The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Maxwell Neen, Chairman of Family Office Insider and Managing Partner at Black Mountain Capital, shares insights from his extensive experience in family office investing. He discusses the concept of 10X deals, arguing that aiming higher can simplify investment execution. Maxwell introduces a three-leg framework for identifying promising opportunities while showcasing examples of transforming waste into profit, like avocado seeds and Guinness spoilage. He also highlights trends in mining and renewable energy, emphasizing the differences between family office and private equity mindsets.

Marc Adams, a private equity and acquisitions expert, shares his inspiring journey from a stage 4 cancer diagnosis to leading Acquisitions for You. He introduces his 'Double and Keep It' framework, aimed at helping business owners double their value while retaining 70-90% post-sale. With over 40 years of expertise, Marc explains how he raised $350M for non-traditional exits and transformed a company from $140M to a $1B valuation. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with operational teams and adapting strategies for new markets.

Overview:In this high-energy episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Brad Pilcher, Partner and Co-Founder at Bonaccord Capital Partners, a leading mid-market GP Stakes investor. Brad shares his fascinating journey from aspiring concert pianist to private equity investor, and dives deep into how the private equity world is evolving — particularly around culture, capital, talent, and growth.They explore how mid-market firms can scale successfully, the five principles guiding Bonaccord’s strategy, and why “professionalization” is now essential across PE — from investor relations and origination to team structuring and multi-product growth.🔑 Key Topics:[00:00] Brad’s background & founding Bonaccord Capital Partners[01:54] Lessons from Bridgewater: culture, ambition, client-focus[06:34] Brad’s 5 core principles for investing and business success[13:05] Why Bonaccord targets the mid-market: stability + growth[17:38] Institutional capital shift towards mid-market PE[20:29] Mistakes PE firms make: lack of evolution, strategy, or value creation[24:17] Fundraising playbook: off-cycle marketing, transparency, and LP engagement[31:18] The professionalization of private equity – talent, IR, and origination[36:07] State of the GP Stakes market & why liquidity concerns are overblown[42:04] Surge in control acquisitions & how it impacts GP Stakes[44:50] What Brad reads: quarterly reports, Bridgewater research, biographies & astrophysics📌 Notable Quotes:“In business as in life, the only constant is change.”“Great firms know who they are, and evolve with purpose.”“People, not spreadsheets, drive performance.”“The best GP Stake firms bring capital and value creation.”📚 Resources & Mentions:Bonaccord Capital Partners – bonaccordcapital.comBrad Pilcher on LinkedIn – Connect HereEdgar SEC Filings, Bridgewater macro research, A.V. Loeb’s astrophysics workRaw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.comLooking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guidesfor proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. 

In a captivating discussion, Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at SpeySide Equity, shares his insights from decades of operational and private equity experience. He delves into his 'fix and build' strategy for enhancing lower-middle-market manufacturers, emphasizing EBITDA improvement and strategic growth. Eric reveals the critical role of aligning human capital and warns about the dangers of poor cost accounting. He highlights the importance of hiring leaders with operational backgrounds and stresses the need for transparency during due diligence.

Taavo Godtfredsen and Sam Allison, co-founders of Advantage CEO, dive into their extensive research on private equity-backed CEOs who achieve impressive 6.2x MOIC. They discuss the common pitfalls CEOs face, like holding onto average talent and letting strategy get stuck at the top. Learn about their fascinating 5X CEO Model, which emphasizes strategic clarity, scalable talent, and disciplined execution. Plus, they share practical tools for talent reviews and innovative exercises to anticipate disruptive risks.

Scott Neuberger, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Karmel Capital, shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor. He discusses the importance of capital efficiency in evaluating late-stage tech and the role of seasoned management in shaping outcomes. Scott reveals how Karmel leverages AI to streamline data analysis, allowing for deeper insights. He advises portfolio leaders to implement AI in labor-intensive areas like customer support for immediate impact, and explains Karmel's focus on infrastructure investments in sectors like cybersecurity.

Carola Kamuf, a former M&A professional turned presentation coach, shares her expertise on making impactful management presentations for exit processes. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling over mere slides for engaging investors. Carola highlights common pitfalls, including under-preparation and the misconception that rehearsals suffice. Even seasoned execs can benefit from coaching, as it sharpens clarity and aligns teams. With just a few focused sessions, presenters can significantly enhance their delivery and investor engagement.

Jamyn Edis, a digital transformation expert and NYU professor, dives into the intersection of AI and private equity. He emphasizes the need for firms to treat data as a strategic asset rather than mere plumbing. Jamyn showcases how AI can enhance predictive analytics, optimize pricing, and improve operations, citing his work with Take-Two Interactive as a case study. He predicts that every private equity firm will need their own AI stack and encourages firms to embrace experimentation and build real AI products, not just demos.

In this discussion, Brian Gustason, an Operating Partner at Craig Group with 25 years of expertise in go-to-market strategies, shares invaluable insights for private equity-backed businesses. He critiques traditional due diligence methods, emphasizing the need for forward-thinking approaches. Through a compelling case study, he illustrates transforming a $30M distributor into a structured powerhouse. Brian highlights the significance of ideal customer profiles, lead qualification techniques, and the power of marginal gains in sales metrics for exponential growth.

Niklas James, Founder of Minds Capital and a Harvard MBA with a Bain background, shares insights on how to differentiate in private equity beyond just being 'founder-friendly.' He emphasizes the power of storytelling and niche expertise in driving better deals. Niklas discusses using podcasting and LinkedIn for deal flow, explaining how media can enhance selectivity and transparency in sponsor assessment. With case studies illustrating successful investments, he reveals the strategic importance of valuing relationships and expertise in the investment landscape.