CapLink Group

The GP-led secondary market is expanding — but deal flow is outpacing available capital, and the best transactions are increasingly going to smaller, trusted syndicates rather than the widest possible investor base. Carlo Pirzio-Biroli of CVC unpacks why execution risk has become the central concern for high-quality GPs, and what secondary buyers are actually looking for when they evaluate a continuation vehicle: market-standard terms, genuine alignment, and above all, the quality of the management team behind the asset.

In conversation with Christian Good of Macfarlanes, the discussion covers the entry of buyout shops into the GP-led space, why historic tensions between buyout houses and secondary platforms have largely dissolved, and how the most durable relationships are built on two-way communication long before a transaction is on the table.

EQT has spent thirty years building a model where external expertise — through a global network of industrial advisers — sits alongside financial investment as a core value creation tool. Bettina Siempelkamp, EQT's Global Head of Network and Talent, offers a rare inside view of how that model has evolved: from advising deal teams on management assessments and CEO transitions, to building AI-literate boards, to quietly incubating the next generation of CFO talent from within.

In conversation with Cosmo Lush of True, the discussion covers the troika governance model that underpins EQT's portfolio relationships, the persistent challenge of recruiting senior talent in Europe versus the US, and why stability in management teams — not turnover — is the metric that matters most when markets get uncertain.

Integrating sustainability into private equity isn't about compliance checklists - it's about creating value through brand positioning, cost efficiency, talent strategies, and operational resilience.

In this season finale conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Betty Huber, Partner and Global Co-Chair of ESG at Latham & Watkins, speaks with Devon Leahy, Global Head of Sustainability at L Catterton, about building a sustainability program from the ground up across a $37 billion consumer-focused portfolio.

Devon shares how she's worked with 22 portfolio companies in her first year by speaking the language of business first - connecting decarbonization to cost management, sustainability attributes to consumer insights, and compliance exercises to value creation opportunities. The conversation covers practical strategies for building trust with operations teams, balancing LP reporting requirements with company engagement, and creating scalable tools that work across 160+ diverse portfolio companies.

Essential insights for operating partners, sustainability leaders, and investment professionals focused on driving impact at scale.Featured:

Betty Huber - Partner, Global Co-Chair ESG, Latham & Watkins

Devon Leahy - Global Head of Sustainability, L Catterton

This is the season 2 finale of the CapLink Connecting Capital Conversations podcast.

Learn more about CapLink Group events: https://caplink-group.com

Generative AI is transforming how private capital firms operate - from portfolio insights and due diligence to automating back-office functions and making institutional knowledge instantly accessible across organizations.

In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Jeffrey Klein, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, speaks with Dr. Katia Walsh, AI Lead for Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions at Apollo, about how firms are deploying AI to gain competitive advantages.

They explore critical questions: Can AI identify disruption threats to portfolio companies before they materialize? How are firms using AI during due diligence to assess opportunities? What back-office functions can be streamlined or automated? This conversation provides practical insights on leveraging AI's transformative potential while understanding its limitations.

Featured: Jeffrey Klein - Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal

Dr. Katia Walsh - AI Lead, Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions, Apollo

Learn more about CapLink Group events: https://caplink-group.com

Tax strategy can make or break private equity returns - from state tax implications and interest deductibility on leveraged buyouts to optimizing capital gains treatment and planning for exits.

In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Nancy Mehlman, Co-Head of Tax Practice at Simpson Thacher, speaks with Laura Warren, Global Head of Tax and Structuring at Hamilton Lane, about the critical tax considerations shaping private equity deals today.

They discuss strategies to maximize returns and minimize liabilities in an evolving tax environment, explore international tax compliance challenges, and share insights on navigating complex tax structures. Essential guidance for fund managers, CFOs, and investment professionals focused on optimizing tax efficiency across the deal lifecycle.

