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,...
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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,...
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,...
In this episode, host Alex Rawlings speaks with Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at SpeySide Equity, a private equity firm focused on lower middle-market manufacturing businesses. Eric shares his “fix and build” value creation strategy, the key elements of successful human capital alignment, and why cost accounting is the hidden killer in many portfolio companies. With deep operational experience, Eric offers a grounded perspective on how to avoid overcomplicating PE value creation. 🔍 Key Hig...
📍 Episode Overview: Alex Rawlings welcomes Taavo Godtfredsen and Sam Allison, co-founders of Advantage CEO, to discuss insights from their two-year research study of over 50 private equity-backed CEOs who averaged 6.2x MOIC. They break down the habits, systems, and mindset that separate high-performing CEOs from the rest—and introduce their proven 5X CEO Model. ⏱️ Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introductions Taavo and Sam share their backgrounds and transition into executive coaching for PE-backed...
Note: The securities mentioned in this podcast are not considered a recommendation to buy or sell and once should not presume they will be profitable. In this episode of The Private Equity Podcast, Alex Rawlings welcomes Scott Neuberger, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Karmel Capital, a private equity firm investing in late-stage software and AI companies. Scott shares deep insights into how Karmel Capital leverages AI within its investment process, how they identify and evaluate late-stag...
🗣️ Guest: Carola Kamuff – Presentation Coach | Author of Quick Guide Management Presentation 🎧 Host: Alex Rawlings, Founder of Raw Selection ⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Carola Kamuff Former M&A exec turned expert in coaching management teams for exit presentations. 01:54 – Why Communication Matters Carola explains her shift from numbers to narratives and why people—not just slides—drive deal success. 02:49 – The Biggest Mistake Teams often prepare too little, too late...
In this episode, Alex Rawlings speaks with Jamyn Edis, digital transformation expert, former VC-backed CEO, and NYU professor. Jamyn shares actionable insights on using AI, data, and automation to drive performance across private equity firms and their portfolio companies. From dynamic pricing models and A/B testing to agentic AI and accelerating product cycles, Jamyn explains how to cut through the hype, identify real opportunities, and turn AI into measurable value. ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00...
Guest: Brian Gustason, Operating Partner at Craig Group Host: Alex Rawlings, Founder of Raw Selection 🔍 Episode Summary: In this episode, Brian Gustason shares practical insights on building scalable go-to-market (GTM) strategies for lower-middle-market, PE-backed companies. With over 25 years of operating and advisory experience, Brian explains how to move beyond traditional, backward-looking due diligence and implement forward-focused GTM strategies across marketing, sales, and customer su...
🎙️ The Private Equity Podcast — Niklas James, Founder of Minds Capital Host: Alex Rawlings | Guest: Niklas James In this episode, Alex is joined by Niklas James, Founder of Minds Capital, an independent sponsor investment platform. They explore what sets successful sponsors apart, why industry specialization matters, and how media can supercharge inbound deal flow. 🕒 Episode Highlights 00:00 – Niklas’ background: Bain, VC, HBS, and independent sponsor journey 01:17 – Founding Minds Cap...
🎙️ The Private Equity Podcast — Episode with Cyril Aboujaoude, Co-Founder of TioPo Capital In this episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Cyril Aboujaoude, Co-Founder of TioPo Capital, a hands-on private equity firm investing in SMEs across the UK and France. Cyril shares the journey of launching TioPo, their operationally driven approach to investing, and how young, entrepreneurial grit fueled their path from deal number one to a thriving portfolio. They explore the nuances of deal origination,...
Guest: Greg Nieuwenhuys – PE Operator & Founder, Generative AI Strategy Host: Alex Rawlings – CEO, Raw Selection 🔍 Episode Summary: Greg Nieuwenhuys returns to share a practical, step-by-step AI Playbook for hiring. From writing job descriptions to automating follow-ups, Greg breaks down how PE firms and portfolio companies can integrate generative AI into recruitment. Packed with tools, tactics, and workflow tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to hire faster, smarter,...
