The Wall Street Skinny 105. Private Equity 102: Value Creation at a Megafund Feat Florence Evina-Ze of Bain Capital
We've talked a lot about how Private Equity Megafunds approach valuation when they purchase companies through LBOs. And we've spoken about their exits, either through IPOs or PE Secondaries.
But we've never really talked about what happens during the YEARS in between! How do Private Equity companies actually grow their portfolio companies over the life of their investment? Enter: the portfolio group or operations team.
This group works closely with executives at the portfolio company itself, along with the valuation and deal teams. This team is generally separate from the deal team within Megafunds, though many roles may have significant overlap at smaller firms. At a Megafund, this role differs considerably in terms of skills set, background, and career path. Instead of a conveyor belt path through Investment Banking, this group looks for for skilled consultants and experienced corporate executives. It can be a fantastic entry point into Private Equity for older candidates with more experience in the workforce.
Today, we sit down with Florence Evina-Ze, an SVP at Bain Capital, to discuss the recruiting, career path, skills set, and lifestyle associated with this particular vertical.
Florence also shares her perspective as an underrepresented minority in the industry. She discusses specific programs that were instrumental to her success, the critical role of mentors, and her inspiring approach to helping others follow in her footsteps.
Florence Evina-Ze joined Bain Capital in 2021. She is a Senior Vice President in the Portfolio Group and a member of the North America Private Equity team. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Florence worked at IPSY. Previously, she was a consultant at McKinsey and Deloitte where she focused on industrials and consumer/retail. Florence earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and SB in mechanical engineering from Harvard College.
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