8th Private Equity San Francisco Forum

October 7 – 8, 2025

Hosted At Julia Morgan Ballroom →

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The 8th Private Equity San Francisco Forum is the premier West Coast event designed to enhance financial and investment practices while fostering collaboration within the private equity community. 

Join us at the Private Equity San Francisco Event for an exclusive opportunity to engage with industry leaders and experts. The event features a keynote interview with Yann Robard, Founder and Managing Partner of Dawson Partners, on innovative secondaries strategies.  

Hear from Chief Investment Officers & Heads of Private Equity from the top LPs on the west coast as they discuss best practices for manager selection and due diligence.  

Panels will dive into capitalizing on high-growth tech sectors like AI and fintech, exploring effective fundraising strategies in a challenging market, and the CFO’s role in enhancing track record performance.  

Network with peers and gain actionable insights to navigate the evolving private equity landscape. Register Now!

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OUR SPEAKERS

Keynote Speakers

Adam Vigna

Adam Vigna

Sagard

Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer

Adam Vigna is co-founder & Chief Investment Officer of Sagard since 2016. As the firm’s CIO, Adam is actively involved in all investment decisions made across the platform and is responsible for Sagard’s overall investment activities, including investment strategy, governance, and portfolio construction. Adam also serves as Chief Investment Officer of Sagard Credit Partners. Adam is a member of the Management Committee and is currently a director of Peak Achievement Athletics. He is based in Toronto, Canada. Prior to Sagard, Adam spent nearly a decade at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”) where he was Managing Director and Global Head of CPPIB’s Principal Credit Investments Group (“PCI”) with approximately CA$20B of AUM. While at CPPIB, Adam was one of the founding members of CPPIB’s Principal Credit Investment Group and led CPPIB’s acquisition of Antares Capital in 2015. Adam holds a B.Comm. (Honours) degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Rich Lawson

Rich Lawson

HGGC

Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Partner

Mr. Lawson is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of HGGC. Mr. Lawson has been involved in all phases of the firm’s development since its formation and directs the firm’s strategy and investment decisions, governance and investor relations. Since HGGC’s inception, Mr. Lawson has overseen over 700 completed transactions representing more than $80 billion in aggregate transaction value. Mr. Lawson also serves as a director, chairman emeritus or trustee on several philanthropic and cultural institutions including the Capital Impact Foundation, San Francisco Zoo, Wasatch Adaptive Sports and the Forever Young Foundation. Mr. Lawson received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and B.A. from Amherst College.
Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor

Investcorp

Vice Chairman, Chief Investment Officer

Rishi Kapoor is Investcorp’s Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer (CIO). He has been with the firm for over 30 years, having served as Investcorp’s Co-Chief Executive Officer from 2015 to 2024, and as Chief Financial Officer from 2003 to 2015. Rishi joined Investcorp in 1992 from Citigroup. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Rishi is a member of Duke University’s Middle East Regional Advisory Board, the Oxford Energy Policy Club, and His Majesty King Charles’ Sustainable Markets Initiative. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Directors for the National Bank of Bahrain, where he chairs the Risk & Compliance Committee. Rishi is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences and has been recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the top 10 Indian executives in the region. Top CEO Middle East also named him one of the top CEOs in the GCC in 2018.
Yann Robard

Yann Robard

Dawson Partners

Managing Partner

Yann Robard is Managing Partner of Dawson. Established in 2015, Dawson (formerly Whitehorse Liquidity Partners) is a leading global alternative asset manager focused on providing innovative structured solutions to the private markets. Dawson has US$20 billion of assets under management and over 200 employees. Since inception, the Firm has deployed over US$25 billion across more than 240 transactions. Prior to Dawson, Yann spent a cumulative 13 years at CPP Investment Board (“CPPIB”). Yann joined CPPIB in 2001 at the inception of its private equity investment program. He was Managing Director, Head of Secondaries and Co-Investments in 2015 when he left CPPIB to establish Dawson. Yann holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) Charterholder.

