EP001: Rachel Orston, CCO of Instructure; The rise of take-private transactions; PE vs. VC vs. Publicly-traded companies.

Summary   In this conversation, Rachel Orston and Jay Nathan explore the differences between private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC), focusing on liquidity, board dynamics, and the evolving landscape of innovation in software development. They discuss the implications of PE on public companies, the role of operating partners, and the future of venture capital in a market saturated with options. The conversation highlights the need for companies to leverage available resources and expertise to drive growth and innovation.   Key Takeaways

• Don't get too caught up in whether you work for a pre IPO company.
• Going public and going private is just another transaction to different owners.
• The NASDAQ has risen by something like 30% this year.
• The Rule of 40 is about balancing growth and efficiency.
• Investors are looking for long-term value, not just short-term gains.
• Private equity firms are not just about efficiency; they also focus on growth.
• The perception of a company can significantly impact its stock price.
• Companies need to invest in long-term innovations despite short-term pressures.
• The average take-private valuation was around seven and a half times.
• Understanding private equity is crucial for go-to-market leaders. Liquidity is a significant factor in choosing between PE and public companies.
• Venture capital is often perceived as growth-focused, while PE is seen as efficiency-driven.
• Board dynamics can greatly affect company strategy and direction.
• Operating partners can provide valuable expertise in both PE and VC-backed companies.
• The venture capital landscape is shifting towards funding market share grabs rather than true innovations.
• Verticalization in software development is becoming increasingly important.
• Internal development and no-code platforms are emerging as key trends in enterprise innovation.
• The current market has too many dollars chasing too few true innovations.
• Private equity can provide a longer time horizon for growth strategies.
• The impact of PE on customer experience is a critical topic for future discussions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Navigating the Landscape of Public and Private Companies
• 05:08 The Dynamics of Take-Private Transactions
• 09:53 Understanding the Rule of 40 and Its Implications
• 15:01 The Shift from Public to Private: Insights and Experiences
• 19:00 Private Equity: Strategies for Value Creation
• 19:56 Understanding Liquidity in Private Equity vs. Public Companies
• 22:03 Venture Capital vs. Private Equity: Key Differences
• 25:08 The Dynamics of Board Management in VC and PE
• 27:02 Leveraging Operating Partners for Growth
• 28:58 The Evolution of Venture Capital: From Moonshots to Market Share
• 31:56 The Future of Innovation in Software Development
• 36:02 Verticalization and Internal Development in Enterprises
• 38:46 The Impact of Private Equity on Public Companies
• 42:04 Future Conversations: Customer Impact and Beyond

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