DC Discusses LIVE: DC FEST UK 2025

DC Advisory European Executive Chairman, Richard Madden, explored how AI can transition from theoretical potential to tangible operational impact, with John Wyllie, Datasparq CEO. The discussion brought together insights from real-world applications across sectors, outlining the essential steps for developing practical and usable AI solutions. Key trends impacting deal flow include:

• The necessity of integrating design thinking, data science, and engineering to create usable AI solutions
• The strategic value of AI in operational details
• Emphasis was placed on private equity and corporate leaders identifying high-impact AI opportunities, focusing on AI's potential to optimize logistics, predict demand, and automate decision-making processes
•  The challenge lies not in the technology itself, but in its application to solve real business problems

DC Discusses LIVE: Alternative sources of capital: Unlocking liquidity and growth 

DC Advisory UK CEO, Tim Morris, hosted a conversation with Ciara O’Neill (Debt Advisory Managing Director), Tosh Kojima (Asia Access Managing Director), and Michael Wieczorek (Secondary Advisory Managing Director) on accessing alternative sources of liquidity and capital. The discussion focused on accessing new sources of liquidity and growth capital in a market where traditional routes remain constrained. During the discussion, the team highlighted:

• The increasing role of Asian capital in European transactions, driven by structural shifts in Japanese corporate culture and the increasing sophistication of Chinese investors
• The emergence of structured equity and junior capital solutions bridges the gap in a low-M&A environment, as large asset managers innovate to deploy capital at scale
•  The growing acceptance of GP-led secondaries as a mainstream liquidity tool, presenting new opportunities for accessing liquidity and growth capital amidst constrained traditional M&A routes

DC Discusses LIVE: Alternative sources of capital: Unlocking liquidity and growth 

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DC Discusses LIVE: Infrastructure: Core-Plus strategies 

DC Advisory Gary Hancock (Industrials Managing Director) hosted a conversation with Andrew Congleton (Infrastructure Managing Director) and Andrew Dutton (ASK4 CEO) to explore the increasing significance of Infrastructure investors within the traditional private equity mid-market. The discussion focused on the defining features of core plus investments and the distinct considerations when considering an exit. Key takeaways highlight:

• A growing trend of investors seeking resilient, capital-intensive platforms with infrastructure-like characteristics
• For businesses aiming for a core plus exit, early and thorough preparation, including detailed financial modelling and contract mapping
• With the right preparation, businesses can unlock new sources of capital, long-term strategic support, and attractive outcomes for shareholders and management alike 

Drawing on the sale of ASK4 to GI Partners in late 2023, Andrew Dutton, ASK4 CEO, shared the following insights: 

• ASK4’s asset intensity, recurring revenues, and ability to deploy growth capital were key factors in attracting interest from GI Partners
• Unlike private equity buyers, Infrastructure investors focus more on capital deployment plans, unit economics, and return on invested capital
• The importance of rigorous diligence and long-term defensibility over top-line growth

DC Discusses LIVE: Infrastructure: Core-Plus strategies

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