Shows
CapLink GroupThe Operating Partner Role Has Changed More in Five Years Than the Previous TwentyThe operating partner has gone from a niche capability to a standard feature of private equity, but the role itself is changing faster than most people have adapted to it. Fredrik Bürger of EY traces how the function has evolved over two decades: from later-stage involvement to early diligence integration, from financial engineering to genuine operational transformation, and from internal resource to a source of healthy tension with portfolio company leadership that requires real emotional intelligence to manage well.Recorded at the European Private Capital Summit in London, this conversation covers the value c...
2026-05-1513 min
CapLink GroupPrivate Credit Isn't in Crisis. It's Going Through Its First Real CycleAfter fifteen years without a true credit cycle, an uptick in defaults across private and public credit markets is neither surprising nor a signal of structural failure. It is the market functioning as it should. Natalia Tsitoura of Apollo makes a measured and confident case for why the fundamental supply and demand dynamics that created private credit remain intact, and why the firms that will define the next decade are the ones willing to innovate on structure rather than rely on what worked in the last one. In conversation with Diala Minott of Paul Hastings, the discussion...
2026-05-0615 min
CapLink GroupThe Operating Partner Role Has Changed More in Five Years Than the Previous TwentyThe operating partner has gone from a niche capability to a standard feature of private equity, but the role itself is changing faster than most people have adapted to it. Fredrik Bürger of EY traces how the function has evolved over two decades: from later-stage involvement to early diligence integration, from financial engineering to genuine operational transformation, and from internal resource to a source of healthy tension with portfolio company leadership that requires real emotional intelligence to manage well. Recorded at the European Private Capital Summit in London, this conversation covers the value creation levers that a...
2026-05-0613 min
CapLink GroupWhy Your Tax Team Should Be in the Room Before the Deal Is DoneThe best in-house tax teams in private capital are not waiting to be consulted. They are in the room before a deal is structured, translating complex legislation into decisions investment teams can actually act on. Ed Hammond of Coller Capital makes the case that the shift from compliance function to trusted business advisor is not just cultural. It requires tax professionals to understand the commercial logic of a transaction well enough to know when some tax leakage is simply the cost of doing good business.In conversation with Laura Underhill of Clifford Chance, the discussion covers the...
2026-05-0622 min
CapLink GroupBeyond Compliance: How Private Markets Are Embedding Sustainability Into ReturnsThe sustainability conversation in private markets has shifted. The external pressure that once defined the agenda has given way to something more fundamental: integrating ESG directly into how capital is deployed and how portfolio companies are built. Elsa Palanza, Global Head of Sustainability at ICG, makes the case that the most effective sustainability teams are not running parallel processes. They are embedded alongside deal teams from the start.In conversation with Matt Feehily of Simpson Thacher, the discussion covers the multidisciplinary skill sets sustainability leadership now demands, the governance and environmental challenges posed by AI at scale...
2026-05-0614 min
CapLink GroupExit Readiness Isn't a Phase. It's a Day-One Mindset.Portfolio operations has grown from a function that fixed struggling companies into a core driver of returns across the entire investment lifecycle. Selim Loukil of Advent traces how that shift has played out in practice. Earlier involvement during diligence, longer engagement periods that now stretch to 36 months or more, and an explicit focus on building internal capabilities so the operating partner ultimately makes themselves redundant.In conversation with Paul Reading of Accordion, the discussion covers the growing role of Chief Transformation Officers inside portfolio companies, why emotional intelligence has become as important as technical expertise in driving...
2026-05-0626 min
CapLink GroupThe Hardest Part of AI Transformation Isn't the TechnologyThe tools exist. The investment theses are written. The harder problem — the one that actually determines whether AI transformation delivers — is human. James Redmayne of Searchlight Capital makes a clear-eyed case for why change management, not technology, is the defining challenge of AI adoption in private equity and portfolio operations.In conversation with Rakhi Williams of FTI Consulting, the discussion covers how firms are building proprietary AI workflows internally, why senior advocacy from founders and leaders is non-negotiable, and the growing role of transformation officers as a permanent fixture in value creation.