Speakers

Bobby Bassman

Bobby Bassman

AEA Investors

Co-Head of AEA Growth and Partner

Robert is Co-Head and Founding Partner of AEA Growth and a member of the AEA Growth Investment Committee. At AEA Growth, Robert co-leads the overall strategy and direction of the firm, in addition to leading deal teams focused on the sourcing, evaluation, and management of the Firm’s portfolio companies. Prior to AEA Growth, Robert was a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley and Founding Member of Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the firm’s $1Bn Growth Equity and Credit investment fund business. Robert served on four Morgan Stanley Private Equity fund investment committees. Previously, he was a member of Morgan Stanley Principal Investments and Morgan Stanley’s Special Situation Group. Robert joined Morgan Stanley as an analyst within the Investment Banking Division.
Brandon Vongsawad

Brandon Vongsawad

B Capital

Partner and Chief Legal Officer

Brandon Vongsawad is the Chief Legal Officer of B Capital, a multi-strategy global investment firm with over $7 billion of assets under management. Mr. Vongsawad sits on the firm’s Executive Committee and oversees all legal, compliance and governance matters for the firm. Prior to B Capital, Mr. Vongsawad worked with TPG Global, was a corporate partner at Kirkland & Ellis and co-founded several technology businesses. He is an adjunct law professor at Northwestern University and the University of Utah. He holds a JD from Stanford Law School, an MS in Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Math and Economics from UCLA.
John Kettnich

John Kettnich

StepStone

Partner

Mr. Kettnich is a member of the private equity team, focusing on secondary investments. He is also involved in various portfolio management activities. Since StepStone’s inception, Mr. Kettnich has helped to build the Firm’s primary diligence and research platform, as well as its secondary investment business. He also spent time living in Beijing and London, where he focused on developing StepStone’s international business. Before joining StepStone in 2007, Mr. Kettnich was with PCG Capital Partners, the direct investment arm of Pacific Corporate Group, where he sourced and evaluated middle-market buyout and growth equity investments. Mr. Kettnich graduated summa cum laude with a BBA from the University of San Diego and is a CFA charterholder.
Keila Diamond

Keila Diamond

Quantum Energy Partners

Managing Director and Head of ESG

Keila leads Quantum’s ESG program strategy, ensuring its successful integration throughout the investment lifecycle, focusing on management of ESG material risks through implementation of continuous improvement of portfolio companies. Prior to joining Quantum, Keila was Director of Global Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Crown Holdings, where she was responsible for the development, implementation and communication of the company’s global ESG strategy, as well as ESG regulatory affairs. Prior to Crown Holdings, she was Director of Environmental Sustainability, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa for PepsiCo. Keila has also held senior sustainability positions at World Wildlife Fund, International Paper Company, and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Keila holds Executive Sustainability Leadership education from Harvard University, a Master of Environmental & Chemistry Engineering from State University of Campinas (Brazil), a Masters of Environmental Management as Fulbright Scholar from Duke University, an M.B.A. from the Federal University of Rondonia (Brazil), and a B.B.A. from Brazilian Lutheran University (Brazil).
Matt Hodan

Matt Hodan

Lexington Partners

Partner

Matt Hodan is a Partner on the Secondary team primarily focused on the origination, evaluation, and execution of secondary opportunities including partnership and GP-led transactions. Matt joined Lexington as an associate in 2011 from Y-Combinator, where he was an entrepreneur. Prior to that, he was an associate in private equity at Genstar Capital and an analyst in investment banking at J.P. Morgan. Matt graduated from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business with a BS in Finance.
Paul Lanna

Paul Lanna

Coller Capital

Partner, Investment

Paul Lanna is a Partner at Coller Capital. He is responsible for origination and execution based in the United States. Prior to joining Coller Capital in 2010, Paul was a Vice President in the Investment Banking Group at EarlyBirdCapital in New York. Previously, he worked as an Associate in the TMT Investment Banking Group at Bear Stearns in New York. Paul has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College, and an MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.
Priya Prasad Bowe

