The Journey to PE Prominence: A Case Study
Written By: Gerald O’Dwyer III
The PE Guru — Blackmore Partners, Inc | July 30, 2024
Phase 1: The Initial 12-24 Month Journey
- Objective: Embarking on a marathon in the PE world requires patience, strategic planning, and adaptability. It’s about laying the groundwork, akin to an architect’s initial blueprints.
- Strategy: Document successful exits, including your role, thesis, metrics, and returns, much like a chef records a recipe.
BlackmoreConnects is your sherpa.
Phase 2: Developing and Showcasing Your PE Track Record – (please prepare this for post conference #2 )
- Objective: Building a PE track record is like an artist creating a diverse portfolio, showcasing a range of skills and successes.
Approach: Compile a list of potential business owners using tools like Google, trade shows, Dunn and Bradstreet, SourceScrub, Cyndx, and Morning Stars Pitchbook, similar to a detective’s investigative work. Compile your PE track record. If you do not have one, how will can you demonstrate from past roles? If you cannot, no problem. Why, because you can start now with guidance of your Sherpa BlackmoreConnects. Professional M&A tools free to those who invest in conferences. $72,000 dollar of tool available to you.
Phase 3: Qualification and Outreach – Professional M&A tools free to those who invest in conferences. $72,000 dollar of tool available to you.
- Tactics: Use email campaign tools like hunter.io and rocketreach to reach business owners, akin to a fisherman casting a wide net.
Phase 4: Building Relationships and Adding Value
- Key Actions: Develop relationships with business owners and potential customers, much like a gardener nurturing plants.
- Outcome: These relationships make you invaluable to PE firms, akin to a skilled guide.
Phase 5: Navigating the PE Landscape
- Strategy: Learn the investor language and concerns to effectively communicate with PE firms, similar to learning a new language in a foreign country.
Phase 6: Standing Out as a PE Professional
- Key Action: Engage in substantial M&A activities and sign NDAs, proving you’re a strategist, not just a player.
- Result: Positions you as a candidate for board membership in companies seeking growth through acquisition.
Conclusion: The Path to PE Eminence
- This journey combines strategic thinking, relationship building, operational savvy, and an understanding of the PE landscape, akin to a captain navigating a ship.
Real-World Examples
- Snowflake’s IPO: Showcases the value of early identification of potential and visionary leadership in the PE space.
- Blue Buffalo’s Growth: Highlights the importance of identifying niche markets and strategic investment for long-term growth.
These examples and phases depict the multifaceted journey of becoming and remaining top of mind in Private Equity.