Private Equity Value Creation Podcast

Shiv Narayanan interviews Mariza Warshawsky, Partner at Assembly Group. Mariza and Shiv discuss Assembly Group’s tried-and-tested process to source and hire for key roles for PE-backed software companies. Learn how the experts recommend laying the groundwork for a successful search, and how to secure the best candidates in a competitive market. Get clarity on what to expect when you’re looking for a function leader who can supercharge portco growth. Resources Learn more about Assembly Group Connect with Mariza Warshawsky - LinkedIn The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv Narayanan interviews Zane Tarence, Partner and Managing Director at Founders Advisors Technology Practice. Zane and Shiv discuss what investors look for in potential acquisitions and how founders can make their businesses more appealing for investment. Get an insider’s perspective on the finance options available to growing businesses, what many founders get wrong, and the factors that make a company investment-grade. Resources Learn more about Founders Advisors Connect with Zane Tarence - LinkedIn Get Zane's book, 17 Reasons Your Company Is Not Investment Grade & What To Do About It  To provide securities-related services discussed herein, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member of FINRA & SiPC. Founders M&A Advisory is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors. Neither Founders M&A Advisory nor Founders Advisors provide investment advice. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv Narayanan interviews Mike Devine, CMO at Fortra. Mike and Shiv discuss how the Fortra marketing function has adapted and scaled to suit the company’s changing needs and consistently drive growth. Learn how they integrated teams, built centres of expertise and maintained open communication with investors. Learn more about Fortra: https://www.fortra.com/ The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv Narayanan interviews Bryce Youngren, Managing Partner at Polaris Growth Fund. Bryce and Shiv discuss how Polaris Growth Fund creates value in smaller businesses, and why this area of the market is under-leveraged. Learn about the tried-and-tested process that has helped them generate impressive returns, including a founder-friendly approach and strategic acceleration teams. Learn more about Polaris Growth Fund Connect with Bryce Youngren - LinkedIn Access the slides Bryce shares The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv Narayanan interviews Daniel Pianko, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and host of the Better Money Better World podcast. Daniel and Shiv discuss how Achieve Partners is using talent development to maximize portfolio company growth, unlock revenue potential, and make positive change for employees and their communities. Learn how Achieve Partners' alternative approach is helping set them apart from other firms and connect them with passionate investors and founders. Resources Learn more about Achieve Partners Connect with Daniel Pianko - LinkedIn Listen to Better Money Better World podcast ⏱️ Time Stamps 00:00 Intro 04:08 Achieve Partners' overall approach and investment thesis 05:38 Their unique strategy for organic growth 08:09 Why this approach makes sense to prioritize from a value-creation perspective 11:28 Achieve Partners’ approach to selecting the right companies to invest in 13:09 How it increases portfolio companies’ gross margins 17:45 The impact on their TAM 22:58 How they pitch LPs on their approach 26:47 How Achieve Partners are making sure they stand out in the war for capital 30:43 The success metrics they use to track their positive impact The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.