Private Equity
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International
Operating Partners Technology Forum Virtual Experience 2021
3 - 4 June 2021,
Eastern Time (ET) - Virtual Event
This virtual event is now part of the Operating Partners All Access membership
An Operating Partners All Access membership is a new way to keep a global network of operating partners in the know with high-level content and networking across the year.
The Operating Partners Technology Forum is now just one of the many essential updates we’ll give you throughout the year with your Operating Partners All Access membership.
Unlocking the next frontier in digital value creation
For eleven years, Private Equity International has been the leading organizer of events dedicated to PE and VC value creators, with Forums across the globe in New York, San Francisco, London and Singapore gathering over 500 operating partners annually. PEI is now pleased to bring the Operating Partners Technology Forum to uncover deep dive discussions, strategies and initiatives to achieve value creation through technology.
In an increasingly digital world, the Forum will gather an elite crowd of technology value creators in PE & VC portfolio operations. Our community of operating partners will discuss and debate plans and actions at a crucial time in history to deal with the downturn and reset strategies for growth through technology.
It is the place to meet and get a firm grasp on transformation and innovation initiatives with a concentration of tech & digital operating partners, C-level executives, suppliers & resources all in one setting to discuss strategies in impacting returns at a critical time for portfolio valuations.
2021 Agenda highlights
» Invitation-only think tanks for operating partners to select: The future of digital operating partner models, and third-party tech providers for value creation
» Technology value creation roadmaps throughout the entire lifecycle
» Tech’s trillion-dollar war for talent: lessons and opportunities for PE investors
» Doubling down on cybersecurity
» The role of technology in sales transformation
» Uncovering cloud transformations success stories
» Technology M&A integration best practices: key steps for PE and their portfolio companies
» The next frontier in data science and advanced analytics in private equity
» Technology value creation best practices for the exit
» The next level of implementing AI/ML for value creation
» Tech due diligence done right: critical elements in pre-deal assessments
» The future of technology and digital initiatives in working with your portfolio companies in the post COVID-19 world and beyond
» Women in PE and VC technology operations breakfast (invitation-only)
» Innovation: digital initiatives in the fast lane
» Workforce analytics: leveraging data science with talent/portfolio performance
» Digital transformation portfolio company case studies
» Digital and analytical tools to enhance the supply chain
» Profit driven digital marketing and ecommerce
» Leveraging technology and AI for the finance function
» Operating partner-CIO/CTO dynamics
Carve your niche in technology operations
Hear first-hand perspectives on how to further develop your operational skill set by looking at successful PE and VC models.
Learn key technology strategies to create value
Find the right tools and knowledge to deliver successful cross-portfolio initiatives.
Network with top PE
and VC tech value creators
Meet with the largest community of technology operational experts all in one place.
Watch our guided video for a preview of what you can expect at this year’s virtual conference.
Features include:
» Watch anytime, anywhere
» Schedule 1-to-1 or private group meetings
» On-Demand access for 12 months
» Live Q&A, polling and surveys
» And so much more!
Featured speakers
Download the 2021 agenda
- Virtual networking opportunities
- Plenary sessions
- Think tanks
- Breakout sessions
- Interactive discussions and live Q&A
- And much more!
2021 Firms participating include:
Event testimonials
Focused, interesting and fast paced sessions. Great discussions. Very informative and enjoyed watching the collaboration between presenters. They complemented e…
The event gave me insight into where AI/ML might be headed by business value creators who work in digital transformation day in and day out.
The content was extremely applicable to the current landscape of economy.
Your membership includes:
Operating Partners All Access is a service that connects you to the people and resources that can help guide you through today’s ever-changing nuances of doing your job, year-round.
This Forum is one of the many essential updates we’ll give you throughout the year with your Operating Partners All Access membership. All event attendees must be members
Discover best practices and ideas at a critical time for portfolio valuations at the industry’s best virtual event for private equity value creators
All sessions, idea forums and interactive meetings are uniquely designed to solve your toughest challenges during the covid-19 crisis & beyond.
