In this episode of #TheLAB, Scott Estill and Nick Creasey sit down with Rob Heyvaert, Founder and Managing Partner at Motive Partners.
Rob shares the arc of his career, from engineering the algorithm that powered the Euro’s clearing and settlement system, to building and scaling CAPCO, to founding Motive Partners, and the philosophy behind his firm’s success: combining investors, operators, and innovators to drive alpha in fintech.
They discuss:
How deep operational experience differentiates investors in financial technology.
Why WealthTech, particularly in private market infrastructure, is ripe for disruption.
The concept of a “frictionless network” connecting private markets, and why wealth advisors, investors, and entrepreneurs alike aren’t ready for the shift ahead.
Rob’s take on staying curious, the future of AI in financial services, and the discipline of knowing when not to act first.
Ari Lefkovtis from Delos Capital joins #TheLAB to unpack how his firm merges restructuring expertise with private equity investing to unlock value in complex situations.
From his time at Lazard to his current role at Delos, Ari explains how early preparation, coalition-building, and cultural alignment can turn distressed assets into success stories.
We cover:
How and when to act when “yellow lights” start flashing
Why culture often matters more than capital structure
Common mistakes sponsors make in special situations
How Delos balances advisory work and investment roles
A candid look at the intersection of capital solutions, partnership, and transformation in today’s private markets.
On this episode of The LAB Podcast: Value Creation in Private Equity, we sit down with Jean-Louis and Randy; two longtime friends and industry veterans who are redefining how investors access private equity.
Jean-Louis, co-founder of SVP, and Randy, a professor with deep roots in alternative investing, share how their journey led to building a business around what some call an oxymoron: liquid private equity.
We cover:
Why private equity has historically outperformed public markets
The challenge of liquidity and the innovation behind “liquid PE”
How CIOs, institutions, and even retail investors can integrate this model
The democratization of access to PE-type returns
This conversation explores the future of portfolio construction and why liquid private equity may be the next major innovation in the industry.
In this episode of The LAB Podcast, we sit down with John Ioannou, a rare executive who has worn nearly every hat in the private equity ecosystem: CEO, chairman, operating partner, and investor.
John shares how his dual perspective as both operator and partner shaped his approach to building trust with management teams, why culture and leadership are just as critical as financial diligence, and how AI is reshaping competitive moats across industries.
We cover:
The evolving role of operating partners in private equity
Lessons from leading three roll-ups across different industries
Why integration, culture, and leadership can make or break enterprise value
The importance of mentorship as a force multiplier for talent
Whether you’re an investor, operator, or board member, John’s insights provide a roadmap for creating sustainable enterprise value in today’s market.
Jim and Adam Hirshorn join The LAB Podcast to share the story behind launching Onyx Canyon Partners.
Together, they bring decades of operational and investment experience—from Bain, Sealy, Potbelly, and Ares—into the lower middle market, where they see a unique opportunity to drive value.
In this episode, we cover:
Why operators have an edge in private equity investing
How culture and talent alignment fuel long-term growth
Onyx Canyon’s investment thesis and first deal in youth sports
A conversation on bridging generations, building with values, and creating lasting impact in the private equity ecosystem.
Patrick Turner, Managing Director at VSS Capital Partners, joins Scott Estill and guest co-host Justin Wisnicki to unpack how structured capital enables founders to scale without giving up control.
They discuss:
VSS’s approach to minority investing with downside protection
How operational rigor creates value post-close
Why founders choose growth capital over a full sale
LP sentiment and the shift toward the lower middle market
600+ bolt-on acquisitions and what makes them work
If you're in private equity, a founder at an inflection point, or an operator focused on growth, this episode is a masterclass in alternative investing models and value creation.
In this episode of The LAB Podcast, hosts Scott Estill and Nick Creasey dive into the world of GP Stakes and flexible capital solutions with Ben Drylie-Perkins, Head of Investments at Cantilever Group. Ben provides insights into how Cantilever is uniquely positioned to support lower middle-market and middle-market private equity firms with capital and strategic guidance. The conversation covers the evolution of GP Stakes investing, the key challenges mid-market GPs face, and why a structured approach to liquidity and growth financing is crucial.
Ben also shares Cantilever’s differentiated investment strategy, emphasizing how they bring bulge-bracket expertise to an underserved segment. They discuss misconceptions about lower middle-market private equity, the importance of founder alignment, and what makes a successful fund manager. The episode is a must-listen for PE professionals, fund founders, and investors looking to better understand the GP finance landscape.
This episode of #TheLAB, Nick and Scott are joined by Neil Bansal, Managing Director at OMERS Private Equity. Neil shares his journey through investment banking, consulting, and leadership roles at major companies. Learn how he’s driving value creation with AI, data, and digital tools to transform portfolio companies. Perfect for finance and tech enthusiasts looking to understand the future of digital in private equity! Disclaimer: The remarks included in this Podcast are for information purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation, solicitation, endorsement or offering for the sale, subscription or purchase of securities or for investment advisory services of any kind
In this episode of The LAB, Scott and Nick chat with Dave Leyrer from 3L about Metropolis, a company transforming the parking industry with AI.
