust structure for private equity and Colm's perspective on the evolving private equity landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ross Butler talks to Karen Sands, COO of Federated Hermes' private equity division, where she oversees $20 billion in private market assets as part of a larger $770 billion AUM. Karen provides insight into Federated Hermes' shift into private markets, their strategic focus on ESG, and her role in managing operations. They explore the importance of scalable infrastructure, the evolving investor landscape, and the operational challenges faced by private equity firms today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Founded in mid-1990s, Partners Group launched its first vehicle accessible to individual investors in the early naughties. Today it is at the frontline of the democratisation of private equity. In this episode, Ross Butler speaks to Joanna Asfour, the firm's managing director of client solutions, to discuss how private equity can help DC pensioners in the UK access private markets. We look particularly at LTAFs, the UK equivalent of ELTIFs and the various nuances of providing relatively simple access to the asset class for DC pension trustees, which can often require the involvement of life insurance platforms and master trusts.

Jim Strang, serial private equity NXD and chairman of Hg Capital Trust, discusses the complexities of the private equity landscape on the Fund Shack podcast. Fundraising and Market Dynamics: Market Polarization: Large platforms and top-performing specialists continue to raise significant capital, while mid-sized players face extended fundraising cycles. Liquidity Challenges: Investors are managing overexposure from the 2021 boom, causing liquidity issues across different regions. GP Strategy and Growth: Clear Ambitions: GPs focus on defining clear ambitions and achieving team alignment. Strategic Growth: Balancing ambition with operational capacity, strategies range from maintaining a single focus to expanding into adjacent areas through M&A. Wealth Market and Semi-Liquid Structures: Growing Market: Wealth market growth through semi-liquid structures designed for high-net-worth individuals. NAV-Based Exposure: These structures offer accessible entry points for private market investments, requiring careful liquidity management. ESG and Cybersecurity: Central to Strategy: ESG considerations driven by investor demand and talent acquisition needs. Top Risk: Cybersecurity remains a top risk, with firms prioritizing mitigation measures to protect portfolios. ********************** Thank you to our episode partner Quest Fund Placement. The firm recently launched QuestInvest, the digital hub and gateway to alternative assets that connects accredited investors with leading GPs. For more information, please visit https://www.questfundplacement.com/ ********************** #privateequity #fundraising #wealthmanagement #esg #cybersecurity #privatemarkets #capitalmarkets #alternativeassets ********************** Follow Fund Shack on Your Preferred Platform: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mUUrcRDi-dWnC4Lmn1rnw?sub_confirmation=1

Sunaina Sinha, Global Head of Private Capital Advisory at Raymond James, talks to Ross Butler about the challenges of raising private capital funds in today's market. This episode is supported by Datasite,  the leading M&A platform for dealmakers. https://www.datasite.com/en Fundraising cycles have extended to 22-23 months on average, reflecting the challenging environment. Firms must offer co-investments, fee discounts, and management fee holidays to attract investors. The tenor of fundraising conversations has shifted, with private equity firms needing to provide various incentives to secure commitments. We cover dry powder, the rise of co-investments, and the influence of Middle Eastern and private wealth in the market. 2023 was marked by significant challenges due to a liquidity squeeze and reduced exit activities.  This environment has been tough for institutional limited partners, leading to a shift in investment metrics. (i.e. DPI is the new IRR) Rise of Co-Investments How investors are leveraging their power to demand fee-free co-investments. Sector Focus: Private Credit and Infrastructure Private credit is booming due to bank pullbacks and high-interest rates, while infrastructure investments are attractive due to their tangible nature and inflation resistance.  Thank you to our episode partner Datasite, the leading M&A platform for dealmakers. For more information, visit: www.datasite.com #wheredealsaremade #PrivateEquity #privatecapital #alternativeinvestments #Fundraising #RaymondJames #InvestmentTrends #DPI #CoInvestments #PrivateCredit #Infrastructure