See for yourself how the Operating Partners Technology Forum will work.
Available from anywhere & on-demand for up to 12 months.
Leading thought-provoking operating partner experts — all NEWLY updated!
Without ever leaving the comfort and security of your home, you can enjoy ALL the 100 + value creation experts sharing their practical guidance. Plus, you can participate in audience Q&A, polls, and download content and papers with just a few clicks
You also get:
- Built-in calendar to create your own daily schedule so you don’t miss your favorite sessions
- Automated reminders
- Polling and surveys
- On-demand playback gives you access to sessions for up to 12months
Network & build key relationships
Online networking can never replace face-to-face interaction, but done right, it can provide a very effective way for people to build their professional relationships and knowledge. At an in-person event, you get 2 days of engagement. With the Operating Partners Technology Forum, you get an active virtual community.
Take advantage of these benefits:
- Attendee and Operating Partner directories: Use our searchable directory of our delegates, solution providers and speakers, so you can quickly find the right people and companies to connect with.
- Private messaging: Reach out privately and directly online (without having to expose email and phone number to “the world”)
- Virtual Meet-ups: Pre-schedule multi-person video conferences or one on one type meetups, allowing you to connect and talk about topics of interest.
2021 Agenda
For speaking opportunities, contact Marc Mele at marc.m@peimedia.com or call +1 646 581 9295.
*Please Note: All session times listed are Eastern Time (ET)
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Thursday 3rd
Morning discussions & welcome remarks
09:00 - 10:00
Operating partners portfolio operations breakfast discussion: How technology is changing pricing and implications for PE firms (invitation-only)
George Bene,
David Head
- The trends: more data, faster analytics, proliferation of execution tools
- What it means for PE firms, from diligence through profit improvement and sale
- What to do now: implications post-COVID and in today’s inflationary environment
Facilitators:
George Bene, Managing Director, AlixPartners
David Head, Managing Director, AlixPartners
Hosted by:
10:00 - 10:55
Invitation-only think tank for full-time operating partners: value creation war room
Richard Spencer,
Geoffrey Baird
This closed-door virtual room is a deep dive session into utilizing technology as a key value creation enabler. It is an opportunity to learn and share best practices for operating partners. The think tank will allow you to submit topics to be covered in one of the tech rooms you select:
Think Tank Room 1 The future of digital operating partner models
Facilitator:
Richard Spencer, Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, Operating Partner, Kamylon Holdings
Think Tank Room 2 Third-party tech providers for value creation
Facilitator:
Geoffrey Baird, Senior Operating Advisor, LLR Partners
10:55 - 11:00
PEI’s welcome and opening remarks
Marc Mele, Head of Content, Operating Partners All Access Programming, PEI Media
Plenary sessions
11:00 - 11:40
Technology value creation roadmaps throughout the entire lifecycle
Jeffrey Klein,
Greg Caltabiano,
Oded Noy,
Lucia Soares,
Wayne Williams
- How to develop an effective tech strategy roadmap: pre-acquisition, 100 days, and exit
- Achieving alignment with leadership, strategy, IT teams, and tech capabilities
- Which areas are most often misaligned and how do you address the issues created by these misalignments?
- Finding gaps in the first 100 days
- Technology strategic roadmap execution – typical challenges, best practices for execution, and related mitigation strategies?
- Tech playbooks: what works and what doesn’t?
Moderator:
Jeffrey Klein, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal
Panelists:
Greg Caltabiano, Operating Partner, HGGC
Oded Noy, Senior Operating Partner, Technology, Diversis Capital
Lucia Soares, Managing Director and Portfolio Chief Information Officer Americas, The Carlyle Group
Wayne Williams, Operating Partner, Resurgens Technology Partners
11:40 - 12:20
Tech’s trillion-dollar war for talent: lessons and opportunities for PE investors
Atta Tarki,
Dave Beuerlein,
Larry Kutscher,
Katie Solomon,
Paul Zuber
- Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Google’s trillion-dollar war for talent and implications in recruiting strategy for PE backed companies
- Overcoming the challenges of scarcity in tech talent, attracting, retaining, and supporting tech talent in the current environment
- What are the biggest pain points of hiring and onboarding 100% remotely?