🎙️ The Private Equity Podcast – Mark Strauch, Founding Partner & President, Alpine Investors ⏱️ Key Takeaways & Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro Alex welcomes Mark Strauch to discuss Alpine’s unique leadership-driven approach in private equity. 01:00 – From CEO to PE Leader Mark shares his journey from operator to co-founding Alpine, now with $20B+ AUM. 02:08 – The Industry’s Problem: Lack of Differentiation Alpine avoids the “deal shop” model, focusing instead on mission-driven, talent-l...
In this episode, Alex Rawlings speaks with Amias Gerety, Partner at QED Investors, a leading fintech-focused VC firm managing nearly $1B in assets. Amias shares insights on venture capital strategy, staying disciplined during market hype, sourcing deals, and how lessons from his time at the U.S. Treasury shape his investment decisions today. ⏱ Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Intro & QED Overview QED’s structure, fintech focus, and global reach. 01:20 – VC Mistakes & Market Hype The dang...
Episode Overview In this episode, Alex Rawlings welcomes Michael Von Bevern, Co-Managing Director for Sunterra Fund Services, to discuss the evolving landscape of fund administration in private equity. Michael shares nearly two decades of experience, working with over 500 fund managers, and offers invaluable insight into common mistakes first-time managers make, the growing role of fund administration, and why outsourcing has become the gold standard for operational efficiency and investor co...
In this episode, host Alex Rawlings is joined by Joe Basrawy, Managing Director at Partners Capital, a global multi-asset investment firm serving some of the world's most sophisticated investors — including private equity founders, endowments, and family offices. Joe offers a rare and in-depth look at the Limited Partner (LP) perspective — covering common pitfalls private equity firms make, what LPs are really looking for, and how to stand out in a crowded market. He also shares a masterclass...
In this episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Jeremiah Wanzell, a seasoned consumer brand executive with leadership roles at Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein, and now an operating partner working with private equity firms to drive growth in the consumer sector. Jeremiah shares his insights into the evolving role of the operating partner, value creation beyond financial engineering, the importance of omnichannel strategy, and how consumer-focused PE firms can win in a shifting market. ⏱️ Timestamps 00...
🔹 Episode Overview: In this episode, we’re joined by William Quartner, Partner at Prelude Growth Partners, a New York-based private equity firm dedicated to the high-growth consumer space. William shares insights from his impressive journey through investment banking and private equity at firms like Goldman Sachs and TowerBrook Capital, to now helping build Prelude Growth from its inception to the recent close of Fund III. He explores critical investment lessons, the importance of talent, co...
Guest: Greg Moran – Multi-exit founder, investor, and Managing Partner at Evergreen Mountain Equity Partners Host: Alex Rawlings, Founder of Raw Selection ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – Introduction to Greg Moran Alex welcomes Greg Moran, a multi-exit founder turned investor, and Managing Partner at Evergreen Mountain Equity Partners. Greg introduces his background in scaling businesses, raising $500M+ in capital, and his current focus on future-of-work technologies. 01:29 – Biggest Mis...
🕒 Episode Timestamps & Show Notes 00:00 – Introduction Alex welcomes John Dwyer, Founder of The Institute of WOW, to explore how direct response marketing can drive real results for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. 00:53 – What is WOW Factor Marketing? John explains his flipped model: get prospects to try your product so they fall in love with your brand—not the other way around. 02:16 – The Power of Incentives Examples like McDonald’s Happy Meals and Kellogg’s...
Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Brett Hickey, the CEO and founder of Star Mountain Capital. Brett shares his unique journey from humble beginnings in Northwestern Canada to leading a multi-billion-dollar asset management firm in the U.S. With deep reflections on leadership, value-based investing, building collaborative ecosystems, and what truly drives sustainable success in private markets, this is a masterclass in private equity thinking. Brett also ...
🧠 Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Brian Reavell, Founder of R-Squared Advisors and seasoned Private Equity Operating Partner, to dive deep into the world of go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Brian shares a comprehensive GTM playbook for PE-backed portfolio companies—spanning from due diligence and customer segmentation to talent evaluation and post-investment execution. With over two decades of commercial leadership and consulting experience, Brian explai...
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,...
