Beyond capital: How PE firms create portfolio value

In this IMpact podcast episode, host Reese Blair speaks with Rafael Telahun (Managing Director, Altaline Capital Management) about how private equity firms drive value through hands-on operational support, including a "hybrid" approach that helps management execute time-bound transformation plans without overloading already-busy leaders. Telahun highlights value-creation levers that increase "product gravity" and mission criticality like embedding financial services, deep third-party integrations, and monetizable data/benchmark products plus community-building via certifications and conferences. He closes with two imperatives: fully integrate operating professionals into incentives and key decisions, and secure upfront management alignment on the 180-day/one-year agenda.