Richard Fitzgerald, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at CapitalSpring, joins Sean Mooney to share the story behind one of the most enduring sector-focused firms in private equity. In a conversation that moves well beyond deal mechanics, Richard reflects on the early days of CapitalSpring, the value of sticking with a niche, and what it takes to build trust and alignment — across teams, LPs, and portfolio partners — over the long haul.Episode Highlights:1:07 – Richard’s path to private equity7:53 – Building a sector-specialist investment firm with true competitive advantage11:06 – We'd know Richard better if we knew this about him18:27 – Working through hard things – navigating the pandemic26:45 – The art of private equity in the franchise/multi-location sector – best practices35:48 – Benefits of having a sector specialist franchisee investors for sponsors investing in franchisors40:42 – Flexibility to provide both debt and equity solutions for growing businesses is a competitive...

Join Sean Mooney in this engaging episode of Karma School of Business as he speaks with Jonathan Metrick, Partner and Chief Growth Officer at Sagard. Jonathan shares profound insights on growth strategies, operational excellence, and lessons learned as a former operator turned private equity growth leader. Tune in for actionable advice on accelerating revenue, leveraging data, and adapting to new market dynamics in today’s fast-paced environment.Episode Highlights[00:02:40] Jonathan’s unconventional journey from operator to private equity and his reflections on entering the investment world.[00:10:25] Why owning your company’s “superpower” and becoming obsessive about it drives long-term success.[00:15:02] How Sagard supports portfolio companies through go-to-market strategies, AI innovation, and commercial partnerships.[00:23:04] The importance of connected data systems and how they help businesses achieve profit-centric growth.[00:30:34] Why "speed to lead" is essential and how...

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, sits down with Philip Lewis, Partner at Fulcrum Equity Partners. From his early days in investment banking to his significant role in shaping Fulcrum Equity Partners, Philip shares his unique journey into the private equity world. This conversation explores the dynamic landscape of private equity fundraising, the importance of adaptability in career paths, and Philip's insights into the future of the industry. Join us as we delve into the strategies for success in private equity and the impact of innovation on the sector's growth.Episode Highlights:1:06 - Philip's unconventional path to private equity, from communications to venture capital.3:27 - The growth and evolution of Fulcrum Equity Partners from a startup fund to managing nearly a billion under management.5:17 - Personal insights: Philip's early aspirations and experiences that shaped his professional outlook.7:26 - Tackling challenges...

In this engaging episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, sits down with Caleb Clark, Senior Partner at ATL Partners. With a rich background that spans from investment banking to private equity, Caleb shares his journey through the industry, highlighting his entrepreneurial roots and his role in shaping ATL Partners. This conversation explores the importance of asymmetric returns, strategic investments, and building a firm that not only excels in making best-in-class investments but also in being a best-in-class business itself.Episode Highlights:1:56 - From investment banking to private equity: Caleb's path to ATL Partners.5:19 - Entrepreneurial roots and the transition to ATL Partners.8:22 - Personal insights: From politics to private equity.15:42 - Identifying value in potential investments: Caleb's approach.22:21 - The role of sector focus in assessing and growing investments.27:24 - Embracing change and innovation for future success.34:41 -...

In this episode of Private Equity Spotlight, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, engages in a dynamic conversation with Susan Soh, Chief of Capital Formation and Investor Relations at GrowthCurve Capital. Susan shares her unique journey from law to the forefront of private equity, highlighting her transition through various sectors of finance and her role in shaping innovative investment strategies at GrowthCurve Capital. This episode delves into the importance of data-rich businesses, the transformative power of AI and digital tools in private equity, and the value of adaptability and questioning in professional growth.Episode Highlights:1:12 - Susan's transition from law to private equity and her early experiences in the field.3:02 - The founding journey of GrowthCurve Capital and its innovative approach.6:28 - Personal insights: The entrepreneurial spirit and embracing technology.10:21 - Key traits GrowthCurve looks for in companies: Data-rich and growth-oriented.16:25 -...

In this episode, host Sean Mooney talks with Darren Herman, Managing Director at Bain Capital, about his unconventional path into private equity. They delve into digital innovation's role in the industry, strategic talent management, and the importance of adaptability in a constantly evolving sector.Episode Highlights:1:29 - Darren's journey from tech executive to Bain Capital.6:07 - Digital's integral role in business operations.14:21 - Silicon Alley Sports and 'play well and do good' philosophy.22:27 - Bain Capital's consulting DNA and value creation.33:24 - Impact of optimization and AI on marketing.For more information on Bain Capital, visit www.baincapital.com.For more information on Darren Herman, visit www.linkedin.com/in/darrenherman.For more information on Silicon Alley Sports, visit www.siliconalleysports.com.For more information on the Tremont School, visit https://tremontschool.org.For more insights from the Karma School of Business podcast, visit www.bluwave.net/podcast.