Priya Prasad Bowe

Oaktree Capital Management

Managing Director and Head of Sustainability

Ms. Prasad Bowe is the Head of Sustainability at Oaktree and focuses on the integration of sustainability considerations into the investment process. She is also chair of Oaktree’s Sustainability Governance Committee. Previously, Ms. Prasad Bowe was a credit product specialist focused on private and multi-asset credit at the firm. Ms. Prasad Bowe joined Oaktree in 2019 from Citadel Securities, where she was head of Fixed Income Derivatives Sales & Strategy. Prior thereto, Ms. Prasad Bowe spent eight years at Morgan Stanley in their interest rate sales division, as well as in corporate bond and equity securities lending. Ms. Prasad Bowe earned an M.B.A. from Columbia University and a B.A. in economics from Yale University. She is a CFA charterholder.
Ruulke Bagijn

Ruulke Bagijn

Carlyle | AlpInvest

Global Head of Investment Solutions

Ruulke Bagijn is Head of Global Investment Solutions (GIS) at Carlyle, overseeing Carlyle’s private equity asset management platform, AlpInvest, which specializes in primary and secondary fund investments, co-investments, and portfolio financings. With $80 billion in AUM (Q1 2024) and a global investor base, AlpInvest partners with leading institutions worldwide to deliver private capital solutions. Ruulke also serves as Chair of the AlpInvest Board and is a member of its Global Investment Committee, which directs investments across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. With 20+ years of experience, she previously held senior investment roles at AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets and PGGM. A CFA charterholder, she holds an MSc in Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Ryan Connor

Ryan Connor

Lightspeed Venture Partners

Global Chief Financial Officer

Ryan Connor is the Global Chief Financial Officer at Lightspeed Venture Partners, a global venture capital firm investing in transformative early- and growth-stage companies. With over two decades of experience in private equity, venture capital, and corporate finance, Ryan has led large-scale financial operations, fund structuring, and strategic initiatives that have optimized firm-wide efficiency and scalability. Prior to joining Lightspeed, Ryan served as Global CFO at Accel, where he spearheaded critical initiatives across firm and fund operations, and technology implementations. He played a key role in the firm’s global investment strategy. Before Accel, Ryan spent over eight years at TPG, where he rose to Managing Director, leading corporate finance, accounting, and operations for the firm’s $130+ billion platform. He was instrumental in centralizing management company functions, implementing outsourcing strategies, and driving cost efficiencies, resulting in significant operational savings and enhanced transparency. Earlier in his career, Ryan was a Senior Director at PwC, advising global clients on financial transformation, strategy execution, and operational optimization. Ryan holds an MBA from HEC Paris with an exchange at UCLA Anderson School of Management and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) in Accounting from McGill University. He has also completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School in Negotiation and Organizational Leadership. A licensed CPA in California, Ryan brings a deep understanding of financial strategy, governance, and operational excellence to the evolving private markets landscape.
Stephen Biggs, CFA, CAIA

Stephen Biggs, CFA, CAIA

The Mather Group

Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments

As Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments, Stephen applies his investment acumen and experience to assess and develop new investment offerings based on clients’ investment goals, risk tolerance, and retirement needs. He joined The Mather Group through the acquisition of HC Financial Advisors in August 2022, where he operated as the Chief Investment Officer and a Principal. Prior to HC Financial Advisors, he was a Senior Analyst of Zacks Investment Research, Senior Equity Analyst of Manning & Napier, and Principal of Wells Capital Management. Stephen earned his MS in Business and Finance and BS in Business and Management from San Diego State University. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst® designation, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Additionally, Stephen is Co-Chair of the Member Programming Advisory Council of the CFA Society of San Francisco.
Tim Osnabrug

