The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Today’s Guest
Today we welcome Rich Ashton, a managing partner of First Party Capital, a new operator-led venture firm focused on investments in start-ups, advertising and marketing technology (AdTech and MarTech), digital media, and data with focus on Europe and APAC. 

What You’ll Learn

The European Regulation’s impact on tech companies

How the pandemic affected creating the company

Advice in setting up Venture Capitalist Firms

Choosing to speak between founders and investors

Breakdown

[00:22] Getting to know Rich Ashton

[01:30] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies

[02:57] First Party Capital’s Focus on AdTech and MarTech

[04:40] European Regulation on the AdTech Sector

[07:21] Setting up a Firm in Sales and Marketing

[10:19] The Impact of COVID-19

[13:50] Advice for New Venture Capitalist Firms

[16:21] Choosing Between Founders and Investors

[20:27] What Rich Likes/Dislikes about the Venture Capital Industry

[24:06] Rich’s Learning Points


Resources

Rich's LinkedIn

Rich's Email

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

Today we welcome back returning guest Adam Coffey after his last episode became the most downloaded Private Equity episode. Adam is a Chief Executive of CoolSys and author of “The Private Equity Playbook: Management's Guide to Working with Private Equity” as well as an upcoming book “The Exit Strategy Playbook”. 

What You’ll Learn

What kind of advisors to look for

When to seek advisors

How to be an effective entrepreneur and salesperson

The importance of transparency and creating a buyer universe

Breakdown

[02:14] Adam’s Background
 [05:01] Common mistakes by PE firms and portfolio companies
 [07:06] What PE-backed portfolio companies should do better or more of
 [11:00] Advice on identifying good and bad advice
 [19:51] How Adam identified when he needed advisors
 [29:36] How PE-backed portfolio companies can improve on their sales process
 [38:08] Adam’s Biggest Lessons
 [52:59] Where to find Adam and his books


Resources

Adam's LinkedIn

Adam's Website

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

*The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest.*

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome Christen Paras who is MiddleGround Capital’s managing director of business development and investor relations. With a hands-on operational expertise, MiddleGround Capital invests in B2B companies in the industrials and specialty distribution sector that are in the lower middle markets.

What You’ll Learn

Why you should take business development seriously

How marketing improves deal flow 

Brand awareness and value proposition through marketing

Transparency in managing investor relations

Diversity attracts founders, investors, and employees

Breakdown

[00:42] Getting to know Christen Paras

[02:05] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies

[04:56] MiddleGround Capital’s marketing & research strategy 

[12:52] Granting full access builds trust with LPs and business owners

[21:14] MiddleGround Capital’s ESG efforts

[23:48] Excellence in managing LP relationships

[27:10] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals

[30:09] Private equity: the good and the bad

[36:20] Diversity in MiddleGround Capital’s senior leadership

[38:34] Christen’s learning resources


Resources

Christen’s LinkedIn

Christen’s Email

Christen’s Mobile Number: +732 207 1486

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome Bethany Gorham, Senior Vice President at Orion Energy Partners, where she has recently formed the IDEA group (Investment Development, Engagement, and Accountability). Orion is an investment firm that offers creative investment and equity solutions to middle-market infrastructure companies that are primarily focused on environmental innovation and driving sustainable finance forward. Before Orion, Bethany worked in impact investing and data and analytics in sustainable and socially responsible investing.

What You’ll Learn

ESG as due diligence and a tool for identifying opportunities

Why PE firms should adopt ESG as a tool

Using ESG to manage risk and create value within portfolio companies

Breakdown

[00:25] Getting to know Bethany Gorham

[02:19] Common mistakes made by PE firms

[03:09] ESG in the Private Equity workplace

[08:53] Orion’s ESG strategy

[13:22] Why PE firms should adopt ESG as a tool

[15:59] Resources for learning about ESG

[18:27] Bethany’s passion for ESG 

[21:05] Get in touch with Bethany

Resources

Bethany’s LinkedIn

[email protected] 

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected]. 

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome Leon Brujis who is a partner at Palladium Equity Partners. The firm was founded in 1997 and has invested over $2.8 billion of capital across different industries like retail, food, transportation and logistics, business services and media. Palladium Equity Partners’ investment focus is on founder and family-owned businesses that benefit from America’s growing Hispanic market.

What You’ll Learn

The effect of biases on investing decisions and deals

Leon’s experience of bias during an investment

How diversity in a private equity firm is an advantage

Breakdown

[00:46] Getting to know Leon Brujis

[01:57] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies

[05:29] Leon’s experience as a minority in the finance industry

[08:24] Diversity in a company is an advantage

[10:05] Leon’s bias led to a bad investment decision

[13:36] How to guard against bias

[15:52] Private equity: the good and the bad

[19:01] Leon’s learning resources


Resources

Leon’s LinkedIn

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome Jon Ostenson CEO of FranBridge Consulting & Capital (FBC). As the former president of an Inc. 500 franchise system and a multi-brand franchisee himself, Jon is an expert in non-food franchise industries. At FBC, he educates clients and introduces them to franchising investment opportunities. 
 

