Bdo Private Equity Perspectives Podcast

As private equity capital continues flowing into data centers and AI infrastructure, sponsors are being forced to rethink everything from materials sourcing to what “exit‑ready” really means.In the latest episode of BDO’s Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, host Todd Kinney continues the conversation with Jackson Pei, Managing Director and Co‑Head of PE at Closed Loop Partners, Michael Ryder, Partner and Co‑Head of North America at Igneo Infrastructure Partners, and Blair Barlow, Managing Director at Lime Rock New Energy, to discuss:What it actually takes to build an exit‑ready data center today — from asset optionality and customer mix to location, scale, and long‑term growth potentialThe material, power, and supply‑chain constraints behind AI infrastructure build‑outs, and why sponsors can’t ignore lifecycle management and resource availabilityHow PE firms can future‑proof data center investments as sustainability, security, and buyer expectations continue to rise

In the latest episode of BDO's Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, Host Todd Kinney sits down with Jackson Pei (Closed Loop Partners), Michael Ryder (Igneo Infrastructure Partners), and Blair Barlow (Lime Rock New Energy) to discuss:How rack densification and next-gen cooling (from air to liquid) are reshaping data center designWhere power availability and grid constraints show up first and what tech-first sponsors can miss in diligenceWhy materials like copper and the end-of-life process such as reverse logistics and data-secure decommissioning, are moving up the sponsor agenda

In the latest episode of BDO's Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, Host Todd Kinney sits down with Kyle Bethancourt, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Sallyport Investments, and Eliot Kerlin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Broadwing Capital, to discuss:Creative exit pathways to consider in 2026 as long holding periods persistHow AI is being deployed inside PE firms and across their portcosThe biggest challenges and opportunities ahead — from deal selectivity and leverage discipline to a potentially robust M&A environment

In the latest episode of BDO's Private Equity PErspectives Podcast, Host Todd Kinney sits down with Kyle Bethancourt, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Sallyport Investments, and Eliot Kerlin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Broadwing Capital, to discuss:How tariff uncertainty and macro volatility shaped dealmaking in 2025Creative capital deployment strategies for a tight and competitive marketProprietary deal flow and operational value creation as a competitive edge in the lower middle market

In BDO's first Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode of 2026, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Nicolas Vega Llona, Principal at Lincolnshire, and Monty Yort, Managing Partner at GenNx360, to discuss:Deal flow expectations and how declining rates and dry powder are influencing valuations in 2026Creative deal structures that balance immediate DPI generation with long-term value creation opportunitiesStrategic investment themes including digital infrastructure, value-based healthcare, and onshoring trendsIf you enjoy the episode, check out BDO’s 2026 Private Equity Industry Predictions to see what else is on our radar for 2026.

In BDO's final Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode of 2025, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Nicolas Vega Llona, Principal at Lincolnshire, and Monty Yort, Managing Partner at GenNx360, to discuss:The biggest shifts in private equity throughout 2025 and how firms adaptedPortfolio company performance relative to expectations amid macro challengesHow proactive sourcing strategies helped firms find quality deals in a difficult marketBe on the lookout for part two in January, where Nico and Monty will explore exit strategies, creative deal structures, and where leading investors are placing their bets in 2026.

In part two of BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Shane Tiemann, Partner at Gamut Capital, and Jon Schwartz, Partner at MRE Capital to discuss:How they’re establishing market differentiation amid increased competitionAdapting exit strategies as hold periods extend and continuation vehicles gain tractionMaintaining investment discipline and focus amid ongoing market uncertainty

In BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Host Todd Kinney is joined by Shane Tiemann, Partner at Gamut Capital, and Jon Schwartz, Partner at MRE Capital to discuss:The impacts of interest rate cuts on dealmaking strategies and investment outlooksHow both PE firms and family offices are prioritizing long-term value creationPractical strategies for helping portcos protect and improve margins amid macroeconomic pressures

On BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Host Todd Kinney is once again joined by Jason Frank, President and Chief Compliance Officer at BDO Capital Advisors, and Jamie Austin, Global Private Equity Leader and Partner at BDO UK. Together, they explore the findings from BDO’s 2025 PE Survey, including:Who PE firms currently view as the top competition for dealmakingEffective value creation strategies amid ongoing extended holding periodsThe top factors PE predict could accelerate M&A activity in 2025Investment banking products and services within the United States are offered exclusively through BDO Capital Advisors, LLC, a separate legal entity and affiliated company of BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation. For more information, visit www.bdocap.com. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. BDO Capital Advisors, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC.

