McGuireWoods Emerging Manager Conference: Beyond Buyouts 2026
A curated two-day programme for LPs actively making primary fund commitments and emerging managers across venture capital, growth equity, private credit and real assets.
About this event
Beyond Buyouts will convene emerging managers beyond traditional control buyouts, including growth equity, private credit, public equities, real assets, and venture capital, creating a broader multi-strategy forum for Emerging Managers and Limited Partners.
Source: organiser materialsAgenda
Tuesday, 1 September 20265 sessions
What We Wish We Knew Before Fund I
Speakers
- Walker BrumskinePartner · Bluestone Equity Partners
- Neil KeeganCo-Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer · Marlinspike Partners
- Gene MartinPresident and Chief Executive Officer · Callodine Credit
- Laurel MintzGeneral Partner · Fabric VC
- William HerrfeldtPartner · McGuireWoods (Moderator)
Details
- Behind every successful new launch are insights that can only be gained through experience. In this candid discussion, managers reflect on the realities of launching, raising, and deploying Fund I. From unexpected challenges to pivotal decisions, they'll share the lessons that reshaped their thinking, and what they would do differently looking back.
Across the Capital Stack: Where Are the Best Opportunities Today?
Speakers
- Ryan ClintonFounder and Managing Partner · Ridgeline
- Stefano GurciulloManaging Partner · Tau Capital
- Hayden LekaczCo-Founder and Managing Partner · Vanara Capital
- Kevin MailenderManaging Partner · Recess Capital
- Jason GriffithPartner · McGuireWoods (Moderator)
Details
- New investment trends are reshaping private markets. This discussion will explore the sectors, strategies and structural trends attracting the greatest investor interest, while examining how valuation, downside risk and competitive dynamics are influencing investment decisions. Panelists will share their perspectives on what they find compelling in the current environment, and how emerging managers are positioning their portfolios to capture the next wave of opportunity.
Welcome Reception
Notes
- Sponsored by Monograph Capital
- Note: A grab-and-go lunch will be served on Day One at noon.
- Beverages and light snacks will be provided during the conference.
Registration and Breakfast
1:1 Speed-Networking
Wednesday, 2 September 20267 sessions
1:1 Speed-Networking
Notes
- Note: Buffet lunch will be served on Day Two. Beverages and light snacks will be provided during the conference.
Breakfast
Women in Private Equity & Finance Breakfast: A Fireside Chat with Malala Yousafzai
Speakers
- Malala YousafzaiHuman Rights Activist · Co-Founder of Recess Capital
- Addison FonteinAssociate · McGuireWoods (Moderator)
1:1 Speed-Networking
Relationships that Compound: Winning LPs, Co-Investors and Strategic Partners
Speakers
- Kate BeardsleyFounding Partner · Hannah Grey
- Todd LeedyManaging Director – Real Assets · Apogem Capital
- Jay SteinleManaging Director and Head of Investor Relations · HighPost Capital
- Christopher WiniarzChief Investment Officer · Stable Asset Management
- Abdul-Rahman LedijuPartner · McGuireWoods (Moderator)
Details
- An introduction may open the door, but earning trust, and ultimately investor backing, requires playing the long game. This session explores how managers can establish credibility before fundraising begins, convert early conversations into meaningful relationships and maintain LP engagement between raises. Panelists will share strategies for building a powerful network that becomes an enduring source of capital, opportunity and market connectivity.
The 2026 LP Allocation Environment: What Gets an Emerging Manager Funded Today?
Speakers
- Layne HeardPartner · Screendoor
- John HeinrichAssociate Investment Director · University of Iowa Center for
- Steven LiPartner · Blauwpark Partners
- Caixia ZieglerManaging Director, Real Assets and Sustainable Investments · MacArthur Foundation
- Richard StarlingPartner, Co-Head · Fund Formation and Investment
Details
- What are LPs really looking for before backing an emerging manager? Featuring leading investors, this discussion will explore the underwriting and relationship building process and what differentiates emerging managers that successfully raise funds from those that struggle. Discover what is resonating today, and what makes an emerging manager stand out in a crowded fundraising environment.
Lunch
Organiser-published speakers
Featured speakers
NameSeniorityFirm / organisation
Walker BrumskinePartnerBluestone Equity Partners
Neil KeeganCo-Managing Partner and Chief Executive OfficerMarlinspike Partners
Gene MartinPresident and Chief Executive OfficerCallodine Credit
Laurel MintzGeneral PartnerFabric VC
William HerrfeldtPartnerMcGuireWoods (Moderator)
Ryan ClintonFounder and Managing PartnerRidgeline
Stefano GurciulloManaging PartnerTau Capital
Hayden LekaczCo-Founder and Managing PartnerVanara Capital
Kevin MailenderManaging PartnerRecess Capital
Jason GriffithPartnerMcGuireWoods (Moderator)
Malala YousafzaiHuman Rights ActivistCo-Founder of Recess Capital
Addison FonteinAssociateMcGuireWoods (Moderator)
Kate BeardsleyFounding PartnerHannah Grey
Todd LeedyManaging Director – Real AssetsApogem Capital
Jay SteinleManaging Director and Head of Investor RelationsHighPost Capital
Christopher WiniarzChief Investment OfficerStable Asset Management
Abdul-Rahman LedijuPartnerMcGuireWoods (Moderator)
Layne HeardPartnerScreendoor
John HeinrichAssociate Investment DirectorUniversity of Iowa Center for
Steven LiPartnerBlauwpark Partners
Caixia ZieglerManaging Director, Real Assets and Sustainable InvestmentsMacArthur Foundation
Richard StarlingPartner, Co-HeadFund Formation and Investment
Who attends
- 2,026LPs