BlackPeak Growth Equity Academy
BlackPeak Growth Equity Academy
What does it actually take to invest in a high-growth company and turn that investment into a world-class business?
The BlackPeak Growth Equity Academy is a two-day program that takes students inside the full investment cycle - from the first conversation with a founder to exit. Taught by BlackPeak Capital's investment team, every session is grounded in real deals, real decisions, and real outcomes.
📅 13-14 July 2026 📍Sofia, Bulgaria + Live Stream 👤 Limited seats
Apply for a spot!
The Academy is open to university students from Southeast Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia), regardless of where they are currently studying. Places are limited and participants will be selected based on matching basic criteria and order of application.
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What you will learn
❶ Private Equity Landscape & SEE Ecosystem
Understand the differences between growth equity, venture capital, and buyouts, alongside key deal flow trends across Southeast Europe and BlackPeak Capital’s market positioning.
❷ Investment Process
Follow the full transaction lifecycle from deal sourcing and origination, Investment Committee screening through 3rd party due diligence, structuring, legal negotiations, and closing.
❸ Valuation
Gain practical exposure to the core valuation methodologies used in growth equity investing, including comparable companies, precedent transactions, and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis.
❹ Value Creation Initiatives Throughout the Deal Life Cycle
Examine how growth acceleration, governance improvements, incentive alignment, operational optimization, and buy-and-build strategies drive EBITDA growth and multiple expansion.
❺ Structured Equity and Downside Protection
Understand the mechanics of preferred equity, convertibles, mezzanine financing, and other key minority protection rights.
❻ Exit Process
Learn how portfolio companies are positioned for successful exits through strategic sales, secondary sponsor transactions, or public market listings.
❼ Case Studies
Review practical portfolio case studies covering investment rationale, value creation, and exit outcomes.
❽ Private Equity Fund Structure, Economics & Fundraising
Understand how private equity funds are structured, including management fees, carried interest "2 and 20", investment periods, fund lifecycles.
❾ ESG Integration in Investment Decisions
Understand how ESG integration supports value creation, governance enhancement, and risk management across the investment lifecycle.
❿ Life as an Analyst
Gain insight into the responsibilities, workflows, and expectations of junior professionals in private equity.
Beyond the classroom
The program concludes with a take-home assignment, giving participants the opportunity to apply what they have learned and demonstrate their thinking.
Who is the Academy for
The Academy is designed for Bachelor's and Master's students from Southeast Europe with an interest in private equity, growth investing, or investment banking, whether you are exploring the field for the first time or looking to deepen existing knowledge. Prior finance experience is not required, but an understanding of basic business and financial concepts will help you get the most out of the program.
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The Academy is organised by BlackPeak Capital, a leading growth equity fund in Southeast Europe with offices in Sofia, Bucharest, Zagreb, and Vienna. Sessions will be delivered by the firm's partners and investment professionals.
📅 13-14 July 2026
📍Grand Hotel Millennium, Sofia, Bulgaria + Live Stream
👤 50 in-person · 200 online
🇬🇧 Taught in English
Participation is free. The Academy offers 50 in-person seats in Sofia and 200 seats via Live Stream. Places are limited and allocated by application.
To apply, complete the registration form by June 26th, 2026 and indicate your preferred attendance format. Successful applicants will be notified by July 3rd.