2024 Private Equity Forward Forum

Cooley’s Private Equity Forward Forum is an inaugural program crafted to elevate your dealmaking strategies in 2024 and beyond.

Participants learned about fund formation developments, explored cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications, unlocked tactics for value creation and more. Each session is designed to equip participants with the latest tools necessary to amplify investment approach. Participants engaged with like-minded private equity professionals.

The event provided the opportunity to interact with the best minds in the business and take part in immersive panels and high-caliber networking.

The program is designed to innovate, connect and lead the industry forward.

Agenda

Fund Formation in Focus: The Latest Developments

Read takeaways from the panel

As the private equity industry evolves, fund formation is undergoing a transformation. This panel will dive into the shifting landscape of private equity funds and address the latest trends redefining traditional practices. With insights into emerging opportunities and challenges general partners and limited partners may face, this discussion will provide a forward-looking perspective on new developments influencing private capital fundraising.

Speakers

• Faris Elrabie – Partner, Devon Park Advisors
• Derek Pease – Director, legal – fund formation, Silver Lake
• Duwain Robinson – Partner, CFO and CCO, Ascend Partners
• Jaclyn Rabin (moderator) – Partner, Cooley
• David Selden (moderator) – Partner, Cooley

The Value Creation Playbook: Driving Growth in Portfolio Companies

Achieving maximum value in portfolio companies requires a blend of innovation and resilience in today’s competitive market. This session will delve into effective strategies for driving growth, enhancing operational efficiency and boosting profitability. Gain insights from industry leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities of value creation, and take away actionable tactics for superior investment returns.

Speakers

• Matt Doherty – Investment principal, 65 Equity Partners
• Alex Kleiner – Partner, Rubicon Technology Partners
• Scott Mraz – Managing partner, Iron Path Capital
• Angad Singh – Partner, Long Ridge Equity Partners
• Amelia Runyan Davis (moderator) – Partner, Cooley

Maximizing Returns: Exit Strategies for Investors

Explore the latest exit approaches and hear how investors are maximizing returns, navigating market complexities and managing risks associated with different exit routes. We’ll examine current trends, challenges and the various paths to consider – from strategic sales and initial public offerings to secondary buyouts and recapitalizations – leaving you with insights to help refine your strategy.

Speakers

• Walker Brumskine – Partner, Bluestone Equity Partners
• Poya Daneshpour – Managing director, J.P. Morgan
• Daniel Florian – Co-founder and managing partner, Palm Peak Capital
• Geordie Pierson – Partner, Falfurrias Management Partners
• Danielle Fortier (moderator) – Partner, Cooley

The 2024 Election’s Effect on Private Equity

Prepare for the post-election landscape with a quick glance into how the results could reshape private equity M&A. This talk by Robert McDowell, former commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will address how the 2024 US elections could influence regulatory landscapes –including recent US Supreme Court rulings that may alter the dynamics of dealmaking and portfolio management.

Speakers

• Robert McDowell – Partner, chair of communications group and former commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Cooley

Compliance and Competition: Antitrust Trends Shaping the PE Industry

Stay ahead of the curve with a discussion on the latest antitrust developments impacting the private equity sector. Our panelists will explore recent regulatory changes, enforcement trends and their implications, providing a comprehensive overview of how these issues can affect deal structuring and portfolio management. You’ll walk away equipped with what you must know to remain compliant and competitive and ensure your investments are secure and successful.

Speakers

• Megan Browdie – Partner, Cooley
• Ethan Glass – Partner and chair of the antitrust and competition group, Cooley
• Kathy O’Neill – Partner, Cooley
• Sonny Allison (moderator) – Partner and co-chair of the private equity group, Cooley

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Competitive Edge

AI is taking the world by storm, and private equity is no exception. This panel will provide an in-depth look at how PE firms are integrating AI into their operations to optimize portfolio company performance – including practical applications, potential risks and ethical considerations. Discover how to harness the power of AI to drive efficiency and enhance decision-making while navigating the complexities of this rapidly evolving technology.

Speakers

• Pavan Arora – Chief technology officer and managing director, Cerberus Technology Solutions
• Jon Korngold – Global co-head of technology investing and head of Blackstone Growth, Blackstone
• Richard Lichtenstein – Expert partner and chief private equity data officer, Bain & Company
• Troy Pospisil – Founder and CEO, Ontra
• Al Browne (moderator) – Partner and co-chair of the private equity group, Cooley

Contact

For more information, please email Anya Kielbik.