Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal

How AI is Fueling Software's Growth - Live from Miami Apr 25, 2024

In a special episode of Behind the Deal live from Thoma Bravo’s Annual Meeting in March 2024, Managing Partner Seth Boro welcomes Sumit Dhawan, CEO at Proofpoint, Mike Capone, CEO at Qlik, and Charlie Gottdiener, CEO at Anaplan, to the stage to discuss how their companies are leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. The CEOs share perspectives on generative AI and its impact on cybersecurity, what AI means for the future of IP and how businesses can channel AI into actionable solutions for their customers.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Learn more about Proofpoint: https://www.proofpoint.com/us

Learn more about Qlik: https://www.qlik.com/us

Learn more about Anaplan: https://www.anaplan.com/

Beyond the Partnership Between Carl Thoma and Orlando Bravo Apr 18, 2024

In this special Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Co-Founders and Managing Partners Carl Thoma and Orlando Bravo go beyond their long, storied and industry-shaping partnership to discuss the importance of fostering relationships, focusing on performance and staying humble while building a successful firm. Carl also shares his insights on the value of finding the right mentor and discusses one of the proudest moments of his life.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

How Carl Thoma and Orlando Bravo Built the Largest Tech Buyout Firm Apr 11, 2024

On the season finale of Behind the Deal, Co-Founders and Managing Partners Orlando Bravo and Carl Thoma sit down to discuss how they built Thoma Bravo into the world’s largest tech-focused buyout firm. Orlando interviews his mentor, Carl, to get his perspective on the evolution of private equity over his nearly 50-year career in the industry. The Co-Founders discuss their partnership and relive the moments, strategies, successes (and a few failures) that made their firm and their relationship one of the best deals both have ever done.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Beyond the SailPoint Partnership with Seth Boro, Mark McClain and Matt Mills Apr 04, 2024

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Seth Boro sits down with SailPoint’s CEO and Founder Mark McClain and President of Worldwide Field Operations Matt Mills to talk about the effects of AI on identity security, being acquired by Thoma Bravo not once but twice, and what it was like to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit SailPoint’s website: https://www.sailpoint.com/

Revisiting How Thoma Bravo Took Sailpoint Public and Then Private Again Mar 28, 2024

SailPoint Co-Founder and CEO Mark McClain speaks with Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Seth Boro about forging a relationship that led to Thoma Bravo’s first ever IPO of a portfolio company, and then a second acquisition of SailPoint just a few years later. The conversation covers the cutting edge work SailPoint is doing in identity security, as well as the inside experience of partnering with a Private Equity firm. Behind the Deal is rereleasing this favorite from the archives alongside a brand new episode of Beyond the Deal next week with Mark, Seth, and SailPoint’s President of Worldwide Field Operations Matt Mills.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit SailPoint’s website: https://www.sailpoint.com/

Beyond the Bottomline Partnership with Brian Jaffee and Craig Saks Mar 21, 2024

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Partner Brian Jaffee sits down with Bottomline CEO Craig Saks to talk about resiliency, the importance of bringing diverse voices into the room, and the surprising things you learn as a South African running an American company (besides just which side of the road to drive on).

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Bottomline’s website: https://www.bottomline.com/us

How a Take-Private is Empowering Bottomline to Further Revolutionize B2B Payments Mar 14, 2024

Thoma Bravo Partner Brian Jaffee takes listeners inside the years of waiting and watching that eventually turned into a quick make-or-break opportunity to acquire Bottomline. With thirty years of history, a management shakeup, activist investors and plenty of competition, the Bottomline take-private wasn’t easy but it was worth the work. Brian is joined by Bottomline CEO Craig Saks who talks about his unique experience transitioning to CEO, the importance of optimizing cash flow, where the fintech world is headed, and how eliminating paper checks can lead to higher GDP.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Bottomline’s website: https://www.bottomline.com/us

Beyond the Foundation Software Partnership with Carl Press and Mike Ode Mar 07, 2024

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Partner Carl Press sits down with Foundation Software President and CEO Mike Ode to talk about mentorship, the importance of asking questions, and how some of the best deals get done at times when you least expect it.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Foundation Software's website: https://www.foundationsoft.com/

How Thoma Bravo Took Foundation Software From a Family-Run Business to Private Equity-Owned Feb 29, 2024

Thoma Bravo Partner Carl Press takes listeners behind the deal with Foundation Software, a leader in the world of construction subcontracting software. Family-owned and operated for over thirty years, Foundation decided to partner with Thoma Bravo in 2020 after many offers from investor groups, becoming the firm’s first fully remote deal. Carl is joined by Foundation Software President and CEO Mike Ode to talk about partnering with private equity, the construction industry’s digital transformation and what that means for the future of the business.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Foundation's website: https://www.foundationsoft.com/

