Episode #17: GP Stakes & Growth Capital: Scaling the Middle Market with Ben Drylie-Perkins
In this episode of The LAB Podcast, hosts Scott Estill and Nick Creasey dive into the world of GP Stakes and flexible capital solutions with Ben Drylie-Perkins, Head of Investments at Cantilever Group. Ben provides insights into how Cantilever is uniquely positioned to support lower middle-market and middle-market private equity firms with capital and strategic guidance. The conversation covers the evolution of GP Stakes investing, the key challenges mid-market GPs face, and why a structured approach to liquidity and growth financing is crucial.
Ben also shares Cantilever’s differentiated investment strategy, emphasizing how they bring bulge-bracket expertise to an underserved segment. They discuss misconceptions about lower middle-market private equity, the importance of founder alignment, and what makes a successful fund manager. The episode is a must-listen for PE professionals, fund founders, and investors looking to better understand the GP finance landscape.