- Leveraging tools and resources to drive hiring
- What strategies are leading PE portfolio companies utilizing to find great tech talent?
Moderator:
Atta Tarki, CEO and Managing Director, ECA Partners
Panelists:
David Beuerlein, Operating Partner, Khosla Ventures
Larry Kutscher, CEO, A Place for Mom
Katie Solomon, Managing Director, Talent Management, Genstar Capital
Paul Zuber, Operating Partner, Thoma Bravo
12:20 - 13:00
Cybersecurity: opportunity and peril
Dean Weber,
Dan Bennett,
Eric Feldman,
Connor McGauley,
Brad Strahorn
- First-hand stories in dealing with cybersecurity breaches
- Examples of attacks targeting remote workforces, data, supply chains, applications, and platforms
- How to allocate resources to it: what is enough security? how is security diligence changing?
- What processes ensure security? What are the steps? How to recover?
Moderator:
Dean Weber, Senior Vice President, Alix Partners
Panelists:
Dan Bennett, Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer, Castlelake
Eric Feldman, Chief Information Officer, The Riverside Company
Connor McGauley, Vice President, Portfolio Operations, GI Partners
Brad Strahorn, Director, Portfolio Support Group, Thompson Street Capital Partners
13:00 - 13:30
The role of technology in the future of selling
Michael Smith,
Paul Gille,
Kunal Mehta,
Kush Tulsidas,
Cici Zheng
- Where are we now? What has happened over the past 6-12 months? What have been the most important levers, e.g., roles, segmentation, coverage, messaging, comp, etc.
- Role of tech in the digital transformation of sales, e.g., world class prospect-to-cash process
- The do’s and don’ts – successes and disasters on the journey
Moderator:
Michael Smith, Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners
Panelists:
Paul Gille, Operating Partner, TELEO Capital
Kunal Mehta, Principal, Portfolio Operations, TCV
Kush Tulsidas, Operating Partner, One Rock Capital Partners
Cici Zheng, Principal, ParkerGale Capital
Michael Smith
Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners
Read bio
Virtual networking lunch and extended live Q&A
13:30 - 14:00
Virtual networking lunch and extended live Q&A interactive discussions
Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group
Interactive Discussion 1: Technology value creation roadmaps throughout the entire lifecycle
Interactive Discussion 2: Tech’s trillion-dollar war for talent: lessons and opportunities for PE investors
Interactive Discussion 3: Cybersecurity: opportunity and peril
Interactive Discussion 4: The role of technology in the future of selling
Plenary
14:00 - 14:40
Innovation: digital initiatives in the fast lane
Gerard Keating,
Gilad G. Amir ,
Raj Kushwaha,
Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee
- Digital innovation for customer experience to drive business outcomes
- Digital innovation for new demand testing: taking advantage of research tech to build your product roadmap
- Digital innovation for scalability to sustain growth and expand your portcos’ teams to meet demand; corporate tools and process innovation need to keep up with product innovation
- Digital innovation as a means to build diversity: remote work drove the creation of new apps and tools that allow your operating partners to build diverse teams wherever the talent is located
- Digital innovation as a means to build resilience: technology to help your portfolio overcome pandemics or survive economic crises, digital knowledge sharing to minimize the impact of layoffs or turnover
Moderator:
Gerard Keating, Chief Technology Officer, Globalization Partners
Panelists:
Gilad Amir, Digital Operating Partner, Pollen Street Capital
Raj Kushwaha, Managing Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Operating Partner and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee, Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Insight Partners
Raj Kushwaha
Managing Director ＆ Partner, Co-Head Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Read bio
Breakouts 1
14:40 - 15:20
Track 1 — The next frontier in data science and advanced analytics in private equity
Michael Watson ,
Harrison Lung ,
Andy Pickens,
Russ Trpkovski
- What do you see as the most influential change in data and analytics in the PE space?
