The BVCA’s flagship Foundation course delivers the vital knowledge and skills you need to excel as a private equity or growth capital fund manager in high-performing deal teams. Today’s industry leaders began their careers with the BVCA Foundation course.
Led by some of the industry’s most respected practitioners, Foundation covers the lifecycle of a deal, including investment returns and exits. The course utilises real life case studies, whilst creating a great opportunity to network and build relationships with peers as you network at dinner and drinks receptions throughout the week.
Testimonials from BVCA Foundation
Running for over 35 years, hear from past delegates and our Course Director, Jon Andrew on why Foundation is the ultimate private equity and growth capital fund manager induction, fast-tracking new entrants into the industry.
Key topics include
Industry Overview
Due Diligence
Growth and key drivers
Focus your diligence
Types of diligence
MBOs
Objectives of structuring
Basic MBO structuring
Risk and return
Alternative capital
Structuring the transaction - Early stage
Structuring the transaction - Growth capital
Responsible Investment
Impact
Managing the portfolio
Sources of Shareholder value
Structure of Portfolio management
Allocating resources
Portfolio reporting
Board performance
Non-Executive Directors
Legal Considerations
Restructuring
Catalysts for restructuring
Understanding banks
Security ranking and value breaks
When cash is constrained
Restructuring options and common scenarios
Evaluating management performance
Exits
What will delegates take away?
Access to expertise from practitioners at top PE firms.
A fundamental understanding of the deal cycle.
Exclusive networking across the 4.5 days of content and socials.
Successfully completing the programme unlocks access to exclusive events including in-person networking events and meet-ups.
Benefits to employers
Strengthen and retain talent by building technical expertise in your teams.
Your team will return with a broader professional network.
Your team will work through real-life case studies, which simulate actual deal scenarios. This practical approach enhances their ability to apply theory to real investment challenges.
The course is designed to fast-track new entrants into the industry, helping them become productive and confident team members more quickly. It’s described as a “major milestone” in the career development of many who now lead member firms.
Please arrive with plenty of time to register and familiarise yourself with the venue.
Breakfast will be provided along with lunch, dinner and refreshments throughout each day. The course will kick-off with introductions followed by content from multiple speakers. We round off each day with some down-time, dinner and drinks.
Please bear in mind exercise facilities are available, should you wish to use them.
All rooms are equipped with essential shower toiletries and hairdryers. You may wish to bring something to work on/to take notes with such as a laptop or iPad (we will provide notepads and pens).
Yes, all materials including slides and case studies will be shared with delegates.
Course Directors
Jon Andrew
Course Director
Jon works alongside investment teams to support operational value creation within investee companies. He shares best practice across the portfolio supporting management teams as they develop growth strategies and helps them monitor performance.
After gaining a degree in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry at Durham University, Jon qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and held roles within the Training, Transaction Services and Consulting teams. During this time, Jon designed and rolled out PwC’s inaugural Due Diligence Training Programme across Europe in 1997.
In 2005, Jon joined LDC to focus on performance improvement in its portfolio companies. Over his 15-year private equity career Jon has gained significant experience in a wide range of value creating activities and has particular expertise in driving change through complex integrations, IT implementation programmes, as well as 100-day planning initiatives.
Jon was born in Middlesbrough and because he believes the team chooses you, is a long-suffering Boro fan. He is also an ardent Yorkshire Cricket Club follower and enjoys running and tennis. When not trying to keep in shape, Jon likes to spend time with his three daughters.
Mark Freer
Course Director
Mark Freer has over 25 years investment experience in both the private equity and growth capital markets, most notably with LDC and BGF. During that time, Mark had the privilege of working alongside a variety of owners and management teams across many different sectors, supporting them in accelerating and achieving their own growth plans.
Since leaving BGF in 2021, Mark continues to work with small and medium sized businesses, both as Chair and in an advisory capacity. Alongside this, he also pursues his passion for training, working with several organisations, such as the BVCA, to share some of the lessons he has learnt over his 25-year investment career.
At other times, you might find Mark sitting at his piano playing some familiar tunes.
Past attendees
Previous attendees include:
Alcuin Capital Partners, Aliter Capital LLP, Amadeus Capital Partners Limited, Aon, August Equity LLP, Baird Capital, Big Society Capital, Blue Water Energy, BP Ventures, Bridgepoint, Caledonia Investments plc, CBPE Capital, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, Circularity Capital, CVC Advisers Limited, ECI Partners, Equistone, Innovate UK, LDCm Lincoln International LLP , Livingbridge EP LLP, Mobeus Equity Partners, NorthEdge Capital, NVM Private Equity, Oakley Capital Limited, Palatine Private Equity, Permira Advisers (London) Ltd, Phoenix Equity Partners, Sovereign Capital Partners YFM Equity Partners
Course testimonials
"A variety of different expert leaders. Jon is really engaging with everyone in the room and knows what it's like to be in our shoes. It really connects people at the same stage in their career."
Jack Redwood
YFM Equity Partners
"A diverse range of people attending the course, not only people from private equity but those in venture capital and law. It has been a great opportunity to expand my network and understand different stages of the investment cycle."
Vera Bartsch
Duke Street
"The private equity and venture capital ecosystem summed up in one word is network. I've just met 20 people from different funds, different sizes and different experiences."
Adam Lynch
YFM Equity Partners
Venue
De Vere Beaumont Estate
Burfield Rd, Old Windsor, Windsor SL4 2JJ
The story of De Vere Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor is a very British one; a tale of democracy, royalty, education and religion. The original house was built for Lord Weymouth but it was its time as a public school, from 1854 - 1967, that saw most of the estate’s architectural developments.
Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, today you’ll find a wealth of these original features still intact along with a 21st-century style that ensures your stay will be anything but usual. Outside, you’ll find 42 acres of grounds complete with natural ponds and specially commissioned sculptures creating a relaxing space for guests to explore and unwind. Inside, guests have access to a state-of-the-art gym and heated swimming pool – the first artificially heated indoor swimming pool to be built in England.
De Vere Beaumont Estate is just 3 miles from Windsor minutes from J13 of the M25 and 15 minutes from Heathrow; Egham station is also 3 miles away with fast connections to London Waterloo and Reading.
CPD accreditation
This course is CPD accredited by the CPD Certification Service for 26 hours. By attending this course, you will receive a digital certificate from Diplomasafe. This certificate allows you to share and save your new CPD accredited qualification on LinkedIn, adding instantly verifiable credentials and strengthening your professional profile.
Course brochure
For further information about this course, please view our dedicated brochure.
