Accessing the Pipeline

McGuireWoods

Accessing the Pipeline is a podcast for Black Professionals in Private Equity and Finance brought to you by McGuireWoods. Join us as we welcome special guests offering insights into accessing capital, developing and expanding relationships, opportunities, and driving growth for Black-owned businesses. Tune in to access the possibilities! McGuireWoods is a full-service firm providing legal and public affairs solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients worldwide for more than 200 years collectively. Our commitment to excellence in everything we do gives our clients a competitive edge in everything they do. Our law firm, over its 186-year history, has earned the loyalty of our many long-standing clients with a deep understanding of their businesses, and broad skills in corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and complex regulatory and compliance matters. To learn more about McGuireWoods or to contact us, please visit our website at mcguirewoods.com. This series was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this series, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this installment. The views, information or opinions expressed are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This series should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    How “Everyone Can Win” in the Independent Sponsor Market, with Chelsea Celistan

    Recording live from the 2025 McGuireWoods Independent Sponsor Conference, hosts Abdul Lediju and Dan Howell invite the podcast’s first repeat guest to reflect on her journey over the past few years. Chelsea Celistan is now head of Independent Sponsor Strategy at Avante Capital Partners, a capital partner to independent sponsors. “I think that the independent sponsor asset class is really exciting,” she says, adding: “I think one of the greatest things is that there's not a zero-sum game in this space. Everyone can win.”  Connect and Learn More☑️ Chelsea Celistan | LinkedIn ☑️ Avante Capital Partners | LinkedIn ☑️ Abdul Lediju | LinkedIn ☑️ Dan Howell | LinkedIn ☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music   This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

    33 min
  2. 7 JAN

    Catalyzing Growth and Diversity in Private Equity, with Demetrius Sidberry

    New Catalyst Strategic Partners chose its name intentionally. “New Catalyst” means that the investment firm catalyzes fund managers’ ability to grow business. It also catalyzes the corporate finance industry by putting managers of “all shapes and sizes” into business.  “It’s really, really important that we practice what we preach,” says Demetrius Sidberry, the firm’s managing director and investment committee member. New Catalyst Strategic Partners focuses on the “next generation” of managers, particularly in the private equity space. In this conversation with hosts PJ Harris and Abdul-Rahman Lediju, Demetrius discusses the firm’s strategies for investing and guiding growth. Connect and Learn More☑️ Demetrius Sidberry | LinkedIn ☑️ New Catalyst Strategic Partners | LinkedIn ☑️ PJ Harris | LinkedIn ☑️ Abdul-Rahman Lediju | LinkedIn ☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music   This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of

    30 min
  3. 07/08/2024

    How Investing in Hotels Can Unlock Wealth with Kendra Plummer of Elise Capital

    As a kid, Kendra Plummer dreamed of owning a boutique hotel. As she grew, she realized that hotels are more than just bricks and mortar. “Hotels are a real estate asset class, and they are very much an investment.” Today, Kendra is the founder and CEO of Elise Capital. She helps all communities – especially those that are underrepresented in finance and capital allocation – unlock the hidden potential of hotel investments.  With McGuireWoods attorneys PJ Harris and Dan Howell, she outlines her path, from studying hotel management as an undergraduate to earning her MBA to launching Elise Capital, a firm dedicated to developing savvy hotel investors and educating a pipeline of potential investors. She reveals lessons she’s learned on her journey and how Elise Capital guides investors on theirs. Connect and Learn More☑️ Kendra Plummer | LinkedIn ☑️ Elise Capital | LinkedIn ☑️ PJ Harris | LinkedIn ☑️ Dan Howell | LinkedIn ☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music   This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment...

    23 min
  4. 24/04/2024

    Combining Real Estate Investing and Social Impact with Chris Grant of Yoke Management Partners

    Is it possible to use real estate as a catalyst for attractive returns and meaningful social impact?  On this episode of Accessing the Pipeline, McGuireWoods attorneys Dan Howell and PJ Harris talk with Chris Grant, the founder of Yoke Management Partners. Yoke Management Partners is a diversified real estate investment firm with a focus on affordable housing in the DMV—whose mission is to generate the best returns and have a positive social impact on the community. Tune in as Chris talks about the ins and outs of being an emerging manager including, his founder story, the challenges of the current real estate market, his journey in fundraising, the importance of alignment, and how Yoke Management Partners is executing its mission to generate returns and community impact.  Connect and Learn More☑️ Chris Grant | LinkedIn ☑️ Yoke Management Partners | LinkedIn | Instagram ☑️ Dan Howell | LinkedIn ☑️ PJ Harris | LinkedIn ☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

    32 min
  5. 08/02/2024

    Building Relationships and Overcoming Challenges with Glenn Williams of Wayve Capital