Beyond the Raptor Technologies Partnership with Adam Solomon and Gray Hall Feb 22, 2024

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo partner Adam Solomon sits down with Raptor CEO Gray Hall to talk about the most rewarding parts of being a CEO, how to craft a leadership style employees (and customers) will want to follow, and the personal side of running a business that keeps kids safe at school.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Raptor’s website: https://raptortech.com/

How Raptor Technologies Transforms School Safety Through Software Feb 15, 2024

Thoma Bravo Partner Adam Solomon walks listeners through the challenges of landing a transatlantic deal with Raptor Technologies, a cutting-edge school safety software company, at a time when schools were shut down all over the world due to COVID. Adam is joined by Raptor CEO Gray Hall, and together they discuss the importance of alignment on company culture, organic vs. inorganic growth, and the power of supercharging results with a mission-driven approach.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Raptor's website: https://raptortech.com/

Beyond the Nasdaq Partnership with Holden Spaht and Adena Friedman Feb 08, 2024

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman and Thoma Bravo Managing Partner and Nasdaq Board Member Holden Spaht discuss Adena’s thirty-year career at Nasdaq, how changing jobs can develop your management style, and how you can literally look for luck in the world around you.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Nasdaq’s website: https://www.nasdaq.com/

How Nasdaq's Acquisition of Adenza is Disrupting Fintech and Modernizing Markets Feb 01, 2024

Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Holden Spaht and Nasdaq's Chair and CEO Adena Friedman take listeners behind Nasdaq’s multi-billion dollar acquisition of Adenza, a provider of mission-critical risk management and regulatory software to the financial services industry. Holden shares Thoma Bravo's approach to building Adenza by merging and integrating two market leaders, Calypso Technology and AxiomSL, at the height of the pandemic.

Holden and Adena also discuss how the acquisition of Adenza is positioned to accelerate Nasdaq's transformation and strategic vision to become the trusted fabric of the world’s financial system.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Nasdaq's website: https://www.nasdaq.com/

Beyond the Dynatrace Partnership with Chip Virnig and John Van Siclen Jan 25, 2024

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Partner Chip Virnig and former CEO of Dynatrace John Van Siclen talk about some of the more rewarding challenges they’ve faced, the long steady process of learning patience, the excitement that comes with an IPO, and how to know when it’s time to step away.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Dynatrace’s website: https://www.dynatrace.com/

How a Complex Carveout Led to Dynatrace Disrupting Itself and Then an Entire Industry Jan 18, 2024

Thoma Bravo Partner Chip Virnig goes behind the deal with Dynatrace: how it started, the complexities of the transaction, and the areas of value creation the Thoma Bravo team focused on throughout the partnership. From the initial carve-out to an IPO that saw Thoma Bravo’s team ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, the Dynatrace deal was never easy. Joining Chip in the studio, former Dynatrace CEO John Van Siclen gives his perspective on the growth in enterprise software as a 40-year industry veteran.

Dynatrace first stood out as a leader in SaaS when the Thoma Bravo team realized the massive potential of cloud infrastructure, and successfully predicted an industry-wide disruptive shift in that direction. The acquisition became a fascinating case study, borrowing multiple strategies from the Thoma Bravo playbook - such as operational improvements on day one, backing existing management, and transforming the business to a SaaS-based model - and deploying them all on the same deal.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Dynatrace's website: https://www.dynatrace.com/

Beyond the Alma Deal with Ross Devor and Dr. Harry Ritter Jan 11, 2024

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Partner Ross Devor and Alma founder and CEO Dr. Harry Ritter discuss the glaring need for quality, affordable mental healthcare, learning to enjoy the journey while building a business, and the pros and cons of being a “renaissance man.”

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Alma’s website: https://www.helloalma.com/

How Thoma Bravo Partnered with Alma to Provide Accessible Mental Health Care Solutions Across the U.S. Jan 04, 2024

Ross Devor, a partner at Thoma Bravo and co-head of the firm's Growth platform, discusses collaborating with Alma's management team to improve their technology roadmap and connect their platform with therapists across all fifty states. Despite a market meltdown, Thoma Bravo saw an exciting opportunity to be a part of behavioral health care’s digital transformation and to guide Alma on crossing the path to profitability.

