The LAB Podcast: Value Creation in Private Equity

Digital Transformation & Differentiated Alpha with Neil Bansal from OMERS Private Equity in our most recent episode of the #TheLAB🎙️ In this episode, Scott Estill and Nick Creasey go deep with Neil into how OMERS is leveraging digital transformation, AI, and data to unlock value across their portfolio. He shares how digital is a massive, untapped opportunity that goes beyond cost savings—it's about driving differentiated alpha and positioning companies for higher-value exits. Neil also talks about the challenges of rushing into digital without strategic alignment, leading to wasted resources and missed opportunities. His approach? Tie digital investments directly to business imperatives, and ensure AI and data become strategic assets. From evaluating companies in diligence to implementing value creation plans, Neil offers actionable insights on how digital can bend the trajectory of revenue, costs, and customer experience. Listen to the entire podcast on your preferred platform! #TheLABPodcast #DigitalTransformation #PrivateEquity #AI #ValueCreation #Leadership

New Podcast Episode Alert! In our latest episode of #TheLAB, we had the pleasure of chatting with Neil Bansal, Managing Director and Operating Partner at OMERS Private Equity. Scott Estill and Nick Creasey dive deep with Neil into his journey from investment banking and consulting to leading digital transformation across industries at powerhouses like Foot Locker and Constellation Brands. We discussed: 👉 The power of AI and digital tools in driving value creation. 👉 Navigating change in industries like financial services, consumer goods, and retail. 👉 Challenges in implementing AI and data strategies, and how companies can overcome them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of private equity, technology, and transformation. 🎧 📢 Listen now on your preferred podcast platform! Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grvkhxHy Resourcive Lancor Joshua Chorazy Vanessa Ganey #PrivateEquity #AI #DigitalTransformation #ValueCreation #Leadership #Podcast #TechInnovation #DigitalStrategy #OMERS #TheLabPodcast

In our latest episode of #TheLAB, Nick Creasey and Scott Estill welcome Dave Leyrer of 3L. In this clip, Dave discusses how Metropolis, under the ambitious leadership of its founder, made a bold move to acquire SP+ (SP Plus), the largest parking operator in North America, transforming the parking industry with #AI. This clip highlights the strategic vision and innovative thinking that drives success in today's tech-driven world. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gEtT7RYY #AI #Innovation #Leadership #BusinessTransformation #TechInnovation #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Metropolis #ParkingIndustry

🚀 Excited to share our latest podcast episode where we dive into the transformative power of #AI with Dave Leyrer of 3L In this episode, Nick Creasey and Scott Estill are joined by Dave Leyrer from 3L, a tech-focused venture firm, to discuss how AI can revolutionize industries. We use Metropolis Technologies, one of Dave's portfolio companies, as a case study to illustrate the incredible impact of AI in modernizing traditional sectors. Highlights include: - How Metropolis leveraged AI to overhaul the parking industry, creating a seamless, profitable experience for both asset owners and consumers. - The strategic acquisition of Premier Parking and the ambitious $1.6 billion purchase of SP+ (SP Plus), the largest parking operator in North America. - Insights into the importance of visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and quality advisory support in navigating complex transactions and driving growth. Dave's expertise and Metropolis' success story provide a fascinating blueprint for leveraging AI in other industries. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about AI's potential, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in to learn how AI can turn traditional businesses into tech-driven powerhouses! 🚗💡 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/giMAZVX7 #AI #BusinessTransformation #TechInnovation #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Metropolis #ParkingIndustry #Leadership #Growth #InvestmentStrategies

In this clip of our latest podcast, Jon Lemelman, CEO & Co-Founder of Classify, dives deep into the transformative impact of AI on tech-enabled service businesses. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Ownership and Commitment: Once you've integrated AI into your business, the real challenge begins—driving differentiated value creation. It all starts with clean data. 2. Impact Assessment: Before investing in AI, especially in businesses like consulting or coding firms, it's crucial to understand how AI will impact the business model. The landscape is evolving rapidly, and it's essential to stay ahead. 3. Fundamental Premises: Trusted and Secure Data: Your data must be in the right place, managed by trusted service providers like Snowflake, Databricks, or Starburst. The data is what trains your AI models. Data Processing: Ensure your data is processed in a way that AI can consume effectively. This involves adhering to all legal, security, and data privacy requirements. 4. User Motivation: Identify real-world use cases by talking to your customers. Understand their current processes and how your AI tool can solve their problems. This user-centric approach is key to successful AI implementation. Listen now on your preferred platform! Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gU8yiqcq Apple: https://lnkd.in/gGUePXX3 Nick Creasey Scott Estill Joshua Chorazy Kiana Nicio