- To what extent are data/analytics initiatives like AI being icluded in deal theses when acquisitions are being considered?
- Sharing use cases and approaches to data strategy to grow topline
- Where is the most value being delivered from data/analytics initiatives across your companies? How do you prepare your organizations to effectively use data?
- How do integrate data science and advanced analytics across the business, not just in one specific department?
- What are biggest challenges convincing management teams to build data strategy?
- KPIs, metrics, and data visibility: what are some of the most effective ways in which you have been using data to manage your growing portfolio?
Moderator:
Michael Watson, Vice President of AI, Coupa
Panelists:
Harrison Lung, Partner, Portfolio Value Creation, Siris Capital
Andy Pickens, Managing Director, Data and Digital Transformation, Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions, Apollo Global Management
Russ Trpkovski, Operating Principal, CVC Capital Partners
14:40 - 15:20
Track 2 —Being technology ready after close: critical elements in pre-deal diligence and a plan for post-deal success
Brent Fisher,
Tye Howell,
John Mavriyannakis,
Souvick Paul
- Keys insights from operating partners for successful technology due diligence and post close technology readiness in partnering with investment teams, providers, and target companies
- What is most critical to accurately understand about a company’s technology capabilities pre-deal? Most critical to plan for after integration?
- Why you need to understand the current business application landscape (ERP, CRM, HCM) and management reporting. How to leverage IT diligence to position the business to scale?
- How to avoid post-deal technical integration challenges
Moderator:
Brent Fisher, Managing Director – Technology, Riveron
Panelists:
Tye Howell, Managing Director of Data and Digital, Blue Point Capital Partners
John Mavriyannakis, Partner, Maverix Private Equity
Souvick Paul, Vice President, Cerberus Operations and Advisor Company, Cerberus Capital Management
Networking break and extended live Q&A
15:20 - 15:50
Networking break and extended live Q&A interactive discussions
Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group
Interactive Discussion 1: Innovation: digital initiatives in the fast lane
Interactive Discussion 2: The next frontier in data science and advanced analytics in private equity
Interactive Discussion 3: Being technology ready after close: critical elements in pre-deal diligence and a plan for post-deal success
Breakouts 2
15:50 - 16:30
Track 3 — Uncovering cloud transformations success stories
Richard Sittema,
Brian Jawalka,
Hossein Moiin
- Key cloud transformation external and internal business aspects
- Cloud migrations, application transformation, and continuous investment into cloud infrastructure
- Successful cloud migration transformation case studies: what are the enablers for transition?
- Looking at the challenges of building and hiring cloud expertise in your companies: how are you dealing with it? What challenges might company culture pose to cloud adoption?
- Understanding the financial aspects of cloud transformations on revenue and costs
Moderator:
Richard Sittema, Principal, Grant Thornton
Panelists:
Brian Jawalka, Principal, Portfolio Operations, Product and Technology, TCV
Hossein Moiin, Operating Partner, Cota Capital
15:50 - 16:30
Track 4 — Enabling a data-driven CFO: driving value via automation and analytics
Ana Minter,
Amanda Good,
Monica Johnson,
Steven Siwinski
- The evolving role of the CFO as the data steward for enterprise performance management
- Automation in finance and accounting is no longer a debate, but many organizations are still struggling with how
- An organization’s path from anecdotal and reactive to data-driven and proactive
- Overcoming the finance and accounting talent crunch with purposeful automation
- Outlining a clear path to value via data and automation
Moderator:
Ana Minter, Director, Data and Digital Services, RSM US
Panelists:
Amanda Good, Partner and Head of Global Value Creation, Searchlight Capital Partners
Monica Johnson, Operating Partner and CFO, NGP Capital
Steven Siwinski, Operating Partner, High Road Capital Partners
Plenary session
16:30 - 17:00
The future of technology and digital initiatives in working with your portfolio companies in the post COVID-19 world and beyond
Declan Morris,
Cory Eaves,
Ron Park,
Pratap Sarker
- Using technology to make your processes and businesses more efficient in the current environment and in the years to come
- Looking at the overlap of tech with other functions in the company (sales, customer support, etc.)
