Not all private equity firms are created equal. Founders need to ask the right questions before accepting investment. In today’s episode, Mark Gartner, Managing Director of RLH Equity Partners, shares how to evaluate potential investors, avoid common pitfalls and ensure alignment on capital, expertise and culture. He also explains what makes a professional services firm attractive to investors and how RLH helps businesses scale strategically.
Key Takeaways:
(01:22) RLH Equity Partners has specialized in professional services for decades, despite early industry skepticism.
(2:44) Aligning with macro trends like tech shifts fuels long-term growth.
(05:37) Generic investor outreach is a red flag — look for personalized engagement.
(06:15) The right investor brings more than money — they offer real strategic value.
(08:08) Always confirm an investor has capital under management, not just access to funding.
(15:30) Culture is critical in professional services, and the wrong investor can disrupt it.
(19:45) Companies with $20M+ revenue, 15-20% organic growth and strong client retention attract premium valuations.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gartner-rlh/
RLH Equity Partners | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rlhequitypartners/
RLH Equity Partners | Website -
https://www.rlhequity.com/
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