The 8th Private Equity San Francisco Forum is the premier West Coast event designed to enhance financial and investment practices while fostering collaboration within the private equity community.
Join us at the Private Equity San Francisco Event for an exclusive opportunity to engage with industry leaders and experts. The event features a keynote interview with Yann Robard, Founder and Managing Partner of Dawson Partners, on innovative secondaries strategies.
Gathering investors, fund managers, and advisors, the event presents a strong platform for exchanging ideas and gaining perspectives from industry leaders. The day will feature discussions on operational excellence, regulatory evolution, and strategic approaches to growth and due diligence.
Panels will dive into capitalizing on high-growth tech sectors like AI and fintech, exploring effective fundraising strategies in a challenging market, and the CFO’s role in enhancing track record performance.
Network with peers and gain actionable insights to navigate the evolving private equity landscape. Register Now!
![]() |
Rich Lawson, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Partner, HGGC Mr. Lawson is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of HGGC. Mr. Lawson has been involved in all phases of the firm’s development since its formation and directs the firm’s strategy and investment decisions, governance and investor relations. Since HGGC’s inception, Mr. Lawson has overseen over 700 completed transactions representing more than $80 billion in aggregate transaction value. Mr. Lawson also serves as a director, chairman emeritus or trustee on several philanthropic and cultural institutions including the Capital Impact Foundation, San Francisco Zoo, Wasatch Adaptive Sports and the Forever Young Foundation. Mr. Lawson received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and B.A. from Amherst College. |
![]() |
Rishi Kapoor, Vice Chairman, Chief Investment Officer, Investcorp Rishi Kapoor is Investcorp’s Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer (CIO). He has been with the firm for over 30 years, having served as Investcorp’s Co-Chief Executive Officer from 2015 to 2024, and as Chief Financial Officer from 2003 to 2015. Rishi joined Investcorp in 1992 from Citigroup. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Rishi is a member of Duke University’s Middle East Regional Advisory Board, the Oxford Energy Policy Club, and His Majesty King Charles’ Sustainable Markets Initiative. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Directors for the National Bank of Bahrain, where he chairs the Risk & Compliance Committee. Rishi is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences and has been recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the top 10 Indian executives in the region. Top CEO Middle East also named him one of the top CEOs in the GCC in 2018. |
![]() |
Yann Robard, Managing Partner, Dawson Partners (“Dawson”) Yann Robard is Managing Partner of Dawson. Established in 2015, Dawson (formerly Whitehorse Liquidity Partners) is a leading global alternative asset manager focused on providing innovative structured solutions to the private markets. Dawson has US$20 billion of assets under management and over 200 employees. Since inception, the Firm has deployed over US$25 billion across more than 240 transactions. Prior to Dawson, Yann spent a cumulative 13 years at CPP Investment Board (“CPPIB”). Yann joined CPPIB in 2001 at the inception of its private equity investment program. He was Managing Director, Head of Secondaries and Co-Investments in 2015 when he left CPPIB to establish Dawson. Yann holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) Charterholder. |
![]() |
Adam Vigna, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Sagard Adam Vigna is co-founder & Chief Investment Officer of
Sagard since 2016. As the firm’s CIO, Adam is actively involved in all
investment decisions made across the platform and is responsible for Sagard’s
overall investment activities, including investment strategy, governance, and
portfolio construction. Adam also serves as Chief Investment Officer of Sagard
Credit Partners. Adam is a member of the Management Committee and is currently
a director of Peak Achievement Athletics. He is based in Toronto, Canada. |
Please note only corporate email addresses will be accepted.
Why do I need to enter my corporate email address?
By using your corporate email address, we can verify that you are a registered financial professional.
Maximizing Track Record Performance: The
CFO’s Strategic Role in Private Equity
This panel will explore the critical role
the CFO plays in improving and communicating a firm’s track record performance.
Panelists will discuss strategies for refining financial operations, leveraging
data for performance insights, and navigating the challenges of valuation and
exits, ultimately helping firms demonstrate consistent value creation and
strengthen their competitive position in the market.
Exit Strategies in Private Equity: Adapting
to Market Conditions and Maximizing Value
The panel will explore how senior
executives develop and implement exit strategies for private equity
investments, focusing on tailored approaches for varying market conditions.
Discussions will include key actions to prioritize in a strong market, strategic
pivots in a flat market, and adjustments required during economic downturns.
The panel will also cover best practices for preparing management teams for a
successful exit, as well as the critical steps private equity firms must take
to ensure a smooth and efficient transition, maximizing value for all
stakeholders involved.
Selecting Private Equity Managers:
Institutional Investors' Due Diligence Process and Best Practices
This panel will provide an in-depth look at
the institutional investor manager selection process for private equity,
focusing on how large-scale investors—such as pension funds, endowments, and
foundations—evaluate and choose private equity managers. Experts will discuss
the critical components of due diligence, including the assessment of a
manager's historical performance, investment strategy, operational
infrastructure, and alignment with institutional goals
Global Trends in Private Equity Investments
and Buyouts
Experts will discuss how to navigate
opportunities and challenges in key regions outside of the US, and emerging
markets, while adapting to geopolitical shifts and evolving economic
conditions. The panel will delve into the strategies driving successful buyouts,
such as sector-specific targeting, operational improvements, and the growing
role of sustainability and ESG factors. Attendees will gain valuable insights
into how firms are deploying capital, structuring deals, and identifying value
creation opportunities in a complex, interconnected global economy.
Capitalizing on Technology: Private Equity
Strategies in High-Growth Sectors
Panelists will explore the strategies used
to identify and capitalize on opportunities in high-growth technology sectors,
including software, fintech, and emerging tech such as AI and cybersecurity.
Discussions will cover the unique challenges and rewards of investing in tech
companies, including managing rapid innovation cycles, scaling businesses, and
navigating regulatory landscapes.
Driving Value Post-Acquisition: Strategies
for Effective Portfolio Company Management
This panel will focus on the critical
strategies and best practices private equity managers employ to effectively
manage portfolio companies after acquisition. Panelists will discuss how they
work closely with management teams to implement operational improvements, drive
revenue growth, and optimize financial performance, while also navigating
challenges such as talent management, organizational restructuring, and
integration. The conversation will explore how PE firms align their value
creation plans with long-term strategic goals, foster innovation, and position
portfolio companies for successful exits.