About The
Conference
The world of private equity and venture capital is in a state of constant evolution, and those who do not adapt risk falling behind. The Wharton Private Equity and Venture Capital Conference will delve into the challenges and opportunities posed by a transforming market. With discussions led by industry experts and innovative perspectives, attendees will learn the art of successful capital allocation in a world that demands flexibility and adaptation. Join us as we embrace the Year of Transition, and gain the tools and insights needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Keynotes
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Dr. Henry Kressel Senior Partner and Managing Director, Warburg Pincus
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Nikhil Bhat Co-head of Investments Vestar Capital
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Prof. Burcu Esmer MODERATOR CO-DIRECTOR, WHARTON HARRIS FAMILY ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS PROGRAM
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Yup S. Kim Head of Investments, Private Equity CaPERS
Dr. Henry Kressel
Senior Partner and Managing Director, Warburg Pincus
Dr. Kressel served as a senior partner and managing director at Warburg Pincus, a major international private equity firm, for over thirty years where he focused on technology and communications investments. He has led investments in over thirty companies, many of which became publicly traded. These have ranged from startups to multibillion revenue enterprises and have established themselves as leaders in their industries.He is currently a Special Limited Partner at the firm.
Nikhil Bhat
Co-head of Investments Vestar Capital
Nikhil is Co-Head of Investments at Vestar Capital, and sits on the firm’s Management Committee. He previously led the firm’s Business & Technology Services investing efforts. Current board involvement includes 360training, LERETA, Stratus, Circana (formerly IRi/NPD), Quest Analytics, and Edward Don. Prior to Vestar, Nikhil worked at Advent International. He began his career as a consultant at Bain & Company. Nikhil holds a BS in Economics, magna cum laude, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his MBA at Stanford GSB, where was an Arjay Miller Scholar. In addition to his corporate board positions, Nikhil serves as a member of the New York Regional Advisory Board of Bottom Line, an education nonprofit.
Prof. Burcu Esmer
MODERATOR CO-DIRECTOR, WHARTON HARRIS FAMILY ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS PROGRAM
Burcu Esmer is the Academic Co-Director at Wharton Harris Family Alternative Investments Program and Senior Lecturer of Finance at the Wharton School. Dr. Esmer works closely with various non-profit organizations that aim to increase diversity in asset management. She is the Academic Director of the Wharton-AltFinance Institute and Wharton-Girls Who Invest (GWI) Summer Intensive Program. Dr. Esmer also serves on the Advisory Board of GWI.
Yup S. Kim
Head of Investments, Private Equity CaPERS
Mr. Kim is an Investment Director and Member of the Private Equity Investment Review Committee handling investments across Venture Capital, Growth Equity, Co-Investments, Secondaries, Middle Market and Large Buyouts. He leads CalPERS’ USD 82 Bn Assets under Management Private Equity portfolio across all functions, including strategy, team management, and investment activities across primary, secondary, and co-investment opportunities globally.