2026-04-1513 min
CapLink GroupThe Talent Mistake Most PE Firms Keep MakingValue creation plans only work if the right people are executing them. Christian Trumpler of Partners Group makes the case that talent selection failures in private equity almost always trace back to the same root cause: a lack of clarity on what a role actually needs to deliver — before the assessment process even begins.In conversation with Hein Knaapen of CEO.works, the discussion covers psychometric tools, the critical intelligence of the offer stage, how to structure genuinely prioritised strategic initiatives, and why frontline managers remain the most underleveraged lever in portfolio performance.
2026-04-1527 min
CapLink GroupWhy Most AI Use Cases in PE Don't Move the P&LEveryone in private equity is running AI pilots. Far fewer are seeing it show up on the P&L. Valerie Legat of Astorg brings a portfolio operator's perspective on why the gap between use case and real impact remains stubbornly wide — and what it actually takes to move from isolated experiments to repeatable, productised solutions across a portfolio.In conversation with Dean Hill of ECI, the discussion covers the two distinct AI implementation tracks for portfolio companies, the role of communities of practice in scaling knowledge, and why the next 12 to 18 months will be de...
2026-04-1520 min
CapLink GroupFrom Hype to ROI: AI's Real Role in Private MarketsThe AI conversation in private equity has moved on. It's no longer about what's possible — it's about what's working, what's worth building, and what actually moves the needle on returns. Jesse Thomas of Advent brings a practitioner's perspective on how data science teams are being deployed inside PE firms and across portfolio companies, from deal acceleration to churn modelling to workflow-embedded automation.In conversation with Joel Burnette of BlueFlame AI, the discussion cuts through the noise on build-vs-buy decisions, the enduring importance of clean data, and where human judgement remains irreplaceable as automation rises.
2026-04-1528 min
CapLink GroupBeyond the Macro: How Europe's Best Deals Get DoneEuropean private equity doesn't move on macro headlines — it moves on value creation at the company level. David Atterbury of HarbourVest breaks down the three forces reshaping the European mid-market: sector specialisation, digitisation, and the professionalisation of founder-led businesses. He also makes the case for why small-cap and mid-market fundraising is at record levels, even as broader sentiment remains cautious.The conversation — hosted by Karen Guch of Baker McKenzie — covers the maturation of the secondary market as a genuine fourth exit route, the rise of continuation vehicles, and why healthcare infrastructure and B2B recurr...
2026-04-1526 min
CapLink GroupWhy the Best GP-Led Deals Go to Smaller SyndicatesThe GP-led secondary market is expanding — but deal flow is outpacing available capital, and the best transactions are increasingly going to smaller, trusted syndicates rather than the widest possible investor base. Carlo Pirzio-Biroli of CVC unpacks why execution risk has become the central concern for high-quality GPs, and what secondary buyers are actually looking for when they evaluate a continuation vehicle: market-standard terms, genuine alignment, and above all, the quality of the management team behind the asset.In conversation with Christian Good of Macfarlanes, the discussion covers the entry of buyout shops into the GP...
2026-04-1527 min
CapLink GroupHow EQT Builds the Leadership Layer Behind Its ReturnsEQT has spent thirty years building a model where external expertise — through a global network of industrial advisers — sits alongside financial investment as a core value creation tool. Bettina Siempelkamp, EQT's Global Head of Network and Talent, offers a rare inside view of how that model has evolved: from advising deal teams on management assessments and CEO transitions, to building AI-literate boards, to quietly incubating the next generation of CFO talent from within.In conversation with Cosmo Lush of True, the discussion covers the troika governance model that underpins EQT's portfolio relationships, the persistent challenge of recruiting seni...
2026-04-1419 min
ECI PulseFrom Buzzword to Business Impact: Embedding AI Across Portfolio Companies | CapLink Group European Summit 2026What does it actually take to move AI from a talking point to tangible business value in a private equity portfolio? In this episode, ECI's Executive Director Dean Hill sits down with Valérie Legat, Managing Director and Head of Digital at Astorg, to explore exactly that.Valérie shares how Astorg has built two structured AI workstreams across more than 25 portfolio companies — one focused on driving operational efficiency in go-to-market and customer operations, and another on fundamentally rewiring software-heavy companies to put AI at the core of their product development. Central to their approach is a thri...
