How Private Equity is Investing in "Midwest Mavericks" with Susan Ford

Nov 1, 2023

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We sat down with Susan Ford of Graham Allen Partners to talk about Private Equity. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Though private Equity traditionally has a bad reputation in the tech community, Susan does a good job of breaking down the signs of bad actor investors.

Susan Ford is a Partner at Graham Allen Partners, a private investment firm focused on developing early-stage technology businesses into sustainable growth companies.

This conversation is a masterclass in private equity. We cover PE vs VC, what investors are looking for in founders, and how to set your business up for a potential exit.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

[2:03] Private Equity vs Venture Capital
[4:26] Bridging the Gap between Tradition and Innovation
[7:05] Data-Rich Asset Light Industries
[8:02] Private Equity Firms and Manufacturing Data
[11:18] Private Equity Firms in Secondary and Tertiary Markets
[15:00] The Value of Data in Core Businesses
[24:40] Considerations for founders/executives considering an exit
[26:23] Preparing for a sale and aligning incentives
[33:22] The importance of self-knowledge and awareness
[37:05] The significance of effective communication and understanding in teams
[40:44] Tough Conversations and Job Rejections
[41:23] The Power of Vulnerability and Values

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Susan, you will learn about:

Understanding Private Equity and Venture Capital: Susan explained the difference between these two investment strategies. While venture capital is high risk and high reward, private equity is more conservative, focusing on later-stage companies and larger investments.
The Midwest Maverick: Susan introduced us to the concept of a "Midwest maverick," individuals who honor tradition and legacy while embracing transformation. These are the kind of people Graham Allen Partners look for when making investments.
Harnessing Data in Business: We discussed the importance of understanding unit economics and leveraging data in traditional businesses. Susan shared an example of how data can be used to transform a business, emphasizing the importance of expanding margins and growing revenue.

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Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

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