Ross Butler hosts Patrick Turner, Managing Director at VSS Capital Partners, a US-based lower mid-market private equity firm founded in 1981, originally named Veronis Suhler Stevenson. Patrick joined VSS in 2014, bringing a wealth of experience from his extensive career in leveraged buyouts in the US, and private equity in China. VSS focuses on the US lower mid-market, specifically targeting three verticals: education, healthcare, and outsourced business services with a technology angle. VSS's approach to structured capital, which includes debt, preferred equity, and equity, tailored to the needs of founders looking to grow their businesses without giving up control. This strategy allows VSS to be competitive and less dilutive compared to traditional growth capital. KEY HIGHLIGHTS: VSS focuses on the US lower mid-market, specifically targeting three verticals: education, healthcare, and outsourced business services with a technology angle. VSS's approach to structured capital, which includes debt, preferred equity, and equity, tailored to the needs of founders looking to grow their businesses without giving up control. This strategy allows VSS to be competitive and less dilutive compared to traditional growth capital. FOLLOW FUND SHACK ON Spotify and you can also find us here: LinkedIn Watch on YouTube #privateequity #venturecapital #MidMarket #StructuredCapital #privatecredit #leveragedbuyouts #growthcapital #BusinessServices #HealthcareInvestment #EducationInvestment #TechInvestment #AlternativeInvestments #podcast Fund Shack is a private equity podcast and global media channel for alternative investment professionals. Fund Shack is produced by Linear B Group and if you are interested in appearing on the show, wish to propose a client, or are interested in sponsorship, contact: Katie Mitchell katie@linearb.media Linear B Group

Fatou Diagne is co-founder of Bootstrap Europe, which acquired the German portfolio of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023. She provides a fascinating insight into the elite world of lending to the top tier of venture-backed businesses. Venture debt might not have the brand-pizazz of its equity cousin, but from a risk/return perspective it ticks all the boxes. ****** This episode also features our supporters, RW Blears, a UK law firm specialising in fund management. If you are a UK venture capital manager or growth investor and need a trusted legal adviser visit RW Blears ****** Ross Butler interviews Fatou Diagne, co-founder of Bootstrap Europe. Fatou offers a compelling look into the world of venture debt, focusing on its role in funding high-growth technology businesses and its strategic advantages compared to traditional equity financing. Introduction to Venture Debt: Fatou Diagne explains that Bootstrap Europe provides debt funding to technology companies that have already received substantial equity investment. These companies are usually 5 to 7 years old, generating revenues of 5 to 20 million euros, and are backed by top-tier venture capital funds. Target Companies: Bootstrap Europe targets mature technology companies that have a proven growth formula but prefer not to dilute their equity further. The firm focuses on sectors like semiconductors, life sciences, and energy transition, seeking to support technologies that can significantly impact society. Venture Debt is way cooler than you think! Fatou clarifies that venture debt is often misunderstood. It is not a last resort for companies that cannot raise equity; instead, it is a strategic choice for well-capitalized companies looking to accelerate growth without further dilution. Deal Flow and Timing: Bootstrap Europe follows potential investment opportunities for several years, waiting for the right inflection point to provide growth debt. The firm typically invests after one or two rounds of equity funding, although this can vary. Benefits for Companies: The main advantage for companies using venture debt is the avoidance of dilution. Founders and early-stage investors can maintain larger stakes in the company, enhancing their returns upon exit. Terms of Venture Debt: The terms are transparent, with interest rates typically around 8-10% over the base rate. The debt is repaid over 3-4 years, with monthly payments of interest and principal. Bootstrap Europe's Approach: The firm emphasizes a strong relationship with portfolio companies, focusing on providing support during both good and challenging times. They prefer to work closely with management teams to navigate growth and financing challenges. Acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank's German Portfolio: In 2023, Bootstrap Europe acquired the German portfolio of SVB. Fatou discusses the strategic and operational steps taken to complete this acquisition, emphasizing the importance of speed and expertise. Current Market Conditions: Fatou comments on the impact of global economic challenges on the tech sector, noting that while the market has cooled, there are still many high-quality investment opportunities. She highlights the importance of well-capitalized companies that can navigate difficult conditions to gain market share. Future Growth & Challenges: The discussion touches on the growth potential of venture debt in Europe and the challenges of increasing market penetration. Fatou believes that with more education and understanding, venture debt can become a more prominent part of the funding landscape. ******  #venturecapital #privateequity #techfunding #growthcapital #venturedept #debtfinancing #innovationtechnology #techinvesting #podcast #BusinessPodcast #FinancePodcast #Entrepreneurship ****** Fund Shack is produced by Linear B Group and if you are interested in appearing on the show, wish to propose a client, or are interested in sponsorship, contact: katie@linearb.media Linear B Group

Mike Smeed is managing director of InMotion Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of Jaguar Land Rover. In this episode of the Fund Shack podcast, he speaks to Ross Butler about what the company looks for in start-up candidates and the rapidly evolving nature of corporate venture capital.

