Emerging managers are often prized for their ability to inject fresh ideas and new ways of thinking into the market. Grafine Partners, launched in 2019 by Elizabeth Weymouth, a one-time partner with Riverstone Holdings, is a good example.
Buyouts’ Off-duty provides a snapshot of top investors, including a few details about what they do when not chasing deals.
Grafine, which is raising a debut fund, aims to shake up the private equity model by focusing on the “Great Resignation,” a trend that is seeing multiple veteran GPs leave well-established firms to start their own outfits. It intends to back several of these potential future stars and at the same time create more co-investment opportunities for under-resourced LPs.
Weymouth worked at Riverstone for a decade, heading investor relations and capital partnering. Before, she was with JP Morgan Private Bank, where she led investments in the US Northeast region.
Where is your hometown?
New Orleans.
If you weren’t in PE, what job would you like to have?
A CNBC anchor covering markets.
How do you relax when you’re not working?
Traveling, exercising and spending time with my husband and three boys.
What book are you reading right now?
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles.
What is your favorite song, album, performer or music genre?
I’ve always been a fan of Dave Matthews Band and still vividly remember seeing them play regularly in small venues in Charlottesville when attending the University of Virginia.
What is your favorite place for a vacation, sanctuary or a place to explore?
We love exploring Europe, often visiting my family in Denmark.
Who in your career do you regard as a mentor?
Sandra Horbach, managing director and co-head of US buyout and growth at Carlyle Group.
Professionally, what was your toughest moment?
In 2008, in the midst of the global financial crisis, managing the conflict between investors who did not want to receive capital calls due to portfolio liquidity issues when it was precisely the right time to invest in new opportunities created by the market dislocation.
What was your most rewarding moment?
When I decided to go out and build my own firm. It was extremely rewarding to get widespread support and advice from mentors and friends in the industry.
What PE buzz words or jargon do you hate most?
Proprietary dealflow.
What advice would you give a young person interested in a PE career?
If you’re willing to work hard, a career in private equity is very worthwhile in the long run. As you grow in your career, look for areas of disruption and don’t be afraid to carve out your own path.
What word or phrase best describes you?
Persistent and passionate.