Helen Lowe

How has your experience before joining MML helped you today?

Having worked side-by-side with founders and management teams, understanding their objectives, as well as their concerns, I’ve seen time and again what drives successful outcomes and deeply appreciate the importance of investing in the personal relationship with businesses and their people, not just the commercial one.

What most attracted you to joining the MML team?

Thanks to my experience as an advisor, I was in a fortunate position of having worked with many PE houses and for me, MML always stood out from the crowd.

Not only is the team highly personable, and the type of people you want to spend time with, but they listen to what founders and management teams want, using their flexible, partnership style approach to accommodate this.

Also, having advised management teams on the way into and the way out of an MML investment, I’ve seen the whole journey and know them to add real value as investors during both the highs and the lows - they really are a partner you can trust and the type of PE house I wanted to be part of.

What advice would you give a founder seeking private equity investment?

Price and structure are important but ultimately the best outcomes stem from trusted relationships and a meeting of minds. Take time to get to know your future partner, building a strong working relationship ahead of an investment is important, you will be working alongside each other for a number of years.

And, speak to their portfolio companies both past and present and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions – remember they were in the same position once and will have an understanding of what is important to you.