Why PE Firms Are Leveraging Human Capital Operating Partners

Private equity (PE) has always been about finding ways to create value, but the game is changing. For years, firms relied on financial strategies and operational efficiencies to drive returns. Today, they’re realizing something crucial: success doesn’t just come from the numbers—it comes from the people behind them.

That’s why more PE firms are turning to outsourced specialists, like Human Capital or Talent Operating Partners, to help them unlock the potential of their portfolio companies. Here’s what’s driving this shift:

Human Capital Challenges Are More Complex Than Ever

When it comes to post-acquisition success, financial performance is just one piece of the puzzle. Leadership alignment, culture, and employee engagement play an equally vital role. From managing leadership transitions and retaining top talent to executive compensation and system implementations, these are tricky, high-stakes challenges. Human Capital Operating Partners bring the expertise needed to navigate these situations, making them invaluable in today’s fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

2. Leadership and Culture Are Key to Growth

Culture and leadership are proven drivers of long-term success. A seasoned Human Capital Operating Partner dives deep into these areas, ensuring portfolio companies have strong leadership pipelines, high-performing teams, and a culture aligned with growth objectives. This human capital focus doesn’t just help companies thrive—it can be the difference between a solid return and a transformative one.

3. Time Is Everything in Private Equity

PE firms work under tight timelines to execute growth strategies, leaving little room for trial and error. That’s where Human Capital Operating Partners shine. With deep experience, technical expertise and proven frameworks, they help companies implement changes faster and more effectively. Their ability to scale across multiple portfolio companies ensures no time is wasted.

4. Expertise Without the Overhead

Building in-house teams for every portfolio company just isn’t practical. Outsourcing to specialists gives PE firms access to world-class expertise without the burden of maintaining it internally. It’s a cost-effective way to get tailored, high-impact solutions exactly when they’re needed.

5. Preparing for the Perfect Exit

An Operating Partner’s job doesn’t stop at fixing today’s challenges. They also ensure portfolio companies are set up for future success. By strengthening leadership, aligning culture, instituting best-in-class people operations capabilities and building resilience, they make businesses more appealing to buyers—often driving higher valuations and smoother exits.

Let's Face It...

In private equity, people aren’t just part of the equation—they’re the foundation of success. By tapping into the expertise of Human Capital (Talent) Operating Partners, PE firms can unlock new levels of growth and performance across their portfolio. These specialists bring the right mix of strategy, operations excellence, agility, and experience to help companies thrive—and to help PE firms deliver on their promises.

In an industry where every advantage counts, the right people-focused strategy makes all the difference.

Could you use outsourced specialists in Human Capital, People Operations, Human Resources, and Talent?  We'd love to share our Human Capital Operating Partner solutions with you.  Drop us a note or give us a call - we're excited to get to know you and your unique needs.  

Why  29Bison?

Choosing the right partner for HR due diligence and integration is critical to the success of any transaction, and 29Bison offers unmatched expertise and support in navigating these complexities. With a people-first approach, we go beyond traditional due diligence to address not only workforce-related risks but also opportunities that drive long-term value creation. Our comprehensive HR due diligence services uncover hidden risks, optimize workforce strategies, and identify synergies that align with your strategic objectives. Post-transaction, we provide tailored HR integration solutions designed to foster a seamless transition, retain key talent, and build a cohesive organizational culture that supports sustainable growth.

At 29Bison, we’re more than human capital consultants—we’re partners invested in helping you achieve your vision by maximizing the potential of your most valuable asset: your people. Let us help you turn challenges into opportunities and create a solid foundation for success. Reach out today to learn how we can support your HR diligence and integration needs.