Private Equity activity is proving to be a very interesting market and has changed considerably over the last few years.

The advent of social responsibility and environmental issues has influenced investors and Corporate and Social responsibility is a key focus for investors. I often see candidates looking to align their own personal values with that of the company and using this as a tool to ‘tackle’ the job market can prove very useful. As a CFO/FD, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on how this aspect of your employer/future employer makes an impact on your career decisions. 

Regardless of the macro-economic environment, the technology sector is still very buoyant. It's interesting that as the larger multi-nationals (including Amazon, Google and Meta) released their results, their share prices slightly dipped. However, start-up/SME software/IT are still attracting private equity as the PE-houses try to find the ‘next big thing’ or look to buy-in and align services and products with their previous acquisitions in a ‘buy-and build’ strategy.

So as a CFO/FD looking to get into the private equity world, what's your best tactic?

The CFOs are the ‘glue’ that holds everything together, they are a key person throughout the exit process or acquisition. The targets are often SMEs so experience and an entrepreneurial mindset is essential. If you are someone who likes to get into the details, enjoys being challenged and has vision then this is all very relevant. A desire to leave no stone unturned (hands on approach)  whilst you also lead at the strategic level is essential. The ability to influence and make key changes alongside a  CEO and other stakeholders is critical.

The best place to start is often by aligning your experience with a specific business sector. If you are a FD in a software company, then a PE firm may be interested in the value-add you bring to one of their acquisitions in the software/SaaS space. You may not have PE exposure, but you may have been involved in an IPO or MBO. Working in private equity can be new to you but different to anything you would have experienced before, but the nuts-and-bolts of raising funds, reporting to and partnering the executive team, will be all too familiar to you.

Joining a private equity or owner managed company isn’t for everyone, it is rewarding and challenging, it gives you an opportunity to work with some very interesting companies across different sectors. Have you made the move? I’d be keen to share experiences and advice from anybody who has transitioned into the PE-world as I see it continuing to be an active sector within the senior finance recruitment market.

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