Tom Meyer

Wealth professionals looking to introduce private market investments into client portfolios are finding that client education is essential. Managing Director James Martin shares a key insight from our Global Private Wealth Survey that highlights how stronger education equips clients to confidently embrace private markets.

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Engine Capital Issues Presentation Highlighting the Case for Boardroom Change at Lyft and Opportunities for Meaningful Value Creation "Engine’s multiple attempts to work constructively with Lyft to strengthen the Board were met by entrenched directors who rejected Engine’s highly qualified candidates without even meeting with them. "The current Board lacks public company experience and financial sophistication. Seven of the Company’s 10 directors have never served on another public company board besides Lyft. "Lead Independent Director and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair Sean Aggarwal and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee member Betsey Stevenson have overseen negative total returns during their tenures, lack financial sophistication based on their track records at Lyft, and support the dual-class share structure. "Engine’s nominees – who have cumulatively served on 16 public company boards and who have exemplary track records of significant value creation – would advocate for eliminating the Company’s dual-class share structure, de-staggering the Board, optimizing the balance sheet, reassessing equity compensation practices to reduce dilution, and exploring all strategic alternatives." #corporategovernance #boardsofdirectors #governance #shareholdervalue #activistinvesting #shareholderactivism #institutionalinvestors https://lnkd.in/gf47jVQq

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EnerTech Expands its Innovation Platform Through a Partnership with Restructuring Company Steinberg Advisory “We are thrilled to have Steinberg Advisory as a partner on our expanded services platform. Howard and I have known one another for over 25 years and worked together at RBC Capital Partners earlier in our careers. Howard and his team have developed a platform of core services that will be a valuable resource for both our firm and our broader network of Corporate LPs and co-investors,” said Wally Hunter, Managing Partner at EnerTech Capital.

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Excited to finally share what we’ve been building over the past year. Today we’re announcing the first investment from ARKITEKT EQUITY. Over the past year, we have been closely observing the structural shifts occurring within semiconductor ecosystems. As manufacturing systems become more complex, the infrastructure enabling those systems becomes increasingly strategic. These environments demand operational clarity, coordination, and long-term alignment. ARKITEKT was built around a simple idea: durable value is created where frontier technology meets pragmatic execution. Our investment in BBTech reflects this conviction. This is just the beginning of what we aim to build at ARKITEKT EQUITY. Stay tuned! https://lnkd.in/g_pQiBZY

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Congratulations #ParadigmEmissionsTechnologies!!! Brown and White Ventures has reached an agreement to invest in Paradigm, a pioneering clean-tech startup based in Rochester, NY, focused on advancing the sustainability of diesel engines through innovative emissions-reduction decarbonization technology. Founded by #JohnErbland and Neville F. Rieger, Paradigm Emissions Technologies designs and manufactures a patented decarbonization plasma technology device that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, improves engine fuel efficiency, and lowers fleet maintenance costs. With the potential to eliminate global CO₂ at gigaton levels, Paradigm Emissions Technologies provides a pathway to net-zero emissions, while helping fleets operate cleaner, longer, and more sustainably. “We are proud to be investing in the team at Paradigm and its outstanding system,” said Jim Aroune, General Partner with Brown and White Ventures, LLC. “It presents an opportunity in the emissions control sector, and the significant diesel engine base that operates in our communities and our industrial, construction and municipal sectors.” “We’re honored to have Brown and White Ventures join us as a strategic partner in this next phase of growth. Their investment is a strong vote of confidence in our technology and our mission to deliver practical, real-world solutions that reduce emissions and improve air quality today,” said Erbland, founder, and CEO of Paradigm Emissions Technologies.  Paradigm Emissions Technologies has developed its system to address pollutants produced by diesel engines without requiring filters or chemicals.  Its device creates a low-maintenance alternative to traditional filtration systems that is compatible with both exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and downstream aftertreatment configurations. “Investing in Paradigm aligns with our commitment to energy and technology startups, and manufacturing in Western New York and the Rochester/Finger Lakes regions,” said Aroune.  “The Paradigm system offers fleet operators a compliance-ready option without having to replace equipment or modify support systems.” Paradigm Emissions Technologies will launch pilot programs in 2026 in fleets operated by:  #MonroeCounty Casella, #LewisTree and Regional Transit Service (#RTS) to validate performance and demonstrate real-world impact. “This support (from Brown and White Ventures) will accelerate our ability to scale, deepen our pilot programs, and bring our technology to more fleets and OEMs that can’t afford to wait for other powertrain technologies to become viable,” said Erbland. Its investment in Paradigm Emissions Technologies will mark the first time the venture capital fund will invest in a startup founder who is an alumnus of St. Bonaventure University University. Erbland earned a B.A. in Economics from #SBU. The investment in Paradigm is also Brown and White Ventures first portfolio company doing business in the #Rochester #FingerLakes region.

