Welcome to the latest episode of “PE Value Drivers”!

Brit Yonge is an operating partner at Corsair Capital, where he supports investment diligence and portfolio company initiatives related to technology software and data analytics solutions.  Corsair is a middle market fund that focuses on financial services buyouts, such as payment companies, credit monitoring, accounts receivable software and accounts payable software, as well as infrastructure.

On this episode, Brit discusses how his experience working at Palantir led to his work in private equity today. Brit's unique background allows him to identify risks and opportunities earlier than others, which he leverages to motivate change within his investment team. 

Starting the relationship with portfolio company management on the right foot is important to Brit, and he shares his techniques for building trust and transparency. Getting involved early on is a key part of this, and Brit often gets hands on as soon as the diligence process.

Underlying Brit’s approach is that operating partners should act as allies to portfolio company leadership. His ability to build relationships early on with portfolio company leaders early allows him to have candid and honest conversations that ultimately unlock new potential.