The Waterfall

Episode 4 - The art of dealmaking and building relationships in private equity

In the fourth episode of The Waterfall, Partner at Rockpool, Guy Ellis joins us for a discussion on succeeding in all aspects of private equity.    Head of Taylor Wessing Ireland Adam Griffiths is joined by partner at Rockpool, Guy Ellis to discuss Rockpool’s unique approach to deal management, the skillset required to progress in the industry and modern entry paths to a career in private equity. Topics covered include:  * how Guy’s management consulting background benefited him during his transition to work in private equity * Rockpool’s unique approach to working with management teams to create value * the importance of strong relationships and trust during a deal diversifying the talent pool and overcoming barriers to entry into finance. Guest speaker - Guy Ellis Guy is responsible for originating and executing new investments as well as advising the boards of Rockpool portfolio companies. Guy has worked across a number of sectors including consumer, technology, security, training and education, financial services and media. Prior to joining Rockpool, Guy spent five years in private equity at Alcuin Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking. Before his career in private equity, Guy was a management consultant at Deloitte. Listen to the episode above, or via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Stitcher.

Episode 3 - Minority investment – an alternative approach to private equity

Taylor Wessing Ireland Partner Paddy Quinlan is joined by Head of the Republic of Ireland at BGF Leo Casey to discuss BGF's Irish presence, its investment approach and notable aspects of the private equity market in Ireland.  Topics covered include: * BGF's approach to investing and how it supports management teams  * how Leo's corporate finance experience plays a role in his investing approach  * what makes a good private equity advisor/professional advisor  * Ireland's strategic importance to BGF International  * current trends in the Irish market and opportunities for BGF in the future.  Guest speaker - Leo Casey Leo leads BGF's Dublin office, with responsibility for identifying, investing and supporting businesses across the Republic of Ireland who require long-term and patient capital to support growth plans. Based in Dublin, he has more than 17 years’ experience and knowledge of the Irish mid-market, helping Irish owner-managed and family businesses secure growth capital and unlock value.  Listen to the episode above, or via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Stitcher.

Episode 2 – How private equity investors help to create value

Head of Taylor Wessing Ireland Adam Griffiths is joined by Andrew Murphy, a partner at Erisbeg, to discuss value accretion, Erisbeg's investment approach, and the evolving Irish market. Topics covered include: * how Erisbeg was founded, and its growth over the past few years * how Erisbeg's flat structure and the team's varied experience have contributed to its success * how Andrew's entrepreneurial background has helped him identify opportunities/add value * the Irish private equity market's evolution since 2017 and how it might change in future. Guest speaker - Andrew Murphy Andrew is well known across Ireland’s start-up and entrepreneurial community. A chemical engineer and former chemical plant manager with Henkel for the first part of his career, Andrew founded a healthcare technology start-up, Slainte Healthcare, in 2006.  Over time this grew into two entities. One, Claimsure, was sold to Clanwilliam Health in 2015 after establishing itself as the central platform for revenue cycle management across the Irish healthcare system. The second, Vitro Software, is an electronic medical record platform that has scaled internationally. Andrew was nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014, and since 2016 has assisted numerous companies to scale internationally.  Listen to the episode above, or via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Stitcher.

Episode 1 – Buy and build strategies in private equity

Head of Taylor Wessing Ireland Adam Griffiths is joined by Laura Dillon, partner and lead of Waterland's Irish team to discuss partnerships, Waterland's approach to the Irish market and how buy and build can create value. Topics covered include: * buy and build strategies in Ireland * what Waterland looks for when investing in companies * the importance of good chemistry when partnering with a company * how Laura's experience as a founder has influenced her private equity approach * current trends in Irish private equity and what she sees emerging in the next 12 months. Guest speaker - Laura Dillon Laura is a partner at Waterland in Dublin and leads the Waterland Irish team. Alongside her private equity experience Laura has founded and run her own company, DSI Distribution Solutions Ireland Ltd, a leading healthcare distribution company where she was also CEO. She holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from University College Dublin. Listen to the episode above, or via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Stitcher.