The Johns Hopkins Private Equity and Venture Capital Club (JHUPEVC) partnered with the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Maryland to host David Warnock, CoFounder and Senior Partner of Camden Partners on March 9, 2016 for a sharing session at the Carey Business School. The topic of discussion during the event was “Private Equity Deal Making” and drew on David’s extensive experience in both private equity and venture capital.
This marked the first time that JHUPEVC has partnered with an external professional organization to provide Johns Hopkins students and alumni the opportunity to meet and network with trusted industry professionals. The event was a sold out event and overwhelming success as JHUPEVC welcomed more than 60 guests from the private equity, venture capital, M & A, accounting and legal industries as well as students and alumni from Johns Hopkins.
Diversifying Private Equity Portfolios for Optimal Outcomes
Based on his extensive experience in running one of most prominent and largest private equity firms in Maryland, David shared his perspectives on how Camden Partners focused their investments in three main verticals to both diversify and maximize their portfolio returns: education, business services and healthcare. One of their most notable investments was in 2007 when they invested in Maryland-based Towne Park and subsequently built it up to become one of the largest providers of contracted hospitality services and parking systems nationwide. Camden Partners exited this deal in 2014 to TA Associates.
When asked about the role of entrepreneurship, venture capital and private equity, and how they fit into the wider development of Baltimore city, David responded that there were two things currently lacking in the system: seed stage capital and talent. Both of these were intertwined in determining the long-term success of any private equity investment, and David further elaborated that he had taken concrete steps to address both.
By this, he was referring to Camden Partners having started a seed stage capital fund certain Exelis in order to support early stage companies in Baltimore and the region. In order to attract talent here, he felt that it was important to improve the image of the city and to have everyone be hyped up about the city’s development, future, and upcoming investment opportunities. As David enthusiastically put forth – the positive energy and vibes from the people of Baltimore coupled with the enhanced environment of innovation, entrepreneurship and an ecosystem of funding would help create jobs while also encouraging people to stay rooted in Baltimore.
The Johns Hopkins University Private Equity and Venture Capital club is among the most active of the School’s clubs, and is honored to have been able to host David for this enriching and illuminqating presentation on the investment outlook of Baltimore city. The Club’s goal is to provide a forum for students, alumni, faculty, staff and industry professionals interested in all aspects and stages of Private Equity and Venture Capital, and help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to build careers in these sectors. Visit the JHUPEVC website and sign up for their mailing list at http://www.jhupevc.com