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What does it mean to be an "AI-first culture" within an investment firm? Hear Hg Partner & Head of Value Creation Christopher Kindt discuss how leading enterprise software focused alternative asset manager Hg is leveraging AI both internally and to drive value for its portfolio companies. On the latest Alt Goes Mainstream podcast, Chris and I discussed all things AI related to private markets. We covered: ➡️ How to build a high-performing value creation team. ➡️ Where value creation has the biggest impact. ➡️ How AI is transforming investment processes. ➡️ How Hg has become an “AI-first” investment firm. ➡️ Where AI will have the most impact in a company today and why agentic AI is transforming certain roles and processes within companies. ➡️ How professionals can generate the most leverage from utilizing AI — without having cognitive decline. ➡️ Why prompting and prompt engineering is so critical in the age of AI (and how you can use your weekends to perfect prompt engineering). ➡️ How a management team can buy into AI and why the current time period represents an interesting opportunity for incumbents, particularly for those building mission-critical enterprise software. Thanks Christopher Kindt for a thought-provoking discussion and for sharing your wisdom on value creation, AI, and private markets. Thanks Ultimus Fund Solutions for your support of Alt Goes Mainstream. https://lnkd.in/euy4qqHH

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I’m lucky to work alongside colleagues like Richard Fruehauf, who constantly push my thinking. His latest piece unpacks why U.S. robotics and drone manufacturing faces uphill economics, and how public policy can help turn the tide. One key takeaway: 232 tariffs on robotics imports could help reset the economics that are holding back U.S. investment and production. It’s a sharp perspective on how policy can shape the future of advanced tech here at home. Well worth a read: https://lnkd.in/edMPTQPQ Richard Fruehauf, Robert J. Szczerba, Michael Lutzky, Edward Ovando, Karl Sanchack, Herman Herman, Jeff Legault, Phil English, Richard Fruehauf, Ryan Aument, Michael Guido, Sheila Fitzgerald Sterrett, David McCormick

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Ever wonder what truly drives success inside a private equity boardroom? In my experience, PE-backed boards operate with a different level of intensity, accountability, and focus on value creation. Expectations are clear, metrics matter, and alignment between investors and management is critical. That’s why I’m excited to share that we've partnered with FEI NYC to bring you an insight-packed session designed to give board members, advisors, and operators a practical look at what really happens in these rooms - "Inside the Boardroom of a Private Equity Portfolio Company." With our expert panelists, we’ll explore governance structure, performance expectations, investor dynamics, and the mindset required to succeed in a PE environment. If you serve on a board or aspire to, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/ee4-VG9C #PrivateEquity #BoardLeadership #CorporateGovernance #CFO #PDANYMetro #Growth

