Private Equity Value Creation Podcast Ep. 92: Drive Pipeline & Revenue Amid Market Uncertainty | Shiv Narayanan, How To SaaS
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Sep 25, 2025 Shiv Narayanan tackles the struggle of portfolio companies hitting sales targets, revealing how AI and economic shifts create a perfect storm for underperformance. He shares a roadmap for increasing efficiency by cutting wasted marketing spend and optimizing team structures. Strategies for maximizing customer value through upselling and reengaging lost deals are emphasized. The importance of targeted outreach and authentic thought leadership is discussed, offering a fresh approach to driving sustainable growth amidst rising competition.
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Widespread Growth Slowdown Creates PE Pressure
- Many portfolio companies are missing sales targets and growing much slower than in prior years.
- This creates liquidity pressure for PE firms and raises existential fundraising risks.
AI Is Both Risk And Competitive Accelerator
- AI both accelerates competitors and forces product investments to remain relevant.
- Investors must evaluate every company through an AI lens for survival and differentiation.
Limit Priorities To One-To-Three Areas
- Focus on one to three initiatives that will move revenue quickly rather than chasing many ideas.
- Prioritize revenue most likely to close in the shortest time horizon.
