Private Equity Value Creation Podcast

Shiv interviews Devin Mathews, Partner at ParkerGale Capital. Shiv and Devin discuss how ParkerGale invests in smaller companies that many firms would consider ‘too hard’. Learn how Devin and his team view potential challenges as value creation opportunities, and how they prioritize their resources in portfolio companies post-close. Plus, hear how to avoid buying the right company at the wrong valuation, how to minimize investment risk, and the value of setting realistic expectations for your return. If you find the podcast helpful, please leave a rating or review. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Hillel Zidel, Managing Director of Kennet Partners. On this episode, Shiv and Hillel focus on how founders and investors can expand companies to international markets – whether that’s going into the U.S., Europe, or APAC. You’ll learn what Hillel’s strategy is for vetting companies and how they address any potential barriers such as language and legal regulations. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Craig Dupper, Founder of Elan Growth Partners.  In this episode, Craig shares his firm’s Partner Equity investing strategy, which includes a value growth and enhancement approach. Shiv and Craig discuss the key areas founders should address to take their business to the next level and where their company might be underinvesting. Learn about the difference between the real and perceived value in a business, and how Elan helps its Founders find their secret sauce to usher their company through the next transition. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Mark Kearney, Fractional CFO of Ascent CFO Solutions.  In this episode, Shiv and Mark discuss how finance can be used as a strategic lever inside companies and should become part of their broader planning process. They discuss when companies usually bring in a fractional CFO and the patterns Mark sees as he works with these businesses. Learn about what a mature budgeting and forecasting process looks like, how Mark creates those for his clients, and how things change when investors become part of the equation.  The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Jason Caplain, Co-Founder and General Partner of Bull City Venture Partners. In this episode, Jason shares why his firm values founders above an idea or business, and walks listeners through a tried-and-tested approach to assessing entrepreneurs and their teams. Founders will take away Jason’s tips on raising capital and leveraging debt, while investors will learn why BCVP prefers to level up B companies rather than competing for A companies.  The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Chip Baird, Managing Partner at GreyLion Capital. Shiv and Chip take a deep dive into GreyLion’s core LIFT (Leadership, Investment, Flexibility, Technology) strategy for optimizing companies to increase enterprise value. Learn how to identify critical leadership gaps and hold new hires accountable, and how a flexible approach to capital structure can help businesses weather challenging macroeconomic environments. Hear how reinvesting earnings accelerated a company’s growth, and how portcos can leverage technology as a value creation tool rather than a cost center. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Anna Talerico, CEO at Corporate Finance Institute and Operating Partner at Arthur Ventures. Learn how capital-efficient companies can make better hiring decisions by focusing on what role they really need to fill. How can companies clearly define those roles and how do they go about finding the best-fit candidates? Plus, when should you invest in cost-center roles like finance and admin, and can/should AI help bridge the gap until your business is ready?  The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Mark Buffington, CEO at BIP Capital and Managing Partner at BIP Ventures.  Learn why the concept of permanent capital from a multistage fund might be a better long-term approach to funding a startup. Mark explains how not all measurements of success are based on the financials, and how that might look different for different companies. Plus, learn how financial engineering might negatively affect a business for long-term thinkers.  The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

On this episode, Shiv interviews Adam Solomon, Partner at Thoma Bravo.Shiv and Adam discuss how Thoma Bravo’s focus on market-leading companies impacts their approach to evaluating assets and value creation. Hear how one of the biggest PE firms in the world approaches due diligence, performance metrics, profitable growth, and founder relationships in high-quality companies. Plus, learn how they leverage pattern recognition and internal benchmarks to maintain a competitive advantage. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.

Shiv interviews Matthew Stevens, Founder of Stevens.VC. Shiv and Matt discuss the business fundamentals that founders and investors should be focusing on in early-stage companies. Hear how to add value and prepare for future investment by professionalizing your business operations, why a deep understanding of your market is critical to success, and what investors look for in early stage companies. Plus, learn about some common founder pitfalls that can be dealbreakers — and how to avoid them. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.