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We are initiating coverage of Varda Space Industries for the America2030 Portfolio at IPO CLUB, strategically focused on investments in Space and Dual-Use technology innovation. Investment Thesis: Varda operates at the forefront of in-space manufacturing, a paradigm-shifting sector set to unlock new commercial possibilities and optimize the production of high-value materials that cannot be manufactured on Earth. By leveraging microgravity environments, Varda aims to deliver products with superior properties for pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and advanced materials industries, while also catering to the unique requirements of defense and government stakeholders. Key Drivers: • Emerging Markets: Rapidly growing interest in microgravity-enabled products, with increasing demand from both commercial and defense sectors. • First Mover Advantage: Proprietary return-to-Earth capabilities position Varda as an early leader in the commercialization of in-space manufacturing. • Dual-Use Readiness: Technologies developed are inherently dual-use, appealing to both private sector innovators and government agencies seeking strategic materials and manufacturing capacities. Risks & Considerations: The in-space manufacturing industry is still in its formative stages, with considerable technological, regulatory, and market adoption risks. Successful execution of return missions and long-term contract acquisition will be pivotal for Varda’s growth trajectory. We see Varda as a high-potential addition to our America 2030 Portfolio, reflecting our conviction in Space and Dual-Use technologies as next-generation growth engines. Latest Update: Varda - In June 2025, Varda launched its fourth W-series mission, debuting its fully in-house satellite bus, heat shield, and a solution-based pharmaceutical processing module—all developed at its El Segundo HQ. This flight marked the first commercial missions under its new FAA re-entry vehicle operator license (Part 450), granting re-entry permissions through 2029.  In July 2025, Varda secured $187 million in Series C funding, led by Natural Capital andShrug Capitall with participation fromFounders Fundd, Peter Thiel,Khosla Venturess,Lux Capitall,Caffeinated Capitall, andAlso Capitall—bringing total funding to approximately $329 million. This round will accelerate its flight cadence and build out expanded pharmaceutical labs, including a 10,000 sq ft facility in El Segundo staffed with structural biologists and crystallization scientists. More on the deal 👉 www.ipo.club/deals/varda #InvestmentResearch #IPOClub #America2030 #SpaceTech #InSpaceManufacturing #DualUse #Innovation

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As professional services firms evolve, so does the definition of an effective CRO. What drives success in a relationship-led services model may not be what institutionalizes repeatable growth. My colleagues Ben Millrood and Parker Fields examine how to align CRO profile with business strategy: https://lnkd.in/etRbWk2t

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As professional services firms evolve, so does the definition of an effective CRO. What drives success in a relationship-led services model may not be what institutionalizes repeatable growth. My colleagues Ben Millrood and Parker Fields examine how to align CRO profile with business strategy: https://lnkd.in/eEznRSX4

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Invictus Growth Partners is excited to announce that Campfire Interactive has acquired Cover 4 PM. The combined platform connects forecasting, quoting, and program execution-enabling manufacturers to turn plans into performance, close margin gaps, and achieve 8-10x ROI. #manufacturing #AI #automotive #supplychain #profitability #empowerexcellence

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I spoke with Christien Louviere of BDE Capital about his journey from a $330mm exit to becoming an independent sponsor. Christien shared excellent insights for folks looking to partner with business owners, rather than buy sellers out completely. Below are a few of the topics we covered: - Why he moved from “zero-to-one” startups to a buy-then-build strategy - How Christien's background shaped a focus on growth vs. cost-cutting - Why 20–40% rolled equity is central to his deal structures—and how it builds trust with sellers - Using scenario analysis with AI tools to evaluate management teams and uncover hidden key-person risks - How to identify when a $3–5M EBITDA company truly has a middle management layer—or is still founder-reliant For anyone investing in or buying small businesses, Christien’s approach provides a fresh lens on growth, alignment, and deal structuring. 🎥 Watch the full interview here → https://lnkd.in/ekfkaiej 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e86Agx6V

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Layer is tackling one of the most overlooked pain points for SMBs: accounting. They’re gaining real traction doing so. Emergence is leading their seed round to bring embedded, AI-powered accounting to the SMB software stack. Kevin Spain highlights what makes this team and product so compelling. 

