Inside Private Equity - July 9, 2025 issue

In this 14th issue of Inside Private Equity, the program explores the main risks associated with private equity, with insights from Frédéric Stolar on illiquidity, capital loss, the selection of managers, and the importance of diversifying investment horizons. Illiquidity is presented here less as a risk than as a structural feature of the asset class, requiring investors to commit only the long-term portion of their assets and to fully understand the timing of capital calls and distributions.The success story features Odigo, a French specialist in cloud-based customer relationship management solutions. Its co-CEO, Jean-Michel Bruel, discusses the company’s transformation since its spin-off from Capgemini and its support from Seven2. He explains how private equity imposes a demanding pace but also enables structured growth, accelerates operational efficiency, and prepares the ground for new stages of development.In the “Inside the Funds” section, Edouard Didier, Managing Director at STG, details how a fund specializing in B2B software analyzes a target prior to acquisition. due diligence as a decisive moment for evaluating management, the quality of growth, operational levers, and value creation potential. He particularly emphasizes the importance of alignment between investors and executives.Thibaut Mortelecq’s trend column highlights the role of the long term in wealth building. By comparing a sequential investment strategy to a planned and structured approach, he shows that investment methodology, taxation, and planning for succession can significantly alter the final outcome for the investor and their heirs.This month’s expert, Michel Roumy, an economist and consultant for Levy Capital Partners, discusses financial education regarding private equity. He highlights the growing interest of high-net-worth families in this asset class, while noting that investment should be part of a wealth diversification strategy rather than a precautionary savings measure. He also stresses the need to clearly explain the risks, the investment horizon, and illiquidity constraints. Finally, the floor is given to Laurent Mayer, a private investor and founder of The Tie Breaker. Drawing on his experience as an investment banker, he shares his vision of an industry that has become global, sophisticated, and highly competitive. He explains why he favors a diversified approach, across multiple vintages and funds of funds, with a long-term perspective and a strong focus on aligning interests.