Private Equity Experience
Demystify the world of private equity with insider knowledge.
Join hosts Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander - seasoned professionals who have worked from all angles as C-suite leaders, private equity managing directors, and investors.
In this podcast, they break down complex private equity concepts into everyday language. You'll gain a clear understanding of the PE landscape, key players, and market dynamics. Expect practical insights on deal-making, growth strategies for founders and management teams, and exit strategies. Plus, hear real-world examples and real-time breakdowns of trending news stories.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, considering selling your company to a private equity firm, or simply curious about this lucrative world, this podcast will help you navigate the private equity landscape with confidence.
Episodes
29 episodes
Is "Family Capital" the New Private Equity?
In this episode of the Private Equity Experience, Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive into the secretive and rapidly growing world of family offices. Think Private Equity is the only big player in town? Think again. In our latest ep...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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41:25
Private Equity in 2026: AI, Rates & Survival Strategies
Dive into the future of private equity with hosts Rory Liebhart, Emily Sander, and Ed Barton! In this episode, they break down the top trends shaping 2026, from AI's impact on labor to soaring interest rates and deglobalization. Learn how PE fi...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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36:23
Private Equity Unpacked: Lessons from Writing "On Ramp to Exit"
Dive into the world of private equity with hosts Rory Liebhart, Emily Sander, and Ed Barton! In this episode of The Private Equity Experience Podcast, the trio discusses their groundbreaking book On Ramp to Exit—a no-nonsense guide to navigatin...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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30:17
NIL on Steroids: PE is Taking Over College Athletics!
In this trending topic episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, hosts dive into the explosive intersection of private equity (PE) in college sports. Fueled by NIL deals, revenue sharing, transfer portal chaos, and massive TV rights con...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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31:22
How PE Turns Hot Founders into Giants in 18 Months
Discover the secret sauce behind private equity (PE) growth strategies! In this episode, Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton break down why PE firms target founder-led businesses and reveal the tactical playbooks to scale them. From "buy...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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38:09
EA Sports' $55B PE Acquisition: The WORLD'S BIGGEST Gaming LBO Explained!
Breaking news! Electronic Arts (EA) – the studio behind FIFA, Madden, and Battlefield – is being acquired in the largest-ever private equity buyout ($55B! Katie stuns at the size of the deal). In this episode, we break down:✅ How Lev...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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21:34
Five Founder Fails: Navigating Private Equity
In this 35‑minute episode, the hosts break down the five most common pitfalls that founders face when they bring a private‑equity (PE) firm aboard. From overlooked deal structures to the emotional reality of an eventual exit, the conversation i...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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34:21
The AI Revolution in Private Equity: Diligence, Operations, & Value Creation | PE + AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s actively reshaping the landscape of Private Equity (PE) right now. In this can’t-miss episode of The Private Equity Experience, hosts Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory L...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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37:52
Why Private Equity LOVES the Flash Report (And You Should Too)
In this episode, hosts Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive deep into one of the most powerful tools for leadership teams and private equity-backed companies: The Flash Report.What You’ll Learn:What a Flash Report ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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55:36
Is Private Equity Too Big to Fail?
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Private Equity Experience podcast! In this episode, Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive into the controversial question: Is private equity too big to fail? As they discuss the parallels b...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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38:32
PE's Secret Weapon? How Operating Partners Drive Returns
In this episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, we dive into the critical role of operating partners in private equity funding and their impact on the dilution of investment value. Hosts Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton brea...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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35:14
Private Equity in 401(k)s: A Risky Bet or a Game-Changer?
Description:Tune in to the Private Equity Experience Podcast as we dive into the increasingly controversial topic of private equity making its way into 401(k) retirement accounts. This episode explores the latest developments, includ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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39:41
Rollin' Up Value: The Strategy & Risks of Private Equity Rollup Mergers
Overview: In this episode of The Private Equity Experience, Emily, Rory, and Ed dive into the world of rollup mergers in private equity. Rollup mergers involve acquiring and consolidating multiple smaller companies in the sam...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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38:40
Leveraged Buyouts Uncovered: Private Equity’s High-Stakes Game
In Episode 15, hosts Emily Sanders and Rory Liebhart delve into the world of Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs), examining how private equity firms and other entities utilize substantial debt to acquire companies. Joined by expert Edward Barton, the conv...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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37:27
The Dilution Dilemma: Navigating the World of Equity Funding
Introduction to Equity Dilution and Its Impact on InvestorsEquity Dilution Definition: Occurs when a company issues new shares to raise capital, leading to a decrease in the ownership percentage of existing shareholders.
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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31:14
Raising Capital 101: Insights from Seasoned PE Pros
Description:In this episode, we explore the various types of funding rounds that a startup or business can undergo, ranging from angel investing to private equity buyouts. Our guests, Emily Sander and Rory Liebhart, are joined by Ed Barton,...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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44:41
Private Equity vs. Private Credit: Demystifying the Capital Stack, Risk, and Returns
In this episode, we dive into the world of private credit and its relationship with private equity. Our hosts, Rory, Emily and Ed, share their expertise on the differences and similarities between these two asset classes.Key Takeaway...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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34:57
Tariffs, Trapped Equity, and the PE Tightrope: Navigating Uncertain Markets
Summary:In this episode, the hosts discuss the current economic environment, tariffs, and their impact on private equity. They also explore the concept of "trapped equity" and how it affects private equity firms. The conversation tou...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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37:27
The PE Leadership Gambit: What Happens to the C-Suite After Acquisition?
What happens to leadership teams when private equity enters the picture? In this revealing episode of The Private Equity Experience, Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton discuss the dramatic shifts that occur when PE firms acquire compani...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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32:48
Cracking the Code on Private Equity Valuations: Understanding the Art and Science of M&A Deals
This episode of The Private Equity Experience dives deep into the crucial and often dramatic world of business valuation in private equity deals. Hosts Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton explore the complexities, emotions, and str...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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29:49
Understanding the Private Equity Ecosystem: VC, Series Funding, and PE Firms
In this informative episode of the Private Equity Experience podcast, hosts Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton break down the complex world of private equity, venture capital, and series funding. Learn the differences between VC and PE ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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33:47
Is Incorporating In Delaware Still A Good Idea?
Description: Delaware has been the go-to state for incorporating businesses due to its business-friendly environment, strong case law, and lack of business taxes.The recent court case involving Elon Musk's compensation package has raised...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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33:57
Due Diligence: The Key to Unlocking Your Company's Value
In this episode of the Private Equity Experience podcast, Ed and Rory dive into due diligence, a crucial step in buying or selling a business. They explain what due diligence is, how it works, and why it's essential for determining a company's ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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36:48
The Ultimate Private Equity Buy Phase Guide: Preparation is Key
The Private Equity Experience podcast discusses the buy phase of private equity, focusing on the preparation required for business owners to sell their companies. The hosts, Ed Barton, Emily Sander, and Rory Liebhart, emphasize the importance o...
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Episode 5
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37:14
Selling Your Business to Private Equity: The Crucial Steps Before Selling Your Business
In this episode of PEX, the hosts explore the private equity selling process, comparing it to a dating game to illustrate the stages from initial teasers to detailed due diligence. They cover critical concepts like Confidential Information Memo...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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33:41