As private equity capital continues flowing into data centers and AI infrastructure, sponsors are being forced to rethink everything from materials sourcing to what “exit‑ready” really means.

In the latest episode of BDO’s Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, host Todd Kinney continues the conversation with Jackson Pei, Managing Director and Co‑Head of PE at Closed Loop Partners, Michael Ryder, Partner and Co‑Head of North America at Igneo Infrastructure Partners, and Blair Barlow, Managing Director at Lime Rock New Energy, to discuss:

• What it actually takes to build an exit‑ready data center today — from asset optionality and customer mix to location, scale, and long‑term growth potential
• The material, power, and supply‑chain constraints behind AI infrastructure build‑outs, and why sponsors can’t ignore lifecycle management and resource availability
• How PE firms can future‑proof data center investments as sustainability, security, and buyer expectations continue to rise

In the latest episode of BDO's Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, Host Todd Kinney sits down with Jackson Pei (Closed Loop Partners), Michael Ryder (Igneo Infrastructure Partners), and Blair Barlow (Lime Rock New Energy) to discuss:

• How rack densification and next-gen cooling (from air to liquid) are reshaping data center design
• Where power availability and grid constraints show up first and what tech-first sponsors can miss in diligence
• Why materials like copper and the end-of-life process such as reverse logistics and data-secure decommissioning, are moving up the sponsor agenda

In the latest episode of BDO's Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, Host Todd Kinney sits down with Kyle Bethancourt, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Sallyport Investments, and Eliot Kerlin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Broadwing Capital, to discuss:

• Creative exit pathways to consider in 2026 as long holding periods persist
• How AI is being deployed inside PE firms and across their portcos
• The biggest challenges and opportunities ahead — from deal selectivity and leverage discipline to a potentially robust M&A environment

In the latest episode of BDO's Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, Host Todd Kinney sits down with Kyle Bethancourt, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Sallyport Investments, and Eliot Kerlin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Broadwing Capital, to discuss:

• How tariff uncertainty and macro volatility shaped dealmaking in 2025
• Creative capital deployment strategies for a tight and competitive market
• Proprietary deal flow and operational value creation as a competitive edge in the lower middle market

In BDO's first Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode of 2026, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Nicolas Vega Llona, Principal at Lincolnshire, and Monty Yort, Managing Partner at GenNx360, to discuss:

• Deal flow expectations and how declining rates and dry powder are influencing valuations in 2026
• Creative deal structures that balance immediate DPI generation with long-term value creation opportunities
• Strategic investment themes including digital infrastructure, value-based healthcare, and onshoring trends

If you enjoy the episode, check out BDO’s 2026 Private Equity Industry Predictions to see what else is on our radar for 2026.

In BDO's final Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode of 2025, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Nicolas Vega Llona, Principal at Lincolnshire, and Monty Yort, Managing Partner at GenNx360, to discuss:

• The biggest shifts in private equity throughout 2025 and how firms adapted
• Portfolio company performance relative to expectations amid macro challenges
• How proactive sourcing strategies helped firms find quality deals in a difficult market

Be on the lookout for part two in January, where Nico and Monty will explore exit strategies, creative deal structures, and where leading investors are placing their bets in 2026.

In part two of BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Shane Tiemann, Partner at Gamut Capital, and Jon Schwartz, Partner at MRE Capital to discuss:

• How they’re establishing market differentiation amid increased competition
• Adapting exit strategies as hold periods extend and continuation vehicles gain traction
• Maintaining investment discipline and focus amid ongoing market uncertainty

In BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Shane Tiemann, Partner at Gamut Capital, and Jon Schwartz, Partner at MRE Capital to discuss:

• The impacts of interest rate cuts on dealmaking strategies and investment outlooks
• How both PE firms and family offices are prioritizing long-term value creation
• Practical strategies for helping portcos protect and improve margins amid macroeconomic pressures

On BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Host Todd Kinney is once again joined by Jason Frank, President and Chief Compliance Officer at BDO Capital Advisors, and Jamie Austin, Global Private Equity Leader and Partner at BDO UK.

Together, they explore the findings from BDO’s 2025 PE Survey, including:

• Who PE firms currently view as the top competition for dealmaking
• Effective value creation strategies amid ongoing extended holding periods
• The top factors PE predict could accelerate M&A activity in 2025

Investment banking products and services within the United States are offered exclusively through BDO Capital Advisors, LLC, a separate legal entity and affiliated company of BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation. For more information, visit www.bdocap.com. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. BDO Capital Advisors, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC.

On BDO's latest Private Equity Perspectives podcast episode, host Todd Kinney is joined by Jason Frank, President and Chief Compliance Officer at BDO Capital Advisors, and Jamie Austin, Global Private Equity Leader and Partner at BDO UK. Together, they unpacked the findings in BDO’s new 2025 Private Equity Survey, including:

• How post-Liberation Day market volatility has influenced dealmaking and the top factors impacting transactions.
• Why platform acquisitions have emerged as the leading capital deployment strategy as firms navigate uncertain times.
• What makes first-time investments particularly attractive in today's climate, especially for founder- and family-owned businesses.

Investment banking products and services within the United States are offered exclusively through BDO Capital Advisors, LLC, a separate legal entity and affiliated company of BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation. For more information, visit www.bdocap.com. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. BDO Capital Advisors, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC.

Turnaround and restructuring services as well as operational value creation services within the United States are offered through BDO Consulting Group, LLC, a separate legal entity and affiliated company of BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation. Certain turnaround and restructuring services may not be available to attest clients of BDO USA under the rules and regulations of public accounting.