Foresight Group was a pioneer in renewable energy investment back in the 1990s. Today, it's a diversified investment group listed in London. Its founder and chairman, Bernard Fairman, talks about its expansion into global infrastructure, why he favours hydrogen over electric, and his plans to build out the firm's UK venture investment arm into an international-regional growth equity franchise.

Mid Europa Partners pioneered private equity buyout investing in Central Europe, launching in 1999. Robert Knorr has been managing partner since 2007. He was recently awarded Private Equity Mid Market Leader of the Year at the Real Deals private equity awards for his pivotal role in investment in the region. In this podcast he talks to Ross Butler about opportunities from Poland to the Baltics, and a very big win in Romania with Profi.

With a deal drought across the global private equity industry, we talk to Chris Field of global law firm Dechert about what's next for M&A and buyout deal flow for 2024. We discuss valuations and defensive deal structures as vendors and buyers find ways to come together. Top quote: "I have never worked on an earn-out, ever, that has not resulted in some form of dispute.'" In this Fund Shack podcast with Ross Butler, Chris reveals what it takes to make it as a top private equity lawyer. 

Private equity is a great way of investing in uncertain, high growth environments. Strange then, that the African private equity industry is so small. In fact, Stephane Bacquaert, managing partner of Adenia Capital, argues that the mature Western private capital industry has systematically misunderstood the African opportunity, and its risk profile in particulare. In this Fund Shack podcast with Ross Butler, he talks about managing one of Africa's largest buyout funds, and the value that so many investors are missing out on.

Private equity fund managers are racing to find structures that will allow small private investors to invest with them. Meanwhile governments are introducing ELTIF and LTAF structures to encourage "democratization". Henry Freeman has been working at the nexus of public and private equity for two decades. And he has concerns. Henry is founder of the Fund Society, an insight aggregator for investors, launching imminently. Fund Shack: https://fund-shack.com/

Daniel Zwirn is CEO of Arena Investors LP. In this episode of the Fund Shack private equity podcast, he talks to Ross Butler about the opportunities in private markets, and how to prosecute them in a way that truly aligns incentives with underlying investors. [00:00:16] Ross Butler: You're listening to fund Shack. I'm Ross Butler, and today my guest is Daniel Zwern, CEO and CIO of Arena Investors, a global asset manager that seeks out special situations across the world. Daniel has some very alternative perspectives on the opportunities in private markets and how to prosecute them. And so we […]

Daniel Zwirn is CEO of Arena Investors LP. In this episode of the Fund Shack private equity podcast, he talks to Ross Butler about the opportunities in private markets, and how to prosecute them in a way that truly aligns incentives with underlying investors. [00:00:16] Ross Butler: You’re listening to fund Shack. I’m Ross Butler, […]

Hans Lovrek stumbled on Medieval Florentine documents that showed structures were being used to align interests in ventures with high information asymmetry that were uncannily similar to today’s limited partnerships. Through a method of historical institutionalism, Hans demonstrates how the same techniques have been used to solve similar problems, down the ages, and that today’s […]

Hans Lovrek stumbled on Medieval Florentine documents that showed structures were being used to align interests in ventures with high information asymmetry that were uncannily similar to today's limited partnerships. Through a method of historical institutionalism, Hans demonstrates how the same techniques have been used to solve similar problems, down the ages, and that today's private equity industry is based on ideas that successful trading nations have used before. This episodes was recorded in March 2019 and is released on podcast for the first time in December 2023. [00:00:00] Ross Butler: You're listening to fund Shack. I'm Ross Butler, and […]