Alma is a platform that improves access to quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. In this episode, Ross sits down with Alma CEO Dr. Harry Ritter to discuss the importance of a robust management structure, a focus on responsible growth, and having values that align with your business partners. The two also discuss their own mental health journeys, and how investing in people’s mental wellbeing — and your own — might now be more important than ever.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Alma's website: https://www.helloalma.com/

Beyond the Flexera Partnership with Seth Boro and Jim Ryan Dec 21, 2023

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Seth Boro and Flexera President and CEO Jim Ryan discuss stepping into the big role as chief executive, share memories from one of their beloved mentors, and deliberate about what they would’ve done if technology wasn’t their calling.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Flexera's website: https://www.flexera.com/

How the Flexera Carve-Out Revolutionized IT Management Dec 14, 2023

Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Seth Boro gives an inside look at how the firm can hit the ground running after a platform carve-out investment. Thoma Bravo helped build out Flexera back in 2008, exited in 2011, and is now back for more with a controlling stake as of 2020.

Flexera is a company that provides customers with the ability to map their IT spend to better optimize their IT estate. In this episode, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Seth Boro sits down with Flexera CEO Jim Ryan to talk through the initial carveout, surviving the Great Recession of 2008, and where Flexera goes from here.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Flexera's website: https://www.flexera.com/

Beyond the ConnectWise Transformation with Mike Hoffmann and Jason Magee Dec 07, 2023

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Partner Mike Hoffmann and ConnectWise CEO Jason Magee sit down, and go beyond their business partnership. They chat about their top business role models, their first jobs, and what they’re reading.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit ConnectWise's website: https://www.connectwise.com/

How Thoma Bravo Partnered with Founder-Led ConnectWise to Transform the MSP Industry Nov 30, 2023

ConnectWise is an industry-leading robust platform of software built for technology solutions providers (TSPs) to run their entire as-a-service business. Their solutions help managed service providers (MSPs) outsource their help desk, billing, and other IT services to small and medium-sized businesses so that they can focus on their products, not IT problems.

Thoma Bravo Partner Mike Hoffmann sits down with ConnectWise CEO Jason Magee to discuss their partnership and the importance of a shared vision when taking a founder-led business to the next level.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit ConnectWise's website: https://www.connectwise.com/

Beyond the J.D. Power Transformation, with Scott Crabill and David Habiger Nov 22, 2023

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Scott Crabill and J.D. Power President and CEO David Habiger’s conversation goes deeper than just their business partnership. The two give insight into their career paths, what failure has taught them, and where they might be today if they weren’t in business together.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit J.D. Power's website: https://www.jdpower.com/

How J.D. Power Uses Data to Drive the Auto Industry Forward Nov 16, 2023

J.D. Power has nearly 80% name recognition for its awards, but its data business is the real hidden gem. In this episode, Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Scott Crabill sits down with J.D. Power’s CEO David Habiger to discuss how the company is bringing together the fragmented auto industry, and how Thoma Bravo has partnered with J.D. Power on acquisition strategy, merging two world-class companies, and flattening organizational structure.

The conversation then broadens to include what it was like to navigate a merger during a global pandemic and how to put the right people in the right leadership positions. You’ll also hear insights on the latest auto trends, including electric and autonomous vehicles, connected cars, and shifting retail models.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit J.D. Power's website: https://www.jdpower.com/

Beyond the Syntellis Carve Out, with A.J. Rohde and Flint Brenton Nov 09, 2023

In this Beyond the Deal mini-sode, Thoma Bravo Senior Partner A.J. Rohde and Syntellis CEO Flint Brenton’s conversation continues outside the bounds of their partnership. The two discuss tough customer calls, their favorite software sectors, and who they’re rooting for this season in the NBA.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Syntellis's website: https://www.syntellis.com

How Syntellis Grew from a Software Carveout to a Successful Standalone Company Nov 02, 2023

In the Season Two premiere, a behind-the-scenes journey with Thoma Bravo Senior Partner A.J. Rohde to discuss our deal to acquire and carve out Syntellis, a performance management software business, from its parent company, Kaufman Hall Software. By partnering with Madison Dearborn, Thoma Bravo crafted a strategic business plan to carve out Syntellis into a standalone company.

A.J. speaks with Syntellis CEO Flint Brenton, a five-time successful software CEO, about how Flint ultimately became the leader of Syntellis after a breakfast meetup in a small Californian diner, and how their shared Midwestern sensibility has led to a successful partnership, ultimately selling Syntellis to Roper Technologies in 2023. This episode underlines the significance of forming strategic partnerships, fostering a robust company culture, and even picking the right headquarters in the middle of the Covid pandemic.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Visit Syntellis's website: https://www.syntellis.com

Behind the Deal is Back for Season 2 Nov 02, 2023

For even more inside looks at some of the firm’s biggest deals, Thoma Bravo’s Behind the Deal returns for Season 2. This season, Thoma Bravo partners will sit down with portfolio company CEOs from acquisitions like J.D. Power, ConnectWise, and Syntellis to give a behind the scenes look at some of the carve outs, acquisitions and mergers that have helped make Thoma Bravo the world’s largest tech-buyout firm.

