Private Equity Funcast

Paul Stansik sits down with Shiv Narayanan—founder of How to SaaS and author of Exit-Ready Marketing—to break down what most private equity firms and portfolio companies get wrong about marketing. They explore how to make marketing a measurable, scalable lever for value creation, from diligence to exit. Shiv shares the frameworks he's used across countless engagements to tie marketing strategy, budget, and team structure to real business outcomes. If you’re tired of vague brand goals and unaccountable spend—or you’re just trying to figure out what “good marketing” looks like in a PE context—this episode gives you the language, metrics, and mindset to make marketing work like a growth function.

Devin sits down with Sameer Shamsi, Co-Head of Houlihan Lokey's GP Led Secondaries group. We cover everything you want to know about continuation vehicles, but were afraid to ask (or too dumb to ask?). What is the difference between LP-led and GP-led? How should GPs talk to their LPs about it? What assets are best suited for CVs? How does company management get treated in a CV? Plus so much more you didn't even pay for.

Greg Munves, CEO of OpenBrand, and Ralph McLaughlin, Chief Economist, dive deep into real-time inflation tracking methods. They unveil their proprietary Consumer Price Index for Durable and Personal Goods, boasting remarkable accuracy. The duo discusses how this index helps manufacturers and retailers optimize pricing strategies in a volatile market. Their scenario-based inflation forecasts empower investors and policymakers with tailored insights. They also shed light on complex discount dynamics and innovative methodologies that are reshaping how we understand consumer pricing.

A conversation with Chris Taylor unveils how companies can integrate generative AI to enhance operations. He tackles the challenges of AI deployment, including the issue of hallucination and the need for performance evaluations. The importance of nurturing a collaborative team environment for effective AI implementation is also highlighted. Additionally, the podcast explores the long-term implications of adopting machine learning, likening it to the early days of mobile apps, while emphasizing the strategic considerations necessary for success.

Greg Munves, CEO of Open Brand, and Kristopher Kubicki, CTO, share their expertise in transforming market intelligence through innovative AI strategies. They discuss how Open Brand emerged from the merger of four companies and the role of AI in providing real-time data insights. The duo highlights the importance of strong relationships during acquisitions and how AI enhances data accuracy while relying on human oversight. They even throw in some humor about AI’s potential influence on the Yankees, making for an entertaining and informative discussion.

Join Alan Williamson, CTO of HiBid, and Kristopher Kubicki, CTO of OpenBrand, as they delve into the recent DeepSeek AI announcement and its seismic impact on the tech and VC sectors. The duo debates whether the hype represents a genuine paradigm shift or just noise. They highlight the rapid evolution of AI, particularly LLMs, in shaping software development and investment strategies. The conversation skips between the challenges of AI adoption and the intriguing dynamics between agile teams and larger enterprises in the ever-changing tech landscape.

Kickstarting 2025, the hosts tackle economic uncertainties and private equity challenges head-on. They explore the integration of AI in portfolio management and stress the importance of refining operations amidst cybersecurity concerns. With insights on avoiding vendor lock-in, they discuss training teams to leverage new tools effectively. The conversation also touches on the psychological pressures faced by investment professionals and the competitive dynamics in securing top deals, all while engaging their audience with genuine, ad-free content.

Discover the power of code analysis tools in addressing technical debt and security risks for private equity-backed firms. The discussion dives into the challenges of due diligence in software acquisitions, especially with legacy systems. Transparency in identifying risks is deemed vital. Learn how AI-driven tools enhance code quality assessments and streamline testing processes. The conversation also touches on the importance of effective communication between technical and non-technical teams, paving the way for informed decision-making in technology transactions.

Jim welcomes old friend and colleague, Jeremy Burton, CEO of Observe, to the podcast. They discuss the importance of observability in modern software development, the evolution of observability, the challenges of distributed applications, and how advancements in data technology and AI are shaping modern software development and troubleshooting.  

Phillip Weinstein, founder of Atropates Capital and seasoned entrepreneur, shares his journey from starting a laundry service in college to launching a search fund. He discusses the distinctiveness of search funds compared to private equity, the challenges of operational leadership, and the importance of assessing deals. Phillip also delves into technical debt in software, integration of AI, and the necessity of understanding customer needs in sales. His insights provide a valuable perspective on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.