Welcome back to another episode of the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to chat with an innovator who’s changing the game for private equity firms with cutting-edge software.
I had the pleasure of meeting Venkat Subramaniam, the co-founder of DealsPlus, in Citywire’s London studio. We dove deep into his journey of creating a digital powerhouse aimed at revolutionizing how private equity firms handle their complex holding and capital structures. His software streamlines, digitizes, and completely automates these intricate processes, allowing firms to operate more efficiently.
Feel free to catch our discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Transistor for more insights.
In the private equity world, the reliance on human effort and manual operations for managing cap tables and transactions has been extensive. Such processes are prone to errors, complicating the deal-making process. With 15 years of experience advising on cross-border transactions, including his tenure as an Associate Partner at EY UK, Venkat has leveraged this expertise to develop DealsPlus. This tool offers a centralized, reliable platform for capital management in private equity, supported by a firm managing $38 billion in assets.
Venkat and I delved into several intriguing topics, such as:
– The complexity behind crafting a cap table management solution tailored for private equity.
– The distinct challenges of developing software for private equity versus venture capital.
– The transition from traditional spreadsheets to modern digital solutions in private markets.
– Crafting a unified platform versus focusing on niche solutions.
– Innovations on the horizon in post-investment operational technology.
Venkat’s insights were truly remarkable, shedding light on the industry’s pressing issues and highlighting future innovations. You can find some key clips from our conversation:
1. Tackling the toughest challenges in the field right now.
2. The debate between point solutions and all-in-one platforms.
3. Discovering the standout features of DealsPlus.
4. The differences in building solutions for larger vs. smaller firms.
This episode is brought to you by Ultimus Fund Solutions, a premier provider of comprehensive fund administration services for both public and private market asset managers. As the need for sophisticated infrastructure solutions in private markets grows, Ultimus steps in, offering expertise and a personalized approach that spans over 1,800 funds and $500 billion in assets.
Ultimus has become a go-to partner for fund sponsors and asset managers, providing tailored fund administration and middle-office solutions. They help navigate complex regulatory landscapes, meet rigorous reporting demands, and ensure transparency. With over 1,000 professionals dedicated to operational excellence, they support the successful launch and management of retail alternative products.
To explore more about their offerings, visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com or reach out to Gary Harris, their Executive Vice President of Business Development, at [email protected].
I’d like to thank Venkat for sharing his expertise and Ultimus for their support in bringing alternative investments to the mainstream.
For a deeper dive into the episode, here are the key segments we covered:
– Introduction to our sponsor, Ultimus
– What DealsPlus is all about
– Venkat’s path and professional journey
– Overcoming the complexities of cap table management
– Creating a single source of truth with DealsPlus
– Venkat’s rich experience in tax advisory
– The intricacies of private equity structures
– Learning from real-world challenges in private equity
– The transformative power of technology in the industry
This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the private markets, from operational challenges to technological breakthroughs. Enjoy the listen!