- Tools and resources to manage the business: what is effective to build your business
- How would describe your approach when working with portco leadership on technology initiatives?
- How will the future of work change processes and managing relationships with management virtually? What is the long-term vision in leveraging tech?
- Understanding the challenges around web-enablement and changes in consumer behavior
- Recent digital transformation and digital disruption stories within specific industries
Moderator:
Declan Morris, Private Equity Transformation Advisor, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Panelists:
Cory Eaves, Operating Partner, General Atlantic
Ron Park, Operating Advisor, TA Associates
Pratap Sarker, President, Greenway Health
Extended live Q&A interactive discussions
17:00 - 17:30
Extended live Q&A interactive discussions
Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions
Interactive discussion 1:Uncovering cloud transformations success stories
Interactive discussion 2: Enabling a data-driven CFO: driving value via automation and analytics
Interactive discussion 3: The future of technology and digital initiatives in working with your portfolio companies in the post COVID-19 world and beyond
Interactive working groups
17:00 - 17:30
Interactive working group discussion: The role of technology in sales transformation (invitation-only)
Michael Smith
- Integration across the revenue journey – e.g., world class prospect-to-cash process
- Where to leverage tech
- How to prioritize tech investments/ROI
- Crafting a realistic roadmap, metrics, expectations
Facilitator:
Michael Smith, Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners
Hosted by:
Michael Smith
Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners
Read bio
17:30 - 17:30
End of day 1
Agenda
Day 2 - Friday 4th
Think tanks
09:30 - 10:15
Women in tech interactive breakfast discussion (invitation-only)
Carrie DiLauro,
Angela Zutavern
This closed-door virtual room discussion will explore what it’s like being a woman focused on PE and VC technology operations for value creation:
- What are the issues causing a disparity in genders?
- Exploring career paths, development, and how to position yourself as female tech leaders
- Is your firm focused on women in tech leadership at portfolio companies?
- Recruiting female digital/tech talent: creating a more equal playing field across the operating team and your portcos
- Looking at trends and stats in gender in PE & VC
Facilitators:
Carrie DiLauro, Director, Operations, Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners
Angela Zutavern, Managing Director, AlixPartners
Hosted by:
10:15 - 11:00
Invitation-only think tank for full-time operating partners: value creation war room
Paul Ilse,
Neil Kimber,
Prital Kadakia,
Raj Kushwaha
This closed-door virtual session is an opportunity to learn and share how to develop your role as an operating partner. The think tank will allow you to submit topics to be covered in the room. It will allow you to select one of the two rooms:
Room 1
Facilitators:
Paul Ilse, Senior Operating Partner, Francisco Partners Consulting
Neil Kimber, Operating Principal, Accel-KKR
Room 2
Facilitator:
Prital Kadakia, Partner, Serent Capital
Raj Kushwaha, Managing Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Operating Partner and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Plenary sessions
11:00 - 11:30
Top tech trends for private equity
Adam Sheffield,
Cory Eaves,
Dan Grosh,
Todd Markson
- The digital workplace is here to stay
- Cyber security and data privacy become even more important in a digitally reliant world
- Global connectivity reshaping the war on talent
- Automation and artificial intelligence get bigger and better
- Focus on speed and flexibility leading to rise IT outsourcing
- Rapid acceleration of digitalization resulting in increased investment in tech