Yaron Valler is a founder of venture capital firm Target Global. He is a successful entrepreneur and investor, and was part of the team at Intel that invented the Pentium Processor. In this episode of the Fund Shack podcast, he talks to Ross Butler about how AI will change ‘everything', virtual reality, how government's should direct innovation and risk capital, and much more. [00:00:00] Ross Butler: You're listening to Fund Shack. I'm Ross Butler, and today I'm speaking with Yaron Valler, a founder at Target Global, a venture capital firm with offices in London, Berlin, Barcelona, Tel Aviv and elsewhere. […]

Yaron Valler is a founder of venture capital firm Target Global. He is a successful entrepreneur and investor, and was part of the team at Intel that invented the Pentium Processor. In this episode of the Fund Shack podcast, he talks to Ross Butler about how AI will change ‘everything’, virtual reality, how government’s should […]

Sanjay Panchal is a partner at Livingbridge, a leading international growth capital investor, where he specialises in healthcare. In this episode he speaks to Ross Butler about the opportunities for private equity investors across the healthcare sector. [00:00:00] Ross Butler: You're listening to Fund Shack. I'm Ross Butler and this week I'm talking with Sanjay Panchal, a partner at Livingbridge, a leading mid market private equity firm. Sanjay focuses on healthcare, and in this discussion he explains the dynamics and the opportunities in this complex sector from an investor's perspective. Sanjay. Welcome to Fund Shack. You focus on healthcare at […]

Sanjay Panchal is a partner at Livingbridge, a leading international growth capital investor, where he specialises in healthcare. In this episode he speaks to Ross Butler about the opportunities for private equity investors across the healthcare sector. [00:00:00] Ross Butler: You’re listening to Fund Shack. I’m Ross Butler and this week I’m talking with Sanjay […]

Marcus Maier-Krug is partner and co-head of portfolio management at Arcmont. He has been working in private credit since before the global financial crisis. In this episode, recorded in November 2023, we discuss what constitutes alpha in private credit, what it's attractions are as an asset class, whether it can retain the market share it has taken from the traditional banking world, the different mindset and culture of private credit lenders vis a vis their borrowers, and much more… [00:00:00] Ross Butler: You're listening to Fund Shack. I'm Ross Butler, and this week I'm talking with Marcus Maier-Krug, partner and […]

Marcus Maier-Krug is partner and co-head of portfolio management at Arcmont. He has been working in private credit since before the global financial crisis. In this episode, recorded in November 2023, we discuss what constitutes alpha in private credit, what it’s attractions are as an asset class, whether it can retain the market share it […]

Alejandro Alcalde Rasch is a senior director in Advent International‘s portfolio support group. He joined Advent in 2010 having been chief transformation officer and head of supply at Gröhe AG and a partner in McKinsey’s chemicals practice. In this Fund Shack podcast, Alejandro talks to Ross Butler about the genesis of Advent’s dedicated portfolio support […]

Alejandro Alcalde Rasch is a senior director in Advent International‘s portfolio support group. He joined Advent in 2010 having been chief transformation officer and head of supply at Gröhe AG and a partner in McKinsey's chemicals practice. In this Fund Shack podcast, Alejandro talks to Ross Butler about the genesis of Advent's dedicated portfolio support group, how it has grown over time, what he looks for in value creation professionals, how the team works alongside deal executives and the importance of a value creation plan. [00:00:00] Ross Butler: You're listening to fund Shack. I'm Ross Butler, and today I'm speaking […]

Harvard professor Josh Lerner explains the risks and requirements of public intervention in establishing a thriving venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Professor Lerner tells Ross Butler that seeding a venture capital industry is a difficult and slow process – it’s not just the case of emulating Silicon Valley. With reference to his classic work, ‘Boulevard […]

Harvard professor Josh Lerner explains the risks and requirements of public intervention in establishing a thriving venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Professor Lerner tells Ross Butler that seeding a venture capital industry is a difficult and slow process – it's not just the case of emulating Silicon Valley. With reference to his classic work, ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams‘, Ross Butler asks for Josh's key recommendations, and in particular whether increasing the supply of venture capital or the demand for it, is the more sensible route for policymakers. With reference to the US, Japan, Australia, the EU and Great Britain, this […]

Andros Payne talks to Ross Butler about the holy grail of private equity value creation: a systematic, quantitative approach to cultural and behavioural change. What makes businesses work well? Andros Payne is an engineer and entrepreneur who has spent two decades codifying and benchmarking the behaviours of senior and middle managers that are proven to […]

