Silver Lake's Product Focus

Jason Cohen shares his experience working with Silver Lake Partners, a private equity firm that stands out for their unique approach.

"On the finance side, it's just this level above what you would ever see otherwise. In finance, you either go to Wall Street to make money or you could do PE, but this is the cream of the crop. They have valedictorians from Wharton doing spreadsheets.

You think PE and you think they just take companies apart and don't care. That reputation exists and is earned with some firms. But with Silver Lake, that's not the case. When you have an investor who can do all the cutthroat stuff but also has that view on product, success, and how to build value - that's incredible.

But there are two important things: First, a lot of firms aren't like that. Second, it depends on the person. People ask 'Should I raise money from X firm?' The answer is always 'Who at X?' The firm's culture matters, but the number one thing is who at the firm - that's what makes all the difference. And unfortunately, that can change."