

Dry Powder: The Private Equity Podcast
Hugh MacArthur, Bain & Company
Hugh MacArthur, Chairman of Bain & Company's Global Private Equity practice, interviews leading experts on the trends and opportunities that will redefine the private equity industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

24 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 15min
Bending the Revenue Curve w/ Permira’s Dipan Patel
Dipan Patel, Co-CEO of Permira, shares his insights on driving revenue growth across portfolio companies through a unique, sector-embedded approach. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing revenue over margin, discussing how former operators in their value creation team spearhead growth. Patel reveals strategies for creating clear exit theses that appeal to future buyers and highlights the role of an entrepreneurial culture in attracting top talent. The conversation illuminates how a focus on growth and competitive moats can transform businesses.

25 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 19min
Scaling Across the Pond w/ Permira’s Dipan Patel
Dipan Patel, co-managing partner and co-CEO of Permira, shares insights on successfully scaling operations across Europe and the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of empowering local teams and building relationships. The conversation delves into slow, methodical growth as a strategy for institutional confidence. Dipan also highlights Permira's tech-focused yet diversified approach, integrating AI into core workflows and investment strategies. He outlines their value creation playbook, focusing on under-leveraged growth and product-led expansion.

42 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 15min
Competitive Advantages and Carve-Outs w/ TPG’s Steve Ellis
Steve Ellis, co-managing partner of TPG's Rise Fund, dives into the dynamic world of impact investing and carve-out deals. He reveals how integrating an impact lens enhances deal sourcing and execution. The conversation spans the growth potential in sectors like healthcare and education, highlighting the shift towards sustainable investments. Ellis discusses the critical strategies for navigating carve-outs, showcasing how they can unlock hidden value and create both financial returns and social impact, particularly in underserved communities.

50 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 18min
When Impact Investing Reaches Critical Mass w/ TPG’s Steve Ellis
Steve Ellis, co-managing partner of TPG's Rise Fund and a trailblazer in impact investing, discusses how the Rise Funds have recently achieved 'escape velocity.' He dives into the vital differences between ESG and impact investing, emphasizing the need for positive societal contributions. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of technology in improving access for underserved communities and the importance of a rigorous impact assessment. Ellis shares insights on integrating impact investing into business strategies for sustainable growth.

67 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 22min
Private Equity’s Liquidity Wake-Up Call
The podcast dives into the alarming liquidity crisis in private equity, highlighting its historical implications for limited partners. It discusses the challenges general partners face in adapting exit strategies amidst shifting market conditions. There’s a focus on operational efficiency and margin expansion as essential for future success. The dialogue also touches on the evolving role of limited partners, emphasizing risk management and co-investment strategies as vital for navigating this complex landscape.

23 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 14min
Alone on the Ice w/ Arctos' Ian Charles
Ian Charles, Managing Partner at Arctos Sports Partners, is a trailblazer in the secondaries market and sports investing. He shares his unique experiences navigating the complexities of innovation in finance. Charles discusses the importance of creativity in uncovering non-traditional opportunities and fostering trust amidst skepticism. He delves into the intricate dynamics of structured vs. unstructured transactions, highlighting how competition drives liquidity and unique investment strategies. His insights draw fascinating parallels between sports and broader investment practices.

58 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 28min
In a League of His Own w/ Arctos' Ian Charles
Ian Charles, managing partner of Arctos Sports Partners, dives into the dynamic world of sports investing. He discusses the unique strategy of acquiring minority stakes in professional leagues, emphasizing innovation during tumultuous market conditions. Charles highlights the importance of data analytics and relationship-building with team owners. He introduces a new 'alpha diagnostic tool' to enhance operational excellence and shares insights on how AI is reshaping live sports experiences and brand engagement, paving the way for future investment opportunities.

59 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 7min
Is the Classic Buyout Model Still Working?
The podcast dives into the evolution of the buyout model in private equity, highlighting a growing divide between buyout and non-buyout assets. It discusses the rise of specialized funds, including ESG and impact-driven strategies, and the challenges traditional firms face in adapting. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity for firms to analyze specific sectors carefully and adopt an analytics-driven approach for target evaluation, stressing the importance of innovation and a unique value creation playbook in today’s changing landscape.

59 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 13min
Gen AI in Private Equity: Game Changer or Work in Progress?
The conversation dives deep into the transformative potential of generative AI in private equity while emphasizing a cautious approach. It highlights the excitement around deal sourcing and portfolio management, noting significant interest but also the absence of a silver bullet. Insights reveal how AI is reshaping data analysis and expert perspectives, paving the way for improved investment strategies. The discussion also touches on the internal dynamics of firms adapting to these innovative technologies.

34 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 15min
Bain’s 2025 Midyear Private Equity Report: Executive Summary
The discussion dives into Bain's insightful analysis of the private equity landscape amidst current turbulence. It highlights the industry's ongoing challenges and the critical need for strategic adaptation. Listeners learn about potential opportunities lurking within macroeconomic uncertainties and the importance of gearing up for a market recovery. The conversation is both timely and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into what the future might hold for investors.