Moderator:
Adam Sheffield, Chief Revenue Officer, Global Upside
Panelists:
Cory Eaves, Operating Partner, General Atlantic
Dan Grosh, Operating Partner, Diversis Capital
Todd Markson, Operating Partner, Bain Capital Tech Opportunities
Breakouts 3
11:30 - 12:10
Track 5 —Accelerating focused growth: tech strategies for customer retention/success
Adam Echter,
Ben Cox,
Alexandra Lutz,
Kristin Nimsger,
Bijal Sheth
- Managing customer retention with tech, machine learning, AI
- Leveraging AI and advanced digital tools to segment your customers and reduce churn
- Focusing on net retention rate to accelerate growth
- Empowering your customer success with optimized interactions
- Uncovering growth stories and early warning signs with operating partners
Moderator:
Adam Echter, Partner, Simon-Kucher & Partners
Panelists:
Ben Cox, Operating Director, Sumeru Equity Partners
Alexandra Lutz, Managing Director, EQT Partners
Kristin Nimsger, Operating Partner, Thoma Bravo
Bijal Sheth, Operations Principal, Pamlico Capital
11:30 - 12:10
Track 6 —Leveraging technology and AI for the finance function
Bill Klein,
Howard Reba,
Neeta Rastogi Singh,
Nora Turek,
Scott Tynes
AI is here, and many companies are already integrating it into their services and products to win a competitive edge. AI has a role to play in Finance as well, providing value to this core competency. During this session, we will share real-world insights and suggestions from our work with numerous CFOs of PE-backed companies, and we will focus on the unique challenges facing the modern CFO, as traditional solutions fail to deliver the full value of finance organizations. For CFOs looking to change and improve their operations, this session will deliver:
- The crucial attributes of the modern CFO
- A review of the overwhelming technology landscape
- A look at the potential of AI for finance, the ROI it provides, and what the future will hold
- An exploration of ‘Finance as a Service’ and how it can deliver financial clarity, efficiency, and scalability
Moderator:
Bill Klein, President, Consero Global
Panelists:
Howard Reba, Head of Portfolio Finance, CI Capital Partners
Neeta Rastogi Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Activant Capital
Nora Turek, Vice President, Finance and Portfolio Operations, Greycroft
Scott Tynes, CEO, Consero
Virtual networking lunch and extended live Q&A
12:10 - 12:40
Networking lunch and extended live Q&A interactive discussions
Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group
Interactive Discussion 1: Top tech trends for private equity
Interactive Discussion 2: Accelerating focused growth: tech strategies for customer retention/success
Interactive Discussion 3: Leveraging technology and AI for the finance function
Breakouts 4
12:40 - 13:20
Track 7 —How winning retailers are scaling DTC ecommerce
Kevin Forsyth,
Jarrad Berman,
Mark Fiske,
Darren Herman,
Jaimee Michaud
- How to effectively address customers moving to digital
- Understanding how branding is an extension of customer experience, designing your customer experiences effectively
- Addressing customer retention with metrics and key initiatives
- Automation for lead generation
- Product management, data, and product marketing best practices
Moderator:
Kevin Forsyth, Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Enablement, Wunderkind
Panelists:
Jarrad Berman, Vice President, Digital Transformation, TZP Group
Mark Fiske, Operating Partner, Digital and Marketing Strategies, H.I.G. Capital
Darren Herman, Operating Partner, Bain Capital
Jaimee Michaud, Director, Portfolio Support Group, Advent International
12:40 - 13:20
Track 8 — Digital transformation portfolio company case studies
Sarah Walker ,
Robert Bostock,
Josephine Hus,
Lucia Soares
Operating partners will share specific portfolio case studies and war stories in driving and executing digital transformation projects.
