By Sin Comillas Editorial Staff
Puerto Rican Orlando Bravo, founder and partner of the global private equity firm Thoma Bravo, organized a virtual roundtable with journalists from Puerto Rico and took the opportunity to demystify private equity, explaining how investment in private equity can drive business growth, improve company operations, and generate long-term value.
Private equity refers to investment funds that invest directly in private companies or buy public companies with the intention of taking them private, improving their operations over a period of four (4) to seven (7) years, and eventually selling them for a profit.
Bravo, born in Mayagüez, argued that private equity firms not only provide capital, but also help improve company operations, expand their presence in new markets, and strengthen their leadership teams.
Thoma Bravo is a private equity firm that manages more than $179 billion in assets and invests in companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Over the past 20 years, the firm has acquired or invested in more than 520 companies representing over $275 billion in enterprise value. The firm has offices in Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, New York, and San Francisco.
Its most recent transaction includes an agreement with Boeing (NYSE:BA), the aircraft manufacturer, to purchase part of its Digital Aviation Solutions division for $10.55 billion in cash.
Bravo strongly believes in guiding and developing young talent within his firm and through philanthropic efforts.
In Puerto Rico, Bravo has focused his efforts on the Bravo Family Foundation, which supports businesses through mentorship, education, and access to networks.