Ep. 139: Chris Sznewajs, Managing Partner & Founder at Pacific Avenue Capital Partners

11/09/2025 1h 1min Temporada 1 Episodio 139
Ep. 139: Chris Sznewajs, Managing Partner & Founder at Pacific Avenue Capital Partners

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Episode Synopsis

Topics:Fundraising Lessons from a $1.6B FundA Carve-Out Playbook That ScalesWhy You Need a One-Page Strategy...and so much more.Top TakeawaysKeep strategy simple. Instead of 50-slide strategy decks, Chris insists on a one-pager with two to four clear priorities. Every team member, from associate to partner, should be able to recite them. Simplicity drives alignment and execution.3 actionable tips for hiring executives. First, focus on three traits: intelligence, hustle, and the ability to lead. Second, use third-party assessment tools to better evaluate candidates. Third, test humility in real life. At Pacific Avenue, that means taking candidates out to a meal and watching the small interactions. If someone can’t treat people well in everyday settings, they won’t be a good leader inside the company.Make it safe to fail, so you can win consistently. Pacific Avenue’s rule: surface mistakes quickly, fix them, and move on. In fundraising, it’s asking for genuine feedback when LPs push back and refining the pitch. In operations, it’s changing course when a carve-out plan isn’t working. As Chris puts it, “It’s okay to be wrong. It's not okay to stay wrong.”Look at the past to plan the future. When assessing carve-outs, Pacific Avenue starts by asking: What did this business look like before the corporate parent? Often, it was a strong, growing standalone that later got deprioritized. That history matters because if the business thrived once, there’s a strong case it can thrive again with the right strategy.About Chris SznewajsChris Sznewajs is the Managing Partner and Founder of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners. A veteran investor in complex carve-outs and special situations, he brings decades of experience in private equity and operational turnarounds. Before launching Pacific Avenue in 2018, he was a Principal at The Gores Group and began his career in Bain & Company’s restructuring practice. About Pacific Avenue Capital PartnersPacific Avenue Capital Partners is an LA-based private equity firm focused on middle-market carve-outs, corporate divestitures, and other complex situations. The firm works hand-in-hand with management teams to unlock value through operational improvements and growth strategies. With the rapid close of its $1.6B Fund II in under four months, Pacific Avenue now manages over $3.8B in AUM.

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