Private Equity Fast Pitch

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.

Nate Wasson is Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of HalBar Partners. Based in Chicago, Nate leads strategic fund initiatives related to the research and development of HalBar Partners' investment theses. He is responsible for investment management, impact strategy, and leadership of the firm. He also serves as a Co-founder and principal member of Alvearia* and Founding member of the Angel/VC group Keiretsu Forum Chicago. Nate's prior experience includes consulting with JPMorgan, Principal and Managing Director for Bank of Montreal's US Private Bank, developer of Capital Group's Midwest family office practice, and Senior Managing Director with Silicon Valley Bank. During his tenure developing investment platforms, strategies and office practice, he served as a subject matter expert in private equity, secondaries, impact investment potential and portfolio construction. Nate holds an undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and an MBA from the Yale School of Management with a concentration in asset management, where he studied under Nobel Laureate Robert Schiller, David Swensen, and AJ Wasserman.

Jesse Serventi, a founding partner of Renovus Capital Partners, discusses his expertise in private equity focused on the Knowledge and Talent sectors. He highlights the unique challenges of scaling small, founder-owned businesses, especially in education and healthcare. Jesse shares insights on talent investment and the importance of coaching to enhance value within portfolio companies. Additionally, he reflects on maintaining a balance between a demanding career and personal life, and offers guidance for business owners seeking the right private equity partners for growth.

John Block is the Co-Founder and CEO Unity Partners, a Dallas-based private equity firm that partners investors and operators to build better together.

John Garcia Strategy, Driving Engagement Deliverables John's diverse experience includes leading as an Executive and Entrepreneur in multiple start-ups, small and midmarket companies, and Fortune 500 businesses across energy, tech, life science, food & beverage, and transportation/logistics industries. He has extensive experience in IP licensing, corporate strategy, marketing, private equity, M&A, technology R&D, manufacturing, sales, operations, and board leadership. John currently leads Solyco as managing director and several companies as a strategy executive through management consulting engagements and others as a board member, investor, managing partner, and/or shareholder. John has been a keynote speaker on affecting strategy for Fortune 500 companies, Universities, and various leadership groups. John is a community contributor and leader through Gen Next Global Membership, participation in a symposium on energy and technology through the MIT alumni association, appointment as a Charter School Board Member by the State of Michigan, Advisory Board Member for the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Oakland University, selected as L.B.P. Elite 40 under 40, Big Brother in BBBS for over 10 years, and Leadership Detroit Graduate, among others.

Anthony Maniscalco, Managing Partner at Investcorp's Strategic Capital Group, shares his wealth of experience in private equity. He discusses the growing significance of GP staking and its multifaceted benefits for general partners. Maniscalco dives into strategic co-investing opportunities and emphasizes the importance of relationships and trust in business. He also provides insights into career development, highlighting adaptability and a proactive mindset as crucial traits for success in finance.