On BDO's latest Private Equity Perspectives podcast episode, host Todd Kinney is joined by Jason Frank, President and Chief Compliance Officer at BDO Capital Advisors, and Jamie Austin, Global Private Equity Leader and Partner at BDO UK. Together, they unpacked the findings in BDO’s new 2025 Private Equity Survey, including:How post-Liberation Day market volatility has influenced dealmaking and the top factors impacting transactions.Why platform acquisitions have emerged as the leading capital deployment strategy as firms navigate uncertain times.What makes first-time investments particularly attractive in today's climate, especially for founder- and family-owned businesses.Investment banking products and services within the United States are offered exclusively through BDO Capital Advisors, LLC, a separate legal entity and affiliated company of BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation. For more information, visit www.bdocap.com. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rul

On BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, host Todd Kinney is joined for a second time by Abhik Das, partner at Three Hills, and Blair Greenberg, partner at Bregal Sagemount. Together, they discussed:How AI is transforming portfolio company operations, from boosting gross margins to enhancing deal origination and due diligence processes.How firms are becoming more hands-on with portfolio companies to generate alpha and create value in today's challenging market environment.Why adaptability and scenario planning will be crucial for portfolio companies in 2025.

On BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, host Todd Kinney is joined by Abhik Das, partner at Three Hills Capital Partners, and Blair Greenberg, partner at Bregal Sagemount. Together, they discussed:How modern PE firms are building specialized operational teams that transform portfolio companies beyond simply providing capital.Strategies for structuring investments that allow founders to maintain control while accelerating growth in an unpredictable market.What qualities make businesses attractive investment targets in today's middle market landscape.

In our milestone 50th episode of the Private Equity PErspectives podcast, host Todd Kinney is joined by Lloyd Metz, Managing Director at ICV Partners, and Monika Mantilla, President and CEO at Altura Capital. Together, they discussed: Building competitive advantages through disciplined investing and operational capabilities.The role of trust and shared values in creating successful partnerships, from portfolio companies to institutional investors.How technology enables operational excellence and drives value creation in today's market.

On BDO’s latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, host Todd Kinney is joined by Chris Grambling, partner at Southfield Capital, and Kevin Condon, partner at Hidden River Strategic Capital. Together, they discussed: How to identify and capitalize on unique investment opportunities in a rapidly changing market.Approaches for strengthening portfolio companies to navigate uncertainty and position them for long-term success.How strategic add-on acquisitions can help drive growth and enhance value within existing portfolio companies.

On BDO’s latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, host and BDO’s PE National Relationship Director Todd Kinney was joined by Drew Meyers, partner at Seaport Capital, and Benjamin Krause, partner, North American infrastructure, at 3i Group. Together, they discussed: The strategies they employ to support portfolio companies post-investment and drive growthTheir approach to navigating shifting market conditions and positioning companies for successful exitsHow operational excellence and strong capital allocation enhance value in today’s competitive private equity environment

On BDO’s latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Jordan Margolin, head of business development at VSS Capital, and Matt Cole, managing director at SBJ Capital, joined host Todd Kinney to discuss:The key role relationships play in their deal sourcing strategiesProviding post-investment support for their portfolio companies Which paths to exit they expect to dominate the M&A landscape in the coming months

On BDO’s latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Glenn Harrison, managing partner at private credit fund LO3 Capital and Ken Heuer, principal at Kidd & Company, a family office, joined host Todd Kinney to discuss:The opportunities and challenges posed by longer holding periodsHow their respective firms have been impacted by the shift toward private creditWhat the market has in store for the remainder of the year

On BDO's latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Corinne Spears, principal at Achieve Partners, and Rohanjit Chaudhry, executive director at Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, joined host Todd Kinney to discuss:How they are managing the high cost of capitalThe current deal landscape and what they expect to see the rest of the year Their approach to the talent challenges that emerging technology has introduced

On BDO’s latest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode , Brett Hickey, founder and CEO of Star Mountain Capital, and Engin Okaya, executive managing director at Prudential Private Capital, joined host Todd Kinney to discuss:AI and other emerging technologies: How PE firms and their portcos can strategically leverage new and impactful tools to gain a competitive edge.The increasing focus on portco talent: Why strategic recruitment and retention efforts remain a top priority for PE firms and their portco leaders.PE’s evolving approach to value creation: How PE firms are creatively optimizing their portcos while navigating challenging headwinds.

On BDO’s newest Private Equity PErspectives podcast episode, Mike Hoffmann, partner at Thoma Bravo, sat down with host Todd Kinney to share his outlook on the current software deal space. They discuss: Thoma Bravo’s method: How the firm creates opportunities and measures results, and why they take a management-centric approach when evaluating potential partners.The high-growth nature of software: Unpacking the secular tailwinds, focus on digital transformation and emerging technologies, and the IT and security skills gaps feeding growth in the software space. Talent management: Why talent is everything in software, and how companies that prioritize attracting and retaining top talent can drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage.Listen here: Talking Software Deal Trends with Thoma Bravo