How Orlando Bravo Helped Build the World’s Largest Software Buyout Firm Jul 13, 2023

In the Season One finale of Thoma Bravo’s Behind The Deal, Thoma Bravo Partner Andrew Almeida connects with Thoma Bravo Founder and Managing Partner Orlando Bravo who shares his stories of success and trial and error in building Thoma Bravo. In the interview, Andrew helps listeners get to know Orlando beyond the dealmaking, as he shares inspiring stories about his mentors Carl Thoma and Marcel Bernard, tactics for staying positive and pragmatic in the face of problems, and how he applies the lessons from being a parent to his professional career.

How AppOmni Seized the SaaS Security Market Opportunity Jun 29, 2023

AppOmni is a leader in securing SaaS applications. In this episode, Thoma Bravo Partner Tre Sayle talks with AppOmni Co-founder and CEO Brendan O’Connor about how AppOmni has tripled in size in the year since their partnership with the Thoma Bravo Growth team began.

How a Merger Helped Veriforce Grow to Five Times Its Size Jun 15, 2023

Veriforce is a global provider of contract management software for industrial markets. In this episode, Thoma Bravo Partner Hudson Smith speaks with Veriforce CEO Colby Lane about how Veriforce expanded to almost five times its original size in under five years by an acquisition process that brought Veriforce together with PEC Safety.

How Circle CVI - a Niche Category Leader in Healthcare - Has Grown with Private Equity Jun 01, 2023

Circle CVI is the global leader in cardiac imaging solutions used by some of the world’s leading hospitals and physicians. In this episode, Thoma Bravo Partner Carl Press speaks with Co-Founder and CEO Greg Ogrodnick about how Thoma Bravo backed Circle CVI, a category leader in a small but very growing category of healthcare, and how their one year partnership has flourished as a result.

How Quorum Overcame Adversity Through Private Equity May 18, 2023

Quorum’s suite of software solutions for the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors is designed to cover each area of their business - from planning, operations, accounting, measurement, transportation, and logistics. Thoma Bravo Partner Tara Gadgil speaks with former Quorum CEO Gene Austin about their partnership and how they weathered the storm of the global pandemic by continuing to invest in their product and serve it’s customers effectively in a difficult time.

How Leadership Transformed the Culture of Conga May 04, 2023

Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Holden Spaht tells the story of how CEO Noel Goggin turned Conga into a market leader for commercial operations transformation by focusing on company culture and customers.

How Majesco Brings the Speed of Private Equity to Transform the Insurance Business Apr 20, 2023

Majesco is a leader in providing technology and software solutions for the life, property, and casualty insurance business. In this episode, Thoma Bravo Senior Partner AJ Rohde speaks with Majesco CEO Adam Elster about how the company partnered with Thoma Bravo to use the speed of private equity to expedite the digitization of the insurance industry.

How Apryse Achieves Fast Growth and High Margins Apr 06, 2023

Apryse is a leading provider of document processing technology for developers and enterprises. On this episode of Thoma Bravo’s Behind The Deal, Apryse CEO Cassidy Smirnow and Thoma Bravo Operating Partner Kristin Weston reflect on how Cassidy has led the company through a total rebrand and has achieved accelerated growth with high margins as a result.

How SailPoint Keeps Business Identities Safe Mar 23, 2023

SailPoint Co-Founder and CEO Mark McClain speaks with Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Seth Boro about how they forged a relationship that led to Thoma Bravo’s first ever IPO of a portfolio company, and eventually acquiring SailPoint twice over the course of a decade.

How ABC Fitness Keeps Your Gym Running Mar 09, 2023

Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Scott Crabill details how ABC Fitness quadrupled their client base after Thoma Bravo acquired the fitness technology company in 2018, and then discusses how ABC’s go-to-market strategy was transformed and taken to the next level with ABC Fitness CEO Bill Davis.

Welcome To Thoma Bravo’s Behind the Deal Mar 09, 2023

Join Orlando Bravo, founder and managing partner of Thoma Bravo - one of the largest software investors in the world - for stories behind some of its biggest and most dynamic acquisitions.

From Orlando Bravo:

“At Thoma Bravo, we partner with great technology companies to help them do even greater things. Over the past 20 years, the firm has acquired or invested in more than 420 companies, and behind every one of these deals is a unique story, and that’s what this podcast is all about.”

Every episode, listeners will be introduced to top CEOs in its portfolio, along with the deal lead at Thoma Bravo to hear their first-hand account of the challenges and wins behind their partnership. From working collaboratively with existing management teams to driving innovation and growth, listeners will get a unique perspective on what really happens behind the scenes of private equity investing.

If you would like to learn more about Thoma Bravo, head to www.thomabravo.com.

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