Andros Payne talks to Ross Butler about the holy grail of private equity value creation: a systematic, quantitative approach to cultural and behavioural change. What makes businesses work well? Andros Payne is an engineer and entrepreneur who has spent two decades codifying and benchmarking the behaviours of senior and middle managers that are proven to drive growth and underpin cohesive and healthy cultures. His firm, Humatica, has worked with some of the leading private equity firms in applying the methodology to their portfolio companies. In this Fund Shack podcast, he explains how he has managed to make objective and transparent […]

Private equity podcast with Ross Butler and Reynir Indahl of Summa Equity on Impact investment.

Private equity podcast with Ross Butler and Reynir Indahl of Summa Equity on Impact investment.

Warren Hibbert of Asante Capital Group explains the log-jam in the private capital fundraising market on the Fund Shack podcast

Warren Hibbert of Asante Capital Group explains the log-jam in the private capital fundraising market on the Fund Shack podcast

Douglas Hansen-Luke speaks to Ross Butler on the Fund Shack podcast. Topics: impact investing, university spin-outs, pension fund reforms.

Douglas Hansen-Luke speaks to Ross Butler on the Fund Shack podcast. Topics: impact investing, university spin-outs, pension fund reforms.

Subscribe now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Jonathan Blake is head of international funds strategy at Herbert Smith Freehills. In the 1980s, Jonathan was responsible for devising the very first limited partnerships for venture capital and private equity in the UK and Europe, and was responsible for convincing the British government that these closed-ended funds were a legitimate structure […]

Jonathan Blake is head of international funds strategy at Herbert Smith Freehills. In the 1980s, Jonathan was responsible for devising the very first limited partnerships for venture capital and private equity in the UK and Europe, and was responsible for convincing the British government that these closed-ended funds were a legitimate structure and valuable business […]

Subscribe now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Trevor Hope is Chief Investment Officer of Gresham House Ventures, the growth capital arm of one of the UK’s oldest companies. In recent years, the firm has been growing rapidly, consolidating the market for Venture Capital Trusts, tax-break vehicles for individual investors to access growth business in the UK. In this podcast […]

Trevor Hope is Chief Investment Officer of Gresham House Ventures, the growth capital arm of one of the UK's oldest companies. In recent years, the firm has been growing rapidly, consolidating the market for Venture Capital Trusts, tax-break vehicles for individual investors to access growth business in the UK. In this podcast with Ross Butler […]

The so-called perma-crisis of political and economic volatility witnessed in the UK, and beyond, has made the business of raising and investing long-term funds is even more uncertain than usual. To help private markets practitioners navigate these choppy waters, we spoke with David Gauke, Damien Crossley and Shailen Patel from Macfarlanes. David Gauke is one […]

The so-called perma-crisis of political and economic volatility witnessed in the UK, and beyond, has made the business of raising and investing long-term funds is even more uncertain than usual. To help private markets practitioners navigate these choppy waters, we spoke with David Gauke, Damien Crossley and Shailen Patel from Macfarlanes. David Gauke is one […]

Subscribe now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Laura Dillon leads Waterland Private Equity’s Dublin office, which she established in 2020. Laura has had a varied career both in private equity and business. She has worked at several private equity firms, including Apax Partners and Riverside, and set up a distribution business with her family that was sold to a […]

Laura Dillon leads Waterland Private Equity‘s Dublin office, which she established in 2020. Laura has had a varied career both in private equity and business. She has worked at several private equity firms, including Apax Partners and Riverside, and set up a distribution business with her family that was sold to a corporate acquirer. In […]

Subscribe now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Paul Newsome is head of portfolio management at Unigestion, a Switzerland-based asset manager with a global private markets platform. Paul has been at the firm for two decades, during which he has set up its private markets operation in North America, and has been instrumental in establishing its directs, co-investment and secondaries […]

Paul Newsome is head of portfolio management at Unigestion, a Switzerland-based asset manager with a global private markets platform. Paul has been at the firm for two decades, during which he has set up its private markets operation in North America, and has been instrumental in establishing its directs, co-investment and secondaries programmes. In this […]