When it comes to technology solutions, five to 10 years ago, private capital firms used to try to select a single software vendor to deliver all functional requirements across the front, middle and back office. This approach had limited success. Most vendors had strengths in certain areas but key weaknesses in others. None could deliver all functionality well.
“What is now proved was once only imagined” – William Blake, Auguries of Innocence, 1803
The private equity industry remains a staunchly conservative, relationship-driven industry, fuelled by the operational and financial expertise of deal teams to identify the right companies to invest with and transform.
Evolution Equity Partners has led a Series C round in Quantexa, a decision intelligence software company that enables organisations to make better decisions, raising a further USD64.7 million in funding.
JP Morgan Asset Management and Hazeltree, a provider of cloud-based treasury solutions for investment managers, have partnered to deliver a unique and integrated cash and liquidity management platform to private equity, private credit, real estate and infrastructure funds.
Software and technology-focused private equity investor Thoma Bravo is to acquire Majesco, a provider of cloud insurance software solutions for insurance businesses, in a deal valuing the company at USD594 million.
Sumeru Equity Partners has led a USD100 million investment in SocialChorus, a workforce communications SaaS company, along with existing investors.
NPIF - Mercia Equity Finance and XTX Ventures has invested GBP2.5 million in Logically, a tech startup using AI to detect misinformation and to provide a fact-checking service to combat fake news ahead of the US election.
By Owen Morris, operations director at Doherty Associates – Covid-19 has presented multiple challenges to those working in private equity and finance, not least remote working, which looks set to continue for the future. When it comes to compliance the FCA expects it to be business as usual, despite the effects of the pandemic.
Innovate Finance, the industry body representing the FinTech sector in the UK, has warned that the sector is facing a “significant” funding gap as a result of the Covid-19 crisis – with smaller companies coming under growing pressure.
LP communication can never be underestimated but in light of the market impact caused by Covid-19, GPs can ill afford to risk any communication disconnect. With so much volatility, the way in which GPs are able to effectively report to investors, even if the news is not positive, can go a long way towards distinguishing between the good, the bad and the ugly.