In the latest edition of Behind the Buyouts, Charlesbank Capital Partners LLC managing director Pedro Vaz discussed the firm’s latest investments in the IT ecosystem, its nearly two decades of experience in telecommunications and digital infrastructure and the disruption artificial intelligence is bringing to software investing.

Charlesbank doubled down on its investment in Bridgepointe Technologies Inc. earlier this year and Vaz discussed the company’s unique model that direct relationships with supplier and end customers.

Vaz traced the investment to Charlesbank’s experience across telecom and IT infrastructure, including Zayo Group Holdings Inc., Park Place Technologies LLC, Spectrotel Inc. and AireSpring Inc. He delved into the firm’s approach to the “picks and shovels” supporting digital infrastructure and the portfolio companies’ hedges.

The conversation also explored software investment, valuation and defensibility in the age of AI. Topics include the importance of proprietary data, seat-based pricing pressure, commoditization of features and the role of private credit.

Listen to the podcast with Pedro Vaz below:

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