Featured: Nancy Mehlman - Co-Head Tax Practice, Simpson Thacher

Laura Warren - Global Head of Tax and Structuring, Hamilton Lane

Learn more about CapLink Group events: https://caplink-group.com

In private equity, human capital is one of the most valuable assets - the right talent can identify opportunities, execute growth strategies, and directly impact portfolio company performance and returns.

In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Chris Gagnon, Managing Director at CEO Works, speaks with Annie Paydar, Global Head of Human Capital at General Atlantic, about how talent drives value creation in today's transformational market.

They discuss real-world case studies for identifying, onboarding, and retaining talented individuals who have directly impacted positive returns. The conversation explores strategies for fostering a culture of growth, improving diversity, and building management teams that maximize long-term success. Essential insights for investment professionals and human capital leaders focused on optimizing talent strategy.

Featured:

Chris Gagnon - Managing Director, CEO Works

Annie Paydar - Global Head of Human Capital, General Atlantic

Learn more about CapLink Group events: https://caplink-group.com

Understanding the macroeconomic forces shaping global markets is essential for private market investors navigating inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty.

In this closing keynote conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Mark Pepler, Partner at EY, speaks with Derek Mills, Managing Director of Value Creation at Permira, about the global economic outlook and its implications for private market investing.

They explore how leading private funds are future-proofing their portfolios, discuss investment strategies and risk management approaches in today's volatile environment, and examine the geopolitical shifts that are reshaping capital allocation decisions. Critical insights for investors focused on long-term value creation and portfolio resilience.

Featured: Mark Pepler - Partner, EY

Derek Mills - Managing Director, Value Creation, Permira

Learn more about CapLink Group events: https://caplink-group.com

Navigating fund operations and formation has become increasingly complex as regulatory requirements from the Securities and Exchange Commission continue to evolve, impacting how fund managers structure, launch, and operate private markets funds.

In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Katie St. Peters, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, speaks with Dipo Ashiru, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Veritas Capital, about the key legal and structural considerations fund managers face today.

They discuss recent SEC regulatory developments, explore best practices for adapting to compliance changes, and share strategies firms can implement to navigate these shifting requirements effectively. Essential insights for general counsel, compliance officers, and fund managers operating in today's regulatory environment.

Featured: Katie St. Peters - Partner, Kirkland & Ellis

Dipo Ashiru - General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Veritas Capital

Learn more about CapLink Group events: https://caplink-group.com/

With record levels of dry powder in the market and economic uncertainties including inflation and rising interest rates, private equity investors face both challenges and opportunities in today's environment.

In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Andy Thompson, Founder and CEO of Notch Partners, speaks with Drew Schardt, Managing Director and Co-Head of Direct Equity Investments at Hamilton Lane, about navigating the current US private equity landscape.

They explore sectors with the potential to deliver higher returns, discuss how geopolitical risks are shaping investment decisions, and examine the role of digital transformation in driving value creation. Essential insights for investors looking to deploy capital strategically in uncertain times.

Featured: Andy Thompson - Founder and CEO, Notch Partners Drew Schardt - Managing Director, Co-Head of Direct Equity Investments, Hamilton Lane

Learn more about CapLink Group events: www.caplink-group.com

In an era of economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, understanding the macro landscape is critical for private capital investors making strategic decisions.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Carrie Osman, Founder and CEO of Cruxy, speaks with Michael Normyle, U.S. Economist at Nasdaq, about the current macroeconomic environment and what it means for investors.They discuss key economic indicators, market trends, interest rate impacts, and the broader forces shaping investment strategies in private equity and alternative assets. This conversation provides essential context for fund managers and institutional investors navigating today's complex economic landscape.Timely insights for investors looking to understand the macro forces influencing capital allocation and portfolio performance.Featured:Carrie Osman - Founder, Chief Executive Officer, CruxyMichael Normyle - U.S. Economist, NasdaqLearn more about CapLink Group events: www.caplink-group.com