In the latest ION Influencers Fireside Chat, host Giovanni Amodeo sat down with Benoit Verbrugghe, Managing Partner at Clipway, to explore how technology is reshaping the way private equity firms extract insights from the underlying assets within LP portfolios. Packed with deep industry knowledge and candid commentary, the conversation offered a forward-looking perspective on private equity’s evolving strategies. Clipway is an LP led secondaries firm.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Background and Origins of Clipway
Benoit shared his 25+ years of experience in private equity, including formative roles at Ardian (formerly AXA Private Equity), where he helped pioneer the fund of funds and secondary market business. Clipway, launched with a team from Ardian, Coller Capital, and the NYC Pension Fund, positions itself at the cutting edge of tech-enabled PE.

2. Using Technology for Insight Generation
The core theme: how Clipway leverages technology to generate operational and strategic insights across assets within LP portfolios. By integrating data-driven tools into portfolio monitoring, the firm aims to make faster, smarter decisions that enhance long-term value creation.

3. Private Equity Market Outlook
Benoit addressed the macroeconomic slowdown in exits and distributions, particularly over the past two years due to a tepid M&A environment. While 2024 remains cautious, he sees 2025 as a potential rebound year, citing early signs of renewed activity and better balance between capital calls and distributions.

4. The Role of Intermediaries and Proprietary Deals
Although 90-95% of secondary transactions still involve intermediaries, Benoit emphasized that sourcing proprietary deals is possible—if firms are proactive, transparent, and build trust directly with sellers.

5. Succession Planning in PE Firms
Succession remains a challenge in private equity. Benoit stressed that effective leadership transitions require planning, teamwork, and foresight, noting that the industry still has work to do in cultivating leadership continuity.

Key timestamps:

00:08 Introduction to the Fireside Chat
01:58 Clipway’s Market Positioning
03:58 Adapting to New Technology in Private Equity
06:27 Enhancing Insights Through Technology
08:54 Assessing Management Quality with Data
10:59 The Role of Human Experience in Investment
14:08 Future of Technology in Private Equity
18:44 Predictions for Secondary Market Growth
20:24 Attracting Talent to the Secondary Market
23:53 Final Questions and Discussion
25:33 Succession Challenges in Private Equity
26:40 Conclusion and Acknowledgments