Discover how Metropolis uses AI to boost efficiency and customer experience, driving significant growth and strategic acquisitions like Premier Parking and SP Plus.
Dave shares insights into applying AI to traditional industries, highlighting the role of visionary leadership and strategic partnerships.
This episode offers valuable lessons on using AI to innovate and drive business success.
Disclaimer: Any statements or references made by podcast participants regarding third parties, investments, or securities are solely their views and opinions and are not intended as investment advice, an offer to buy or sell any investments, or an endorsement of such parties or securities. No compensation has been paid to any podcast guests.
In this episode, Jon Lemelman joins us as we explore AI's transformative role in private equity.
We explore how AI is reshaping tasks like market research, replacing old-school methods with fast, data-driven insights.
Jon shares key strategies for integrating AI successfully, stressing the importance of clear problem-solving and secure data handling.
Discover the future of AI in private equity, from streamlining diligence processes to enhancing value creation.
Jon offers expert advice on navigating these changes, ensuring your firm stays ahead in today's competitive landscape.
In this episode, The LAB hits the road! Join Scott down in Baltimore with Kevin McAllister, Founder of Access Holdings, as they discuss a wide range of topics:
In this episode with Paul Swaney, Managing Partner of Swaney Group Capital, Paul shares actionable insights on value creation and business transformation. From the urgency of strategic onboarding to the establishment of a robust governance structure, Paul delves into his methodology of taking the guess-work out of business transformation. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the field, this podcast provides valuable strategies for driving success and maximizing returns.
In this episode, Nick and Scott are joined by Nadim Malik, CEO and Founder of SPS by Bain & Co, an information services firm that helps private equity firms, lenders, and M&A advisors and service providers optimize their business development effectiveness. The discussion centers on the transformative role of data in the Private Equity world and how value creation starts at deal sourcing. Nadim founded SPS in 2009 after six years in the business development group of American Capital, where he successfully created and managed distinctive market research tools, analytics, reporting and processes that drove the firm’s deal origination, investor development, and strategic growth.
In this episode, Nick and Scott are joined by Ray Carey, Operating Partner at Level Equity.
The discussion revolves around the role of an operating partner, the challenges of being a CEO, and the importance of transparency and data in achieving successful outcomes.
Ray shares insights from his experience as a CEO and an operating partner, emphasizing the need for a customized approach to each company's unique challenges.
Ray was a three-time CEO and a private equity investment partner, before joining Level Equity to be the Head of NextLevel Operations.
As Head of the NextLevel Operations team, Ray’s primary role is to accelerate portfolio company growth by supporting their CEOs.
We are excited to release our #LIVE event recording with three of the leaders in Private Equity Technology Value Creation as a podcast episode.
Our panel shared their thoughts and experience driving value creation initiatives across leading portfolios, and covered topics like:
Considerable time was allotted for Live Q&A for the audience.
Hope you enjoy and we look forward to the next one!
In this episode, Nick and Scott interviews Garrett Blank, former Principal at Abry Partners.
Garrett shares insights for aspiring PE-backed executives and explains the strategies PE firms assess in potential investments. He emphasizes alignment of vision, qualities attractive to PE firms, and the adaptability to collaborative decision-making.
The discussion shifts to structuring PE deals and the impact of economic changes, like rising interest rates. Garrett emphasizes industry specialization and the rise of specialized teams within PE firms.
The conversation offers a comprehensive view of private equity, benefiting industry professionals and those interested in engaging with PE firms.
Our latest guest on the LAB Podcast is Sean Mooney.
We were excited to bring him on because after spending a couple decades in Private Equity as an investing professional, he thought there must be a better way to help the industry drive higher returns more quickly. (sounds easy…)
At the LAB - we agree as our models look to achieve similar outcomes in different ways.
Sean developed a way to bring in specialized consultancies to fit the precise need of PE portfolio company – every time while being better, faster, and cheaper.
We hope you enjoy this conversation and can bring some of these best practices to your business!
Josh Fennig is currently the General Manager of a consulting business that advises companies regarding E-mobility for electric vehicles and Industry 4.0. In this episode he shares his experience and methodology when it comes to turnarounds of distressed companies.
Paul Stansik is an Operating Partner at ParkerGale, a small PE Firm where he serves as sales, marketing and growth advisor to their portfolio. He joins us to share his perspective on how he thinks about growth and where the opportunities exist in founder-led, profitable technology companies.
In this episode, we spend time walking through the specifics around evaluation and execution of PE investment opportunities. Paul highlights what he has learned at bulge bracket consulting firms like Bain & Company and then put into practical application with his PE sponsor.
According to Forbes, there are close to 30 million private companies in the United States. In this episode, we get some great insights from one of these owners that grew his business over the course of almost three decades, then sold to a PE firm (twice) and is doing it again with another PE firm. Don Mershon joins us and discusses he could have achieved the same level of growth in five years (not 30) and how to pick the best PE firm if you are looking to do the same thing. A great Case Study for business owners and PE firms that are looking to differentiate themselves and drive top decile returns!