The new PE behavioral health play

Investment in behavioral health companies has exploded in recent years, with a notable uptick in private equity activity since the beginning of the pandemic. PE firms closed over 70 buyouts in behavioral health in 2020, more than double 2016's number, according to PitchBook data. In this episode, PitchBook PE and healthcare senior analyst Rebecca Springer welcomes Avi Jayaraman and Dexter Braff for a discussion about the rapidly evolving behavioral health industry and how private equity is helping to drive innovation in the space. Jayaraman co-founded Sonara, which provides a remote solution for medication-assisted opioid addiction treatment. Braff is president of The Braff Group, an M&A advisory firm specializing in healthcare. They share their thoughts on growth and greenfield opportunities in behavioral health, the advantages and challenges that PE firms face when operating in healthcare, how technology can bridge staffing shortages and more. Plus, PitchBook senior manager of publishing joins discuss the 2021 Annual Interactive PE Lending League Tables and PitchBook's exclusive coverage of venture debt deal terms.  In the Upwork segment of "Innovations in Private Equity," Tim Sanders is joined by Dave Stangis, chief sustainability officer and partner at Apollo Global Management. Dave discusses how private equity firms can bring strong sustainability practices to life internally as well as across the portfolio companies they're invested in. Listen to all of Season 5, presented by Upwork, and subscribe to get future episodes of "In Visible Capital" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen. For inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].