Private Equity Fast Pitch

Sunaina Sinha Haldea is the Global Head of the Private Capital Advisory group. Prior to joining Raymond James, she was the founder and Managing Partner of Cebile Capital, a placement agent and secondaries advisor, which was acquired by Raymond James, a Fortune 500 and NYSE-listed company, in May 2021. Under her leadership, Cebile Capital quickly became one of the leading advisors to private funds sponsors globally. In her tenure, Sunaina has executed fundraises for leading private equity funds and completed over a hundred secondaries transactions for GPs and LPs alike, including multifarious complex liquidity solutions. Ms. Sinha Haldea was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Private Equity by Dow Jones Private Equity News for consecutive years in 2022 and 2023.  Ms. Sinha Haldea is also a prolific angel investor and Non-Executive Director. She served as Chairman of the Board of Mindful Chef (now Nestle), and Chairman of the Board of Barrecore (now United Fitness Brands). She currently serves on the Boards of SFC Energy AG, listed on the Stoxx, and Grana LLC. Ms. Sinha Haldea has also been a Guest Lecturer at Stanford University serves on the boards of the Stanford Institution for Economic Policy Research and the Stanford LEAD Council. She has written and published case studies for the Stanford Technology Ventures Program in the Stanford School of Engineering. Ms. Sinha Haldea is a regular contributor on the financial markets and private equity on CNBC, Bloomberg, BBC and is often quoted in the media on market insights and private capital advisory. She has won numerous awards and accolades for entrepreneurship and leadership. Sunaina is passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She often credits meditation as the key to her success and has shared her personal and professional journey on podcasts. Ms. Sinha Haldea obtained a BS in Management Science and Engineering and an MS in Chemical Engineering, both from Stanford University where she was also a Mayfield Fellow. She has an MBA from Harvard Business School. In her spare time, Ms. Sinha Haldea is a keen wine enthusiast, having qualified as a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Masters Sommeliers.

In this special episode of Northstar’s Private Equity Fast Pitch, we shine the spotlight on our usual host, Jeff Henningsen, as he steps out from behind the microphone to become the guest of honor. Join Greg and Charlie as they delve into the fascinating life and career of Jeff, President and CEO of Lockton Companies – Texas Series. From his early days as a starting quarterback at the University of Missouri—where he once tackled the legendary Brian Bosworth—to his rise as a dynamic entrepreneur and influential leader in insurance and M&A, Jeff’s journey is a testament to his versatility and drive. Known for his engaging storytelling and leadership prowess, Jeff maintains his composure through a lively discussion, even as they touch on the legendary “lost” first taping attempt of this episode. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into Jeff’s life, exploring his beginnings in Maryville, Missouri, his philosophy on kindness, and the origins of Northstar. Discover how Jeff transitioned from mowing lawns and selling a lawn care business to becoming a prominent figure in private equity and M&A. Tune in for an engaging and insightful chat that reveals the mindset behind Jeff’s success and the principles that guide him.

Greg Belinfanti, a seasoned investment leader in the healthcare sector with extensive experience in private equity, shares his insights in a compelling discussion. He dives into the trend of transforming healthcare to home-based care, highlighting successful investment strategies. Belinfanti also discusses the importance of networking and relationship-building in private equity, along with strategies for founders to scale their businesses. With anecdotes from his diverse career, he emphasizes the value of collaboration and empowering leadership in achieving growth.

Adam Feinstein is the Managing Partner of Vesey Street Capital Partners.  Mr. Feinstein has 30 years of investment experience exclusively in the healthcare services sector. Prior to founding Vesey Street Capital Partners in 2014, he was a Managing Director on Wall Street and a healthcare industry executive. He held the position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Strategic Investments, and Office of the Chief Executive Officer at LabCorp. Before his tenure at LabCorp, he spent 14 years as the Managing Director in Equity Research at Lehman Brothers/Barclays Capital. Mr. Feinstein is the Chairman of VSCP’s investment committee. He is also actively involved in working with portfolio company executives and sourcing new investment opportunities. At the same time, he oversees all of the firm’s investment activities and employees. Mr. Feinstein’s footprint in the industry is notable, as he is currently the Lead Director of AirSculpt Technologies (NASDAQ: AIRS), ScribeAmerica, Safecor Health, GastroMD, Inceptua, and PathGroup. Previously, Adam served on the board of QualityMetric, Imedex, and Surgery Partners (NASDAQ: SGRY). From his extensive experience at Lehman Brothers and LabCorp, Mr. Feinstein has cultivated invaluable relationships within the industry.  He achieved the top ranking in the Institutional Investor All-America Research Survey for the Health Care Facilities category for 8 consecutive years. Adam is a CFA charter holder with a B.S. in Business from the Smith School at the University of Maryland. Additionally, he was a member of the Inaugural Class of Nashville’s Healthcare Council Fellows program.