What You’ll Learn

Investing opportunities in the franchise industry

Rise of non-food and non-retail franchises

Franchisee VS franchisor level of investment 

Challenges in franchise investing

Breakdown

[00:39] Getting to know Jon Ostenson

[01:47] Why Jon got into private equity

[02:48] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies

[05:03] Reasons to invest in the franchise industry

[08:46] Industry and market trends in franchising 

[10:10] Challenges of investing at the franchise level 

[11:35] Convincing LPs to invest in franchise businesses

[12:53] Advice to PE firms about niche specialization

[14:35] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals

[16:37] Jon’s learning resources

[19:38] Employee retention and succession planning 

[20:47] Jon’s advice to his 20-year-old self


Resources

Jon’s LinkedIn

FranBridge Consulting Website
 

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome James Lee who is a partner at Proskauer Rose’s private equity/M&A group. He advises private equity firms, venture capital funds, and portfolio companies on a variety of transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and PE and VC investments to name a few. From 2015 to 2018, James has been nominated and has received several M&A Advisor Awards for his exceptional legal counsel.

What You’ll Learn

Smoother deal process through transparent communication

ESG metrics, certification, and credit ratings

Standardizing M&A purchase agreements for better deal flow

Breakdown

[01:03] Getting to know James Lee

[04:10] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies

[12:01] The need for standardized ESG metrics

[16:55] Certification of ESG practices

[20:09] ESG Scores in the credit market 

[26:20] The need for standardized purchase agreements 

[35:51] Law firms as true partners to clients

[41:51] Full markups in the auction process

[43:54] Advising founders during mergers & acquisitions

[47:36] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals

[52:25] Private equity: the good and the bad

[59:45] James’ learning resources


Resources

James’ LinkedIn

James’ Email 

James’ Mobile Number: +1 212 969 3036
 
 

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome Nancy Barnes, a freelance human resources professional who works with several businesses inside a private equity portfolio. In her 18 years of talent management, she has helped transform international companies by making strategic HR changes to drive business growth. 

What You’ll Learn

The importance of transparent communication

How to avoid panic hiring

Strategic approach to human resource management

Creating a social engagement team

What characteristics to look for in senior hires

Breakdown

[00:37] Getting to know Nancy Barnes

[01:47] Common HR mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies 

[04:57] Adapting to a fast-paced environment

[07:50] Alignment of HR strategy with business goals

[11:40] Improving the integration process of an add-on acquisition

[15:32] How to build engagement with teams

[18:31] Recruitment and succession planning

[22:17] A good hire should be comfortable with change

[26:53] Private equity: the good and the bad

[30:50] Nancy’s learning resources
 

Resources

Nancy’s LinkedIn

Nancy’s Website
 
 

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome Anthony DeCandido who is a financial services partner at RSM, the leading provider of audit, tax, and consulting services to the middle market. He also serves as RSM’s main advisor for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. With his industry expertise, Anthony helps companies adapt ESG strategies so they can achieve better business results.

What You’ll Learn

Importance of ESG in private equity

How to implement ESG strategies in the company

Essential ESG metrics to report

Trends in the private equity industry

Breakdown

[00:40] Getting to know Anthony DeCandido

[02:30] ESG in private equity

[04:01] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies

[05:55] How to start integration of ESG strategy

[07:48] Key performance indicators to track ESG

[12:07] Private equity: the good and the bad

[14:55] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals

[16:20] Anthony’s learning resources

[17:22] Major trends in private equity

[24:03] Popularity of special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC)

[25:20] Using alternative data for better insight


Resources

Anthony’s LinkedIn

RSM Website
 
 

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

Today’s Guest

Today we welcome Dan Shockley, Managing Director and Co-Founder of LFM Capital. Dan has over two decades of experience in management leadership and operations. He has held managerial positions at American Axle, Caterpillar, and Amazon before entering private equity.

LFM Capital is a PE firm that invests in lower to middle market manufacturing companies and industrial service businesses. They help businesses develop world-class operations which increases long term value for all stakeholders. 

What You’ll Learn

How to build trust between PE firms and portfolio companies

Balancing the use of objective and subjective data

Creating a better strategy with the use of analytics and data 

Trends in the manufacturing industry

Breakdown

[01:10] Getting to know Dan Shockley

[05:30] Dan’s career transition into private equity

[09:17] Common engagement mistake by PE firms 

[14:59] Negotiating a win-win deal in private equity

[19:39] Dangers of being too data driven

[23:06] How to engage with portfolio companies 

[25:40] Improving performance through insight

[27:28] Trends in the industrial and manufacturing space

[32:23] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals

[36:02] Dan’s learning resources


Resources

Dan’s LinkedIn

Dan’s Email

LFM Capital Website
 
 
 

Thank you for tuning in!

To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.

Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].