Tim Osnabrug

Investcorp

Investment Partner

Tim Osnabrug is an Investment Partner in Investcorp’s Strategic Capital Group, based in New York. His primary responsibilities include sourcing and executing new investment opportunities. Prior to his current, Tim was a Director at Bridgepoint where he led their US healthcare and business services middle-market private equity investment activities. Prior to Bridgepoint, Tim worked at KKR for 12 years where he held a variety of roles, most recently as a Director on the Infrastructure Private Equity team in New York. Prior to this role, Tim was a Director in KKR’s Americas Private Equity team where he focused on sourcing and executing investment opportunities across Latin America. Tim also had roles in KKR’s European buyout team as well as Capstone, KKR’s inhouse operations team working with its portfolio companies. Tim began his career at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker. Tim graduated from the University of Maastricht in The Netherlands with degrees in both Economics and Law.
Zach Jackson

Zach Jackson

QIC

Partner

Zach Jackson is a Partner and Member of the Investment Committee at QIC Global Private Equity where he focuses on growth, buyout and sustainability investment strategies. Previously, Zach was a Principal at P4G Capital Management where he was responsible for sourcing, due diligence negotiations, deal structuring and portfolio company management. Zach also held positions as an investment professional at Context Capital Management and Allianz Global Investors. Zach earned an MBA from Rady School of Management at University California San Diego, and a Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University. He is also a CFA Charterholder.
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julia morgan

Julia Morgan Ballroom

465 California St
San Francisco, CA
USA, 94104

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Key Discussion Topics

Maximizing Track Record Performance: The CFO’s Strategic Role in Private Equity 

This panel will explore the critical role the CFO plays in improving and communicating a firm’s track record performance. Panelists will discuss strategies for refining financial operations, leveraging data for performance insights, and navigating the challenges of valuation and exits, ultimately helping firms demonstrate consistent value creation and strengthen their competitive position in the market.

Exit Strategies in Private Equity: Adapting to Market Conditions and Maximizing Value 

The panel will explore how senior executives develop and implement exit strategies for private equity investments, focusing on tailored approaches for varying market conditions. Discussions will include key actions to prioritize in a strong market, strategic pivots in a flat market, and adjustments required during economic downturns. The panel will also cover best practices for preparing management teams for a successful exit, as well as the critical steps private equity firms must take to ensure a smooth and efficient transition, maximizing value for all stakeholders involved.

Selecting Private Equity Managers: Institutional Investors' Due Diligence Process and Best Practices 

This panel will provide an in-depth look at the institutional investor manager selection process for private equity, focusing on how large-scale investors—such as pension funds, endowments, and foundations—evaluate and choose private equity managers. Experts will discuss the critical components of due diligence, including the assessment of a manager's historical performance, investment strategy, operational infrastructure, and alignment with institutional goals

Global Trends in Private Equity Investments and Buyouts 

Experts will discuss how to navigate opportunities and challenges in key regions outside of the US, and emerging markets, while adapting to geopolitical shifts and evolving economic conditions. The panel will delve into the strategies driving successful buyouts, such as sector-specific targeting, operational improvements, and the growing role of sustainability and ESG factors. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how firms are deploying capital, structuring deals, and identifying value creation opportunities in a complex, interconnected global economy.

Capitalizing on Technology: Private Equity Strategies in High-Growth Sectors 

Panelists will explore the strategies used to identify and capitalize on opportunities in high-growth technology sectors, including software, fintech, and emerging tech such as AI and cybersecurity. Discussions will cover the unique challenges and rewards of investing in tech companies, including managing rapid innovation cycles, scaling businesses, and navigating regulatory landscapes. 

Driving Value Post-Acquisition: Strategies for Effective Portfolio Company Management 

This panel will focus on the critical strategies and best practices private equity managers employ to effectively manage portfolio companies after acquisition. Panelists will discuss how they work closely with management teams to implement operational improvements, drive revenue growth, and optimize financial performance, while also navigating challenges such as talent management, organizational restructuring, and integration. The conversation will explore how PE firms align their value creation plans with long-term strategic goals, foster innovation, and position portfolio companies for successful exits.

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