New episode of #TheLAB featuring Jon Lemelman, Co-Founder and CEO of Classify. Jon is a seasoned private equity professional turned #AI entrepreneur. Jon's journey is a fascinating one: after 25 years in private equity, he identified a pervasive problem that had no adequate solution and decided to tackle it head-on by founding Classify. In this episode, Jon shares how, pre-pandemic, he noticed an inordinate amount of time being wasted on managing data from various sources—data rooms, shared drives, CRMs, and emails. This inefficiency led him to explore how AI could streamline these processes. Fast forward to the pandemic era, and the demand for remote, efficient solutions skyrocketed, confirming his vision. John and his co-founder, Tait Larson, developed an AI-driven solution to automate and optimize these workflows, catching the wave of the AI boom just in time. Give the episode a listen to hear about the transformative power of AI, specific to private equity and beyond. We discuss how AI can revolutionize traditional tasks, from organizing information to conducting market research. One standout example is the use of AI in market research—replacing costly, time-consuming consultancy processes with efficient, AI-driven models that deliver insights quickly and accurately. John highlighted the importance of starting with a clear problem definition and understanding the workflow before implementing AI solutions. He also shared practical advice on integrating AI in companies, stressing the need for trusted and secure data handling, as well as the necessity of having a clear use case. Listen now on your preferred platform! Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gU8yiqcq Apple: https://lnkd.in/gGUePXX3 Nick Creasey Scott Estill Joshua Chorazy Kiana Nicio #PrivateEquity #AI #Innovation #TheLABPodcast #TechTransformation #AIinBusiness #StartupJourney

In this episode, #TheLAB hits the road! Join Scott Estill down in Baltimore with Kevin McAllister, Founder of Access Holdings, as they discuss a wide range of topics: 🚀 Revolutionary strategies redefining entrepreneurship and partnership in the middle market 🔍 Deep market insights and cutting-edge technology utilization driving enduring value 💼 The ACE program: Developing leaders and fostering growth 📊 Data-driven decision-making for long-term success Give it a listen on your preferred platform! Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ewJFGVfD Apple: https://lnkd.in/e2qMDcfT Google: https://lnkd.in/gYjviT56 Joshua Chorazy Lancor Resourcive Justin Wisnicki Kelly Ramsden Vanessa Ganey Willow Waugh Nick Creasey #privateequity #podcast #valuecreation #business

In this episode of #TheLAB, Nick Creasey and Scott Estill sit down with Paul W Swaney III, Managing Partner of Swaney Group Capital who focuses on taking the guesswork out of business transformation. Key topics include: ✔️ Strategic Onboarding: Learn why taking the initial hundred days to observe and conduct genuine diligence is crucial in private equity. ✔️ Building Governance: Discover the importance of establishing a robust governance structure, including monthly financial reporting and an operating committee. ✔️ Continuous Monitoring: Understand the necessity of ongoing monitoring and resource application for adaptability and success in dynamic business environments. Give it a listen on your preferred platform! Spotfiy: https://lnkd.in/g_5GnDdb Apple: https://lnkd.in/gQ3YQhA8 Google: https://lnkd.in/gYjviT56 Joshua Chorazy Lancor Resourcive Megan Merola #privateequity #podcast #valuecreation #business

In this clip of #TheLAB w/Ray Carey, Ray shares a critical lesson for CEOs and business leaders—treating capital rotation as a project. 🔄 Capital Rotation, Not Just an Exit: Shift your perspective from exit to a continuous capital rotation cycle. 📈 Projectize the Process: Treat capital rotation as a dedicated project with a defined lifecycle. Don't let it be a passive element; be proactive and maniacally focused on preparing for the cycle. 🌐 CEO's Responsibility: Accept capital with the understanding that managing its rotation is a core responsibility. Ensure alignment between your long-term company vision and the shorter-term capital rotation cycles. 🎧 Listen now on your preferred platform! Joshua Chorazy Nick Creasey Scott Estill Lou Jordano Resourcive Lancor #TheLabPodcast #BusinessLeadership #OperatingPartner #CEOInsights

🚀 Nadim Malik and Sutton Place Strategies, by Bain & Company: Powering Data-Driven Dealmaking Success! 🌐✨ In this clip and episode, Nadim reveals SPS's transformative impact: clients closing deals they otherwise wouldn't have seen. But there are no easy buttons... SPS is a long-term, strategic, data-driven partner committed to innovation. Give it a listen on your preferred platform! Nick Creasey Scott Estill Joshua Chorazy Megan Merola Lancor Resourcive #privateequity #podcast #valuecreation #business