Moderator:
Sarah Walker, Vice President, Global Head of Private Equity Practice, Salesforce
Panelists:
Robert Bostock, Principal, Investcorp
Josephine Hus, Operating Executive, Head of Digital Transformation, Permira Advisers
Lucia Soares, Managing Director and Portfolio Chief Information Officer Americas, The Carlyle Group
Breakouts 5
13:20 - 14:00
Track 9 —Maximizing ROI with technology M&A integration – strategies for PE and portcos
David van Toor,
David Muhlenkamp,
Robert Roley ,
Kevin Wood,
Mark Woods
Most acquisitions fail to deliver the expected results. Join our expert panel as they share strategies and approaches that ensure portfolio acquisition performance exceeds expectations. From synergy validation to integration planning and execution – day one planning to team integration – the panel will discuss the critical elements of M&A success from a technology perspective. This interactive panel will share lessons learned the hard way and provide insights and best practices to guide your next integration project.
Moderator:
David van Toor, Managing Director, Central, Crosslake Technologies
Panelists:
David Muhlenkamp, Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Operations, Lindsay Goldberg
Robert Roley, Director of Portfolio Operations, TPG Capital
Kevin Wood, Operating Partner and Co-Founder, Clearhaven Partners
Mark Woods, Partner and Head of North American Private Equity, Cathay Capital
13:20 - 14:00
Track 10 — The next level of implementing AI/ML for value creation
Michael Watson ,
Parasvil Patel,
Elisabeth Rehder,
Richard Spencer
- Getting a pulse check on AIML: what is real?
- How can PE firms and their portfolio companies identify opportunities to use AI and ML to improve business outcomes?
- What use cases should PE portfolio companies focus on?
Moderator:
Michael Watson, Vice President of AI, Coupa
Panelists:
Parasvil Patel, Principal, Radical Ventures
Elisabeth Rehder, Senior Principal, Portfolio Value Creation, CPP Investments
Richard Spencer, Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer, Operating Partner, Kamylon Holdings
Networking break and extended interactive live Q&A
14:00 - 14:30
Networking break and extended live Q&A interactive discussions
Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group
Interactive Discussion 1: How winning retailers are scaling DTC ecommerce
Interactive Discussion 2: Digital transformation portfolio company case studies
Interactive Discussion 3: Maximizing ROI with technology M&A integration – strategies for PE and portcos
Interactive Discussion 4: The next level of implementing AI/ML for value creation
Plenary sessions
14:30 - 15:00
SaaS companies: reducing costs and unlocking hidden value
Hal Polley,
Jean-Marc Levy,
Thad Longson,
Matt Thompson
- What does a sophisticated RevOps function look like? And why is the RevOps model a critical growth-hack for SaaS companies?
- Following a series of acquisitions and roll-ups, hw can the “Frankenstein” SaaS business efficiently clean up its tech stack?
- How can the office of the CFO consolidate unit economics to reduce operating contracts? (e.g. cloud providers)
- What is “Development Velocity Excellence” and how can sponsors work with management to achieve it?
- How can SaaS companies monetize their data to scale from a single format product to an autonomous, commercial platform with multiple revenue streams?
Moderator:
Hal Polley, Managing Director and Co-Head of Western Region, Accordion
Panelists:
Jean-Marc Levy, Operating Partner, Edison Partners
Thad Longson, Operating Principal, HGGC
Matt Thompson, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Operations, Skyview Capital
15:00 - 15:30
Operating partner-CIO/CTO dynamics
Aswatha "Amar" Amarnath ,
Manek Kapur,
Neil Kimber,
Krish Mani
- How is the CIO and CTO role evolving? How are backgrounds/required skills changing?
- Cooperation and collaboration value creation partnerships: comparing dynamics
- What are the challenges? How are operating partners influencing CTO decision making?
