Dry Powder: The Private Equity Podcast

Discover how a growing number of investors are taking mid-sized companies private, particularly in the B2B software space. The conversation highlights the surging trend of take-private deals since 2018 and the impact of changing capital costs. Delve into the shift from a 'growth at all costs' mindset to a balanced focus on profitability among tech firms. Learn about the complexities of the 'rule of 40' and the challenges faced by public companies striving for sustainable growth and margin expansion.

The podcast discusses the challenges in the private equity market, including stagnant deal activity, fundraising difficulties, and complexities faced by general partners. It highlights the importance of balancing liquidity and returns, strategies for navigating the changing landscape, and the impact of macroeconomic factors on deal making.

Karen Khalaf, a leading expert in sovereign wealth funds, discusses the evolving strategies of SWFs, emphasizing the balance between financial returns and national interests. Topics include fund archetypes, asset allocation in the GCC, dual mandate funds, and strategic partnerships with GPs.

Jim Strang, Chairman of HgCapital Trust, discusses the future of private equity industry, addressing liquidity challenges, opportunities in the middle market, evolution of capital sources, returns in private equity markets, and future trends such as resiliency and innovation.

Guest Michael Choe from Charlesbank Capital Partners discusses redefining risk management by advocating for asymmetric scenario modeling, short-term analysis, and probabilistic thinking. He emphasizes the importance of considering potential losses, targeting high-yield return distributions, and using back testing tools to enhance decision-making in private equity.

Thoma Bravo’s leading enterprise software investor discusses exit strategies, bid-ask spread challenges, impact of interest rate spikes on valuations, competitive deal structures, efficient debt markets, software's superior business model, evolution of strategic exits in software industry, cloud computing impact, proactive company sourcing, and transformative partnerships in private equity.

Holden Spaht from Thoma Bravo discusses the tech market's growth prospects and strategies for dealing with economic challenges in enterprise software investments. They explore Thoma Bravo's unique approach to tech investing, focusing on operational excellence and profitability. The podcast also delves into strategic insights in private equity deals and optimizing portfolio companies for profitability and valuation.

William Foster from Bridgespan discusses data-driven impact investing in private equity. Topics include social impact metrics, driving change in capital markets, setting standards for impact investing, the balance between market returns and social impact, and the importance of clear metrics in distinguishing impact investing from ESG investing.

Bain’s leading macro expert discusses the impact of Federal Reserve rate cuts, challenges in predicting market behavior, interest rates, inflation, and economic indicators. Analyzing payroll data discrepancies, European economic prospects, and geopolitical risks for investors including the influence of Chinese electric vehicles on the European car industry.

Exploring the shifts in private equity deals from 2022 to 2024, with a focus on high pricing due to intense competition and sellers favoring resilient assets. Analyzing challenges in exits, the need for strategic exits to unlock value, and strategies for maximizing EBITDA. Emphasizing operational improvements and innovation in private equity firms for future success.