Sessions:
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), the prospect of partnering with or being acquired by Private Equity (PE) firms can be both exciting and daunting. This session, “Life with PE: Good, Bad, or Ugly,” is designed to provide MSPs with a comprehensive overview of what to expect when navigating the world of Private Equity.
Join us as we delve into the multifaceted impacts of PE investment and acquisition on MSP operations, growth, and culture. We’ll explore the pros, including access to capital for expansion, strategic guidance, and enhanced market opportunities. Learn how PE can provide the financial backing and expertise needed to accelerate growth and achieve long-term objectives.
On the flip side, we’ll also address the cons—from potential shifts in company culture and increased performance pressure to the complexities of navigating new governance structures and aligning with PE expectations. Understand the challenges of maintaining autonomy, managing stakeholder relationships, and balancing short-term pressures with long-term vision.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding PE Dynamics: What private equity means for MSPs and the typical structures and expectations involved.
- Evaluating the Benefits: How PE can drive growth, innovation, and market expansion.
- Anticipating Challenges: Potential pitfalls, including cultural shifts, operational changes, and governance issues.
- Real-World Insights: Hear from MSPs who have experienced PE investment or acquisition firsthand, sharing their stories and lessons learned.
Whether you’re considering an acquisition, seeking PE investment, or simply exploring the options, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of life with Private Equity.
Who Should Attend: MSP owners, executives, and decision-makers who are contemplating or curious about the implications of private equity involvement in their business.

Sam Levy
Sam Levy is a seasoned investment banker with two decades of investment banking advisory and technology operations experience. Sam has a strong understanding of technologies and business processes. He has advised on more than 40 successfully completed buy-side, sell-side, and capital raise transactions representing management, founder-owned or private equity-backed companies, larger corporations, and private equity firms on over $3 billion in aggregate transaction value.
Sam advised Goldman Sachs on its joint purchase of IPREO and Blackstone from KKR, Francisco Partners on its investment in Betterment, Aquiline on its investment in RIA in a Box, as well as entrepreneurs and managers on sell-side mandates to leading fintech firms including Broadridge, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Morningstar, SS&C and leading Private Equity investors.
Prior to joining Drake Star in 2022, Sam worked for three years as a Managing Director at Equiteq where he helped build the Technology and Tech-Enabled Services M&A practice. Prior to Equiteq, Sam worked for six years at Marlin & Associates where he advised on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raises for a wide range of technology companies in the FinTech and Cybersecurity sectors. Prior to these roles, Sam worked in the Investment Banking division of BNP Paribas, in Paris.
Earlier, Sam worked in various roles in technology, including CTO for a VC-backed startup; and also in the IT and Business Planning departments of Dannon Waters North America. He founded Oxygene Technologies in Tel-Aviv, Israel, a consulting practice for hi-tech and consumer goods companies.
Sessions:
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), the prospect of partnering with or being acquired by Private Equity (PE) firms can be both exciting and daunting. This session, “Life with PE: Good, Bad, or Ugly,” is designed to provide MSPs with a comprehensive overview of what to expect when navigating the world of Private Equity.
Join us as we delve into the multifaceted impacts of PE investment and acquisition on MSP operations, growth, and culture. We’ll explore the pros, including access to capital for expansion, strategic guidance, and enhanced market opportunities. Learn how PE can provide the financial backing and expertise needed to accelerate growth and achieve long-term objectives.
On the flip side, we’ll also address the cons—from potential shifts in company culture and increased performance pressure to the complexities of navigating new governance structures and aligning with PE expectations. Understand the challenges of maintaining autonomy, managing stakeholder relationships, and balancing short-term pressures with long-term vision.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding PE Dynamics: What private equity means for MSPs and the typical structures and expectations involved.
- Evaluating the Benefits: How PE can drive growth, innovation, and market expansion.
- Anticipating Challenges: Potential pitfalls, including cultural shifts, operational changes, and governance issues.
- Real-World Insights: Hear from MSPs who have experienced PE investment or acquisition firsthand, sharing their stories and lessons learned.
Whether you’re considering an acquisition, seeking PE investment, or simply exploring the options, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of life with Private Equity.
Who Should Attend: MSP owners, executives, and decision-makers who are contemplating or curious about the implications of private equity involvement in their business.