Episode description

In this engaging episode of the Karma School of Business Podcast, Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, sits down with Eric Hansen, a partner at Blue Sea Capital and a significant figure in the development of the middle market within the private equity industry. This conversation offers an in-depth look at Eric's unconventional journey from the private debt sector to his influential role in private equity, along with the insights and experiences that have shaped his career.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:34 - Eric's Unique Path into Finance - Eric shares the story of his early life in Peoria, Illinois, his initial career aspirations, and the series of roles that led him to establish Antares Capital and later join Blue Sea Capital.
• 06:29 - Founding of Antares Capital - Eric recounts the creation of Antares Capital, its pioneering approach to private credit, and the strategic vision that drove its success.
• 09:23 - Innovations in Private Credit - Discussion on the innovative financing solutions introduced by Antares, including sponsor-focused lending and the development of the Unitranche loan structure.
• 15:41 - Transition to Blue Sea Capital - Eric talks about his decision to retire, the interim consulting period, and what ultimately led him to accept a partner role at Blue Sea Capital, focusing on industrial growth.
• 25:05 - Value Creation at Blue Sea Capital - Learn about Blue Sea Capital's approach to driving growth in portfolio companies, including the development of an executive network and leveraging strategic acquisitions.
• 31:06 - Eric's Personal Reading Recommendations - Eric shares his personal reading preferences, emphasizing the importance of leisure reading alongside professional studies to stimulate different parts of the brain.

For more information about Blue Sea Capital, go to www.blueseacapital.com.

For more information about Eric Hansen, go to www.linkedin.com/in/eric-hansen510.

For more information about BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the dynamics of finance, the transformative impact of private equity, and the career trajectories of industry veterans who have significantly influenced today's investment landscape.

Please subscribe to the Karma School of Business Podcast for more episodes like this, and leave us a review if you find our content valuable. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we continue to uncover the critical elements of business success in the realm of private equity.