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**Exploring Strategic Bids in Emerging Tech** The recent bid from MicroVision to acquire Luminar's lidar business for $33 million underscores the competitive nature of technology acquisitions. As the landscape of venture capital evolves, understanding these dynamics can inform investment strategies. At ElevenX Capital, we believe that strategic acquisitions can be pivotal in leveraging market innovations. These moves not only enhance portfolio capabilities but also demonstrate the importance of evaluating emerging trends. What factors do you consider most crucial when assessing the viability of such acquisitions? #investing #innovation #venturecapital #entrepreneurship

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Big milestone for Soluna 📣 $100M financing from Generate Capital to fuel our next chapter of growth. This deal supports our expanding 1 GW pipeline and accelerates the build-out of projects like Dorothy 2, Kati, Gladys, and Fei. The future of AI and high-performance computing must be renewable. Soluna is building it. Read the details here: https://lnkd.in/efdWPyXm #SLNH #RenewableComputing #DataCenters

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The announcement of Lila Sciences’ $235M Series A and $1B+ valuation marks a significant milestone, and it’s only the beginning. Lila is building a new model for discovery by combining AI and automated labs to accelerate breakthroughs in life sciences, chemistry, and materials. They are tackling some of the most significant opportunities in science and technology, and I couldn’t be more confident in Geoff and his team as they scale what’s ahead. I have had the privilege of knowing Geoffrey von Maltzahn for many years, and backing him once again through March Capital is both a professional and personal highlight. His leadership, vision, and ability to execute on transformational science give us great conviction in Lila’s future. Congratulations to Geoff and the entire Lila team on reaching this next chapter. I am honored to continue this partnership and look forward to what’s to come. Read more about Lila here: https://lnkd.in/gQfk6msT

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🚨NEW EPISODE: Recorded live at FUTURE TITANS 2026 - Jeff Perry of Carta sat down with the iconic Seth Levine, co-founder of Foundry. Seth has been in venture for 25 years, built Foundry from scratch as an emerging manager himself, and has backed about 50 emerging manager funds through his fund of funds. He has genuinely seen every side of this table. They went deep on building Foundry, why VCs are in the influence business, not the decision business, and why the concentration problem in venture is not only bad for LPs, but also for the innovation ecosystem overall. And why Seth's new book, Capital Evolution, is so important for the future of America. 🎧 Links to listen... Apple: https://lnkd.in/ehQUQ2EM Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eU4FExpg

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VC Aha! #5: Fund or DIY? You’ve got $1M–$5M for venture with two real paths: * DIY — your checks, your network, your pace * Fund — pro managers, access, discipline Why a fund can win (for $1–$5M LPs): * Access to oversubscribed rounds + co-invest rights * Selection edge: see thousands, back ~15–25, defend pro-rata * Follow-on discipline: reserves and pacing > emotional bridges * Leverage: sourcing, diligence, GTM help, later-stage syndication * Optionality: secondaries, continuation vehicles when portfolios mature Real costs: * Fees & carry, blind-pool risk & style drift. When you commit, you’re buying into a blind pool: the manager hasn’t yet chosen the companies. You’re betting on their judgment, not a known portfolio. That risk compounds if managers drift from their strategy — e.g., a seed fund suddenly chasing growth, or a “tech-first” fund chasing consumer brands. * J-curve/illiquidity. Early in a fund’s life, your capital is called, fees are paid, and portfolio companies are still burning cash. On paper, the net asset value sometimes dips before it rises — that’s the J-curve. If you need liquidity in the short or medium term, venture isn’t the right pocket. * Admin (DIY): SPVs, tax, custody overhead A fast decision framework: * Edge: Do you have a repeatable edge + ~10 hrs/week? Have you generated 3x+ returns on 5+ deals in a specific sector? * Deal flow: Can you see and win 500+ credible deals/year? * Risk: Prefer concentrated bets or diversified, programmatic exposure? * Preference: Hands-on picking or structured portfolio construction? Default play for many investors in this range: * Hybrid: back 2–3 managers you trust (vintage diversification), keep 30–50% for directs/co-invests where you have conviction. The Aha: A fund isn’t “better.” It’s structured optionality at scale. -- Part of Stu's VC Aha! series #1: Drawdown (LP view) #2: 50 pitches and 1 yes (founder view) #3: Access (LP view) #4: Cap table (founders view) #5: Fund or DIY? (LP view)

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