2026-04-0920 min
CapLink GroupSustainability & ESG: Building Value at Scale with Betty Huber & Devon LeahyIntegrating sustainability into private equity isn't about compliance checklists - it's about creating value through brand positioning, cost efficiency, talent strategies, and operational resilience.In this season finale conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Betty Huber, Partner and Global Co-Chair of ESG at Latham & Watkins, speaks with Devon Leahy, Global Head of Sustainability at L Catterton, about building a sustainability program from the ground up across a $37 billion consumer-focused portfolio.Devon shares how she's worked with 22 portfolio companies in her first year by speaking the language of...
2025-12-1219 min
CapLink GroupHow Private Capital Firms Are Leveraging Generative AI with Jeffrey Klein & Dr. Katia WalshGenerative AI is transforming how private capital firms operate - from portfolio insights and due diligence to automating back-office functions and making institutional knowledge instantly accessible across organizations.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Jeffrey Klein, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, speaks with Dr. Katia Walsh, AI Lead for Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions at Apollo, about how firms are deploying AI to gain competitive advantages.They explore critical questions: Can AI identify disruption threats to portfolio companies before they materialize? How are firms using AI...
2025-12-0820 min
CapLink GroupPrivate Equity: Navigating Tax Considerations with Nancy Mehlman & Laura WarrenTax strategy can make or break private equity returns - from state tax implications and interest deductibility on leveraged buyouts to optimizing capital gains treatment and planning for exits.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Nancy Mehlman, Co-Head of Tax Practice at Simpson Thacher, speaks with Laura Warren, Global Head of Tax and Structuring at Hamilton Lane, about the critical tax considerations shaping private equity deals today.They discuss strategies to maximize returns and minimize liabilities in an evolving tax environment, explore international tax compliance...
2025-12-0822 min
CapLink GroupHuman Capital: How Talent Drives Value with Chris Gagnon & Annie PaydarIn private equity, human capital is one of the most valuable assets - the right talent can identify opportunities, execute growth strategies, and directly impact portfolio company performance and returns.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Chris Gagnon, Managing Director at CEO Works, speaks with Annie Paydar, Global Head of Human Capital at General Atlantic, about how talent drives value creation in today's transformational market.They discuss real-world case studies for identifying, onboarding, and retaining talented individuals who have directly impacted positive returns. The conversation...
2025-12-0812 min
CapLink GroupGlobal Economic Outlook for Private Markets with Mark Pepler & Derek MillsUnderstanding the macroeconomic forces shaping global markets is essential for private market investors navigating inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty.In this closing keynote conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Mark Pepler, Partner at EY, speaks with Derek Mills, Managing Director of Value Creation at Permira, about the global economic outlook and its implications for private market investing.They explore how leading private funds are future-proofing their portfolios, discuss investment strategies and risk management approaches in today's volatile environment, and examine the geopolitical shifts that are reshaping...
2025-12-0322 min
CapLink GroupFund Operations & Formation with Katie St. Peters & Dipo AshiruNavigating fund operations and formation has become increasingly complex as regulatory requirements from the Securities and Exchange Commission continue to evolve, impacting how fund managers structure, launch, and operate private markets funds.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Katie St. Peters, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, speaks with Dipo Ashiru, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Veritas Capital, about the key legal and structural considerations fund managers face today.They discuss recent SEC regulatory developments, explore best practices for adapting to compliance changes, and share strategies...
2025-12-0333 min
CapLink GroupInvesting in US Private Equity: Navigating Inflation & Capitalizing on Dry PowderWith record levels of dry powder in the market and economic uncertainties including inflation and rising interest rates, private equity investors face both challenges and opportunities in today's environment.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Andy Thompson, Founder and CEO of Notch Partners, speaks with Drew Schardt, Managing Director and Co-Head of Direct Equity Investments at Hamilton Lane, about navigating the current US private equity landscape.They explore sectors with the potential to deliver higher returns, discuss how geopolitical risks are shaping investment decisions, and examine the role of digital transformation...