Brad is a Partner of LMP and a member of its Investment Committee. He joined the firm in 2009. Prior to LMP, Brad was part of the Financial Institutions Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he focused on M&A and capital raising transactions for the firm’s investment banking clients. Previously, Brad was an Assistant Vice President in Bank of America’s Finance Group. Brad began his career in a strategic advisory group within Wachovia Corporation.   Brad is currently a member of the Boards of Directors of ACU-Serve, Omni Healthcare Financial, Pathstone, S&S Health, SRS Acquiom and STP Investment Services, and previously served on the boards of Commercial Credit Inc., First Allied Holdings Inc. and LSQ Funding.   Brad received an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Devon Kirk is Co-Head & Partner, Portage Capital Solutions at Portage and joined the firm in 2022. Devon is responsible for co-leading growth equity, structured equity and special situations investments in financial technology and financial services companies globally, as well as driving the fund’s overall strategy. She is based in Toronto, Canada. Prior to Portage, Devon spent over ten years at CPP Investments, a C$539 billion fund as of March 31, 2022. She was most recently Managing Director & Head of Capital Solutions, overseeing financials, special situations and esoteric investments, and a member of the Global Leadership Team. Previously, Devon was a Managing Director in the Direct Private Equity team, where she focused on the financials and TMT sectors. While at CPP Investments, Devon was on the Board of Wilton Re, a Board Observer for Altice USA and served on various firm investment committees. Prior to joining CPP Investments, Devon was in Corporate / M&A at Linklaters LLP, a London-based multinational law firm, and started her career in M&A at BMO Harris Nesbitt in Chicago. Devon received a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with Great Distinction, from McGill University and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. She is also a CFA Charterholder and Chair of the Bishop Strachan School.

Today's special episode isn't just about giving advice. It offers valuable insights into life's journey, including the highs and lows, shared by top professionals in private equity and investment banking. We've put together a video showcasing college photos of our speakers, linking their past experiences to the present. Join us as we explore their paths and discover what it takes to fulfill your dreams. Featured guests: Chris Sznewajs, Pacific Avenue Capital (4:57) Marc J. Leder, Sun Capital Partners (9:52) Neha Markle, Morgan Stanley (14:31) Michael Bego, Kline Hill Partners (17:54) Christiaan van der Kam, Schroders Capital (24:47) Mark Sotir, Equity Group Investments (26:27) Jeff Collins, Cloverlay (29:10) Chris Burbach, Fundamental Income (33:08) Rami Cassis, Parabellum Investments (34:40) Christopher Merrill, Harrison Street (36:50) Ross Jones, Berkshire Partners (39:58) Jeffrey Stevenson, VSS Capital Partners (44:34) Pardis Nasseri, Palm Tree LLC (46:40) Michael Butler, Cascadia Capital (49:12) Drew Maloney, American Investment Council (50:45) Ben Fraser, Aspen Funds (52:21) Anthony Maniscalco, Investcorp (54:43) John Garcia - Solyco Capital (59:33) John Block - Unity Partners (1:00:44) Jesse Serventi - Renovus Capital (1:01:47) Nate Wasson - Halbar Partners (1:03:20) Scott Reed, HighVista Strategies (1:06:19) Gregory Bondick - Windjammer Capital (1:07:28) Jeffrey Miehe - Windjammer Capital (1:11:16)

Jeff is a Managing Principal at Windjammer Capital, where he co-leads the firm’s Management and Investment Committees.  Together with the other Managing Principals, Jeff is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the firm and management of the investment staff, diligence/operating protocols, the partnerships, and administrative functions. Jeff received his BS in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University.   Jeff joined Windjammer in 2007 and has significant experience in private equity investing and mergers & acquisitions with over 30 years of experience in working solely with niche-oriented, middle-market companies. Prior to Windjammer, Jeff was a principal at an industrial-oriented private equity, where he was also a member of the firm's investment committee and was a principal at a Los Angeles-based M&A boutique firm where he provided strategic and M&A advice to middle-market entrepreneurial companies. He currently serves on the boards of AXH, Paragon Energy Solutions, IPS Group, Compex Legal Services, Vital Records Control, Mission Critical Electronics and Flinn Scientific; previously, he served on the boards of JWC Environmental, Infinite RF Holdings, and BBB Industries on behalf of Windjammer. 

Greg is a Managing Principal at Windjammer Capital, where he co-leads the firm’s Management and Investment Committees. Greg has over 30 years investment experience including 24 years of private equity investing since joining Windjammer in 2000 to help establish the firm’s East Coast presence. In conjunction with Windjammer’s other Managing Principal, he is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the firm and management of the investment staff, diligence/operating protocols, the partnerships, and administrative functions. He currently serves on the boards of BioXCell, Radix Wire & Cable, Fecon, Hilco Vision, TRG, Component Hardware Group and Propel Health; he previously served on the boards of Hermetics Solutions Group, Parts Town, Heritage Food Service Group, Advanced Instruments, Protective Industries (“Caplugs”), S.T. Specialty Foods, Rotex Holdings and Maxcess International. Prior to joining Windjammer, Greg was with Prudential Capital's Corporate Finance Group in Dallas, Texas, where he was responsible for originating, structuring and managing private debt and equity investments in companies located in the Southwest United States. At Prudential, Greg was involved in transactions aggregating approximately $2 billion spanning a variety of industries. Greg received his BBA from The University of Texas at Austin and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Scott Reed, Partner at HighVista Strategies, discusses transitioning from PE GP to LP, uncovering opportunities in underutilized asset classes, and navigating lower-middle market PE investments. He emphasizes hard work, curiosity, and quotes for career growth, and explores challenges in the sector while enjoying the journey and exploring investment options for limited partners.