#191: Michael LaSalle - Partner at Shamrock Capital | Investing in the Future of Media, Sports, and Entertainment
Shamrock Capital recently closed $1.6B for its sixth flagship fund and inaugural small cap fund to continue investing across sports media and entertainment. Shamrock Capital, with over 45 years of deep sector expertise, is a premier private equity firm specializing in media, entertainment, sports, content, communication, and education. Built on legendary roots and a reputation for excellence, Shamrock has cultivated lasting partnerships with creators, management teams, and entrepreneurs. The firm is committed to strategically investing in businesses that are poised to shape the future of their industries. Shamrock’s portfolio spans a variety of high-impact companies, from content creators and sports organizations to media platforms and marketing agencies. With a 23-year track record, Shamrock Capital has consistently identified opportunities in high-growth sectors. Notable investments include Religion of Sports, FanDuel, and Excel Sports Management. The firm is also behind landmark deals with organizations such as The Lede Company, Ad Results Media, and Boardwalk Pictures. By leveraging decades of expertise and fostering innovation, Shamrock has positioned itself as a key player in driving transformation across its focus areas. Michael LaSalle, a Partner and member of Shamrock’s Executive Committee, has been instrumental in guiding the firm’s investments and strategy. A veteran with over two decades of experience, Mike serves on the boards of several portfolio companies, including The Lede Company, Iyuno, and Linden. His background includes key roles in mergers and acquisitions at Putnam Lovell Securities and board leadership at Seven Arrows Elementary. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mike also earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he was a Venture Fellow. His expertise and leadership continue to shape Shamrock’s contributions to the media, sports, and entertainment industries. Chapters: (2:58) - The Dynamic of Fundraising in Private Equity (6:09) - Understanding Shamrock’s Structures and Strategies (9:02) - Evolving Strategies in Media, Entertainment, and Sports (12:08) - Identifying Opportunities in the Content Landscape (15:06) - The Power of Talent in the Entertainment Industry (18:04) - Navigating Exits and Investment Timelines (21:07) - Current Trends in Media and Sports Investments (23:48) - Advice for Aspiring Private Equity Professionals (26:53) - Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025 and Beyond Michael LaSalle 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellasalle/ 🏢 Website: https://shamrockcap.com/ Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.