- Looking at best practices in working with different types of companies
Moderator:
Aswatha Amarnath (Amar), Senior Vice President, Strategic Engagements and Sales Strategy, Wipro
Panelists:
Manek Kapur, Vice President, TMT and Digital Value Creation, Partners Group
Neil Kimber, Operating Principal, Accel-KKR
Krish Mani, CTO Portfolio Operations, Platinum Equity
Extended live Q&A
15:30 - 16:00
Extended live Q&A interactive discussions
Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions
Interactive discussion 1: SaaS companies: reducing costs and unlocking hidden value
Interactive discussion 2: Operating partner-CIO/CTO dynamics
16:00 - 16:00
End of conference
2021 Speakers
Interested in speaking at this year’s Forum? Please contact Marc Mele at marc.m@peimedia.com or call +1 646 581 9295.
2021 Sponsors
PEI’s Operating Partners Technology Forum unites private equity operating partners and technology value creation experts. This intersection of individuals provides service providers with unique and customized programs to engage in thought provoking content discussions and provides numerous opportunities to connect in one-on-one discussions, roundtable events, and various other networking activities.
To explore how your firm can take a prominent leadership position, contact Lawrence Dvorchik at lawrence.d@peimedia.com or call +1 646 545 4429.
Pre-Event Resources
‘Record demand’ for operating partners: Survey
As GPs seek to boost portfolio company value, they are under pressure to reduce costs and increase efficiencies as operational issues become increasingly complex and LPs push for lower fees.
Operating partner roles are the fastest-growing positions in private equity this year, driven by a sharper focus on deploying capital raised in 2016 and 2017. Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles is experiencing “record demand” for operating partners among private equity firms, according to its 2019 North American Private Equity Operating Professional Compensation Survey, which received responses from 217 private equity operating professionals.
Head of talent, chief financial officer for portfolio operations, and generalist operating partner roles were the top operating professional searches. Increasingly complex operational issues in portfolio companies coupled with LPs insisting on lower fees puts pressure on GPs to reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies.
Two evolutions have taken place in recent years, Jonathan Goldstein, regional managing partner, Americas for Heidrick & Struggles’ private equity practice and the report’s co-author, told Private Equity International. Private equity firms are hiring operating partners earlier in their careers, contrary to the previous trend of hiring semi-retired or retired professionals. What’s more, operating partners have proven their worth, driving private equity firms to build out their operating professionals’ ranks and add mid-level and junior operating professionals as well.
Base-level salaries and bonuses for operating roles more than doubled from 2016. Successful operating partners had a mix of consulting and operations experience and previous private equity exposure, according to the report.
Almost 87 percent of operations professionals had no prior relationship with the manager or with its portfolio companies, showing that “private equity firms were expanding their search beyond their network pools to seek talent”, Goldstein told PEI.
Compensation details
Base-level salaries and bonuses for operating professionals did not change significantly from 2017 to 2018; 68 percent of respondents received base-level salary increases of $50,000 or less in 2018. Likewise, 48 percent of respondents reported a higher bonus in 2018 than 2017.
“Change in compensation is not indicative of one thing or the other,” Goldstein said. “Bonuses are driven by increases in AUM, where the fund might be in its lifecycle and the individual’s own progression at the firm.”
Operating partners are eligible for carried interest, usually calculated on a whole-fund basis. Most respondents did not get warrants or options in the portfolio companies they oversaw. Only 43 percent of senior/executive advisors and 29 percent of general partners received warrants or options, and the average warrant participation for these two groups was $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Most respondents were not eligible for direct equity participation except at the firm and general partner level. Almost all respondents said they had co-investment rights, according to the report.
Almost 41 percent of respondents said their cash compensation was funded by fund management fees, while 15 percent said their firms used only portfolio company oversight fees and 12 percent said their firms used time billed directly to portfolio companies. The remaining third of respondents said their firms used a mix of two or more funding methods.
Poll: the Operating Partner role in driving value creation
No one said that creating lasting value was easy – especially in a struggling company. PEI’s Operating Partner Forums discuss all aspects of value creation, from harnessing technology to leveraging human capital to boost operations. More than 200 operating partners attended the New York edition in October 2019, sharing their views on key aspects of value creation as highlighted in our most recent poll below.