2025-11-2429 min
CapLink GroupMacro Economic Outlook: Market Insights from Nasdaq's Chief EconomistIn an era of economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, understanding the macro landscape is critical for private capital investors making strategic decisions.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Carrie Osman, Founder and CEO of Cruxy, speaks with Michael Normyle, U.S. Economist at Nasdaq, about the current macroeconomic environment and what it means for investors.They discuss key economic indicators, market trends, interest rate impacts, and the broader forces shaping investment strategies in private equity and alternative assets. This conversation provides essential context for fund managers and institutional investors navigating today's complex economic landscape...
2025-11-2409 min
CapLink GroupSecondaries: What Does the Future Hold?The secondaries market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 2024 seeing record transaction volumes that have surpassed all previous highs. As institutional investors seek liquidity and portfolio rebalancing solutions, the market continues to evolve with increasing sophistication.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Sijia Cai, Partner in Investment Management at Davis Polk, speaks with Ben Perl, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Secondary Private Equity at Neuberger Berman, about the future of the secondaries market.They explore how robust deal flow and market maturation are driving the sector forward, with private equity firms and secondary buyers increasingly...
2025-11-1720 min
CapLink GroupHealthcare Investing: Opportunities in Telemedicine, Healthcare IT & Aging ServicesThe healthcare sector presents compelling opportunities for private equity investors, driven by an aging population, increased demand for services, and rapid innovations in medical technology.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, Christopher Raphaely, Co-Chair of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Cozen O'Connor, speaks with Mark Gormley, Managing Partner at Lee Equity, about the most promising investment opportunities in today's healthcare landscape.They explore growth sectors including telemedicine, healthcare IT, and aging services, while addressing the impact of changing regulations and reimbursement uncertainties. The discussion focuses on how private equity firms can capitalize on healthcare's growth potential...
2025-11-1422 min
CapLink GroupThe Evolving CFO: Leading Through Operational ComplexityAs U.S. private equity firms scale, CFOs are navigating unprecedented operational challenges—from evolving regulations and increasing LP demands to modernizing legacy systems and managing complex fund structures.In this conversation from the New York Private Capital Summit, William Andreoni, Partner and National Asset Management Consulting Leader at RSM US LLP, speaks with Thomas Mayrhofer, Chief Financial Officer of DigitalBridge, about the mounting pressures facing finance leaders today.They discuss critical priorities including automation strategies, co-investment oversight, addressing data silos, and resource constraints that operations teams face daily. This is an essential conversation for CFOs and finance professionals le...
2025-11-1418 min
Real Life Mortgage SolutionsLending Beyond Borders: The Mexico Mortgage Market with Brian MengesIn this episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane welcomes Brian Menges, a long-time leader in private mortgage lending and the founder of Caplink Financial and SoBankable. Brian shares his journey from building one of Western Canada’s well-known MICs to expanding lending operations into the United States and Mexico.They unpack how SoBankable is filling a unique gap for Canadians and Americans purchasing second homes in Mexico, where traditional banks often can’t lend. Brian explains the differences between lending in Canada and Mexico, including how the fideicomiso (bank trust) works in rest...
2025-10-2826 min
T-Minus: Space-Cyber BriefingEurope’s satellite megafactory gets a boost.Aerospacelab has closed an extended Series B funding round totaling €94 million. SpaceX is due to launch an Earth observation-exclusive Falcon 9 mission, with 8 payloads from California. York Space Systems has completed its spacecraft for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA’s) Tranche 1 transport layer, and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Scott Thompson, PwC Global Aerospace & Defense Leader.
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2025-08-2623 min
Early DaysUnlocking New Opportunities: Brian Menges on Caplink Financial and SoBankableJoin us for an insightful episode of Early Days, where we sit down with Brian Menges, CEO of Caplink Financial Corporation and his new brand, SoBankable. Discover how Brian’s journey from Alberta to Mexico has shaped his approach to private mortgage lending. Learn about the innovative strategies that led Caplink to thrive in new markets, the importance of patience and perseverance in navigating regulatory environments, and the invaluable role of mentorship. Whether you're an entrepreneur or business leader, Brian's experiences offer practical wisdom and inspiration to help you on your own journey.Welcome to "Early Days" pr...
2024-07-1128 min