    When you focus on building relationships with founders of companies, it allows you to avoid the bidding wars that you sometimes get with brokers.  On this episode of Accessing the Pipeline, McGuireWoods partners Rubin Pusha III and Dan Howell, welcome guest Glenn Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Wayve Capital, a minority-owned asset management firm based in Philadelphia. A graduate of Duke University and Washington and Lee University School of Law, Glenn is a seasoned financial services attorney and investor with over a decade of experience in private equity, venture capital, and real estate.  Tune in to hear Glenn talk about his private equity and investment background and how that led him to start a private equity fund. Glen also talks about the challenges and complexities of being a first-time manager and running a first-time fund, as well as the role of diversity in the private equity space.   Connect and Learn More☑️ Glenn Williams | LinkedIn  ☑️ Wayve Capital | Instagram | LinkedIn    ☑️ Dan Howell | LinkedIn ☑️ Rubin Pusha III | LinkedIn ☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

    32 min
  6. 14/11/2023

    Recession-Proof Sectors and the Future of Investments With Sylvester Burley

    “I've always kind of abided by the principle of: it's good sometimes in life to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” says Sylvester “Sly” Burley of his decision to join Avante Capital Partners in 2019. Up until that point in his career, Sly’s experience was in private equity. When he saw the opportunity to join a private credit platform that was sector agnostic and diverse, he couldn’t say no. On this episode of Accessing the Pipeline, host and McGuireWoods partner Rubin Pusha III welcomes Sly, who recently was promoted from principal to partner at Avante Capital Partners, a woman- and minority-owned, lower middle market private credit firm. While Avante’s debt and equity investments span different industries, Sly particularly discusses the company’s success in the food and beverage sector, which seems to be a recession-proof industry. Sly also discusses Avante’s goals for investments. Generally credit-focused, Avante looks for companies that provide good downside protection, a competitive advantage, diversification in its customer base and its vendor base, and stable and strong margins. For Sly, one of Avante’s biggest draws is its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Avante strives to invest in a diverse ecosystem of the future. Tune in to hear Sly talk about trends in sectors, how other investors can make the right deals for themselves, and how putting your money where your mouth is really pays off.  Featured GuestName: Sylvester “Sly” Burley What he does: As a Partner at Avante Capital Partners, Sly identifies, underwrites, executes and manages investment opportunities. Sly has over twelve years of investing experience, across both private equity and private credit. Company: Avante Capital Partners Where to find Sly: LinkedIn ContactConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Subscribe to Accessing the Pipeline in your preferred podcast app so that you never miss an episode. This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

    35 min
  7. 12/10/2023

    Supporting Businesses to Support Communities with Kenneth Saffold of o15 Capital Partners

    In this episode of Accessing the Pipeline, host and McGuireWoods partner Rubin Pusha III welcomes Kenneth Saffold, co-founder and managing partner of o15 Capital Partners, to discuss disparities in access to private credit and how o15 works to solve them. Kenneth shares o15’s overarching thesis: making lasting impacts on social, racial, and gender equity by funding businesses that target the lower middle market.  “[At o15], we're focused on healthcare, business services, and education,” says Kenneth. “As you think about impact, these businesses really lend themselves to more impact – as we define it – and opportunities. And we've certainly been the benefactor of that as well.” While the company’s drive to have a positive impact on social issues is a noble aspiration, it doesn’t overshadow their focus on returns.   “We have over 60 years of private credit experience on the team, so we know the space well. We're non-concessionary in how we think about our investments. So, albeit every investment will have an impact element to it, every investment will also meet our target return threshold,” Kenneth assures. Tune in to hear about where Kenneth foresees the market heading, how he sees their location in Atlanta as an advantage, and more about the company’s drive to solve social, gender, and racial inequities.   Featured GuestName: Kenneth Saffold What he does: Kenneth is the co-founder and managing partner of o15 Capital Partners. His 20+ year career includes top-tier experiences in a variety of business and functional leadership roles. Kenneth puts his expertise in private transaction origination and execution, M&A, leveraged finance, underwriting, and portfolio management to good use at o15. Company: o15 Capital Partners                Where to find Kenneth: LinkedIn  ContactConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Subscribe to Accessing the Pipeline in your preferred podcast app so that you never miss an episode. This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

    29 min

Trailer

About

Accessing the Pipeline is a podcast for Black Professionals in Private Equity and Finance brought to you by McGuireWoods. Join us as we welcome special guests offering insights into accessing capital, developing and expanding relationships, opportunities, and driving growth for Black-owned businesses. Tune in to access the possibilities! McGuireWoods is a full-service firm providing legal and public affairs solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients worldwide for more than 200 years collectively. Our commitment to excellence in everything we do gives our clients a competitive edge in everything they do. Our law firm, over its 186-year history, has earned the loyalty of our many long-standing clients with a deep understanding of their businesses, and broad skills in corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and complex regulatory and compliance matters. To learn more about McGuireWoods or to contact us, please visit our website at mcguirewoods.com. This series was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this series, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this installment. The views, information or opinions expressed are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This series should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.