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Jarred Collis
Jarred Collis
Executive Consultant

Private Equity CFO Insights: A Focus on Fundraising

Posted on 15 November 2024

Private Equity recruiter, Jarred Collis, interviews CFO, Wil Wadsworth, about the strategies and challenges of fundraising. In this conversation, Wil shares his journey from a young man with aspirations in boxing to becoming the CFO of Netomnia and YouFibre. He discusses his early career in finance, the transition to private equity, and the pivotal experiences that shaped his career.

Wil elaborates on the challenges and successes of fundraising over a billion pounds, the importance of data and relationships in the process, and the skills necessary for a CFO in today's market. He also shares insights into the specific skills needed in fundraising and the increasing complexity in doing so as your company grows.

 

Key Takeaways:
  • Wil's journey into finance was driven by family responsibilities.
  • Transitioning from large corporations to PE provided Wil with broader business insights.
  • Experiences in private equity were pivotal for Wil's career growth.
  • Fundraising is a critical skill for CFOs, especially in capital-intensive industries.
  • Data quality and analysis are crucial for successful fundraising.
  • Building strong relationships with investors is essential for capital raising.
  • Preparation for fundraising should include setting up a data room.
  • CFOs need strong analytical and storytelling skills to succeed. 
 
Chapters:
  • 00:00 Introduction to Wil Wadsworth and His Journey
  • 02:50 Early Career and Transition to Private Equity
  • 05:56 Experiences in Private Equity and Learning from Executives
  • 08:47 Attraction to the Telecom Sector and GigaClear
  • 11:31 Role as CFO at Netomnia and YouFibre
  • 14:26 Fundraising Journey and Strategies for Success
  • 20:52 Key Learnings and Insights for Future CFOs
  • 24:28 Scaling for Growth: The CFO's Perspective
  • 27:08 Navigating Fundraising Challenges
  • 30:41 The Importance of Relationships in Capital Raising
  • 32:28 Balancing Business Operations During Fundraising
  • 33:58 Preparing for Capital Raising: Key Strategies
  • 37:00 Fundraising Complexity: Size Matters
  • 40:38 Essential Skills for Today's CFO
  • 43:24 Future Plans and Market Insights