Erin Edwards

Partner at TZP Group
B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania

Background:
Erin Edwards joined TZP Group as a Partner in July 2020 to co-head TZP’s Growth Equity fund.  Prior to TZP, Erin spent 10 years at North Castle Partners, a private equity firm focused on consumer investments that benefit from healthy living and aging trends.  During her time there, Erin focused on originating, executing and monitoring investments across a wide range of sub-sectors in the consumer industry including food and beverage, vitamins and supplements, sports nutrition, beauty and personal care, and fitness.  Erin worked closely with the executive management teams and stepped in as interim-CFO on several occasions to help those teams maximize shareholder value. Prior to joining North Castle, Erin was an investment professional at AEA Investors, where she focused on the execution and monitoring of investments across various B2B and B2C segments, and Insight Venture Partners, where she sourced, executed and monitored various investments across the software and technology verticals. She also worked as Director of Corporate Development at Acronis Software, where she helped lead various financial and strategic initiatives.

Erin currently serves on the Board of Directors of Xero Shoes, Kindred Bravely, Itzy Ritzy, and Knix Wear, Inc, all of which are female-founded and led businesses.

Erin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Economics.  She lives on Long Island with her husband and three children.

Interviewed in May 2022 by Sergina Lambert, Synergist NY Co-President.

What originally inspired you to make the jump into investing?
I had an atypical path to the buyside – as I joined Insight Venture Partners’ analyst program straight out of Penn undergrad.  I was on the infrastructure software team and had a great experience – as had the opportunity to source and work on several transactions in my first few years, which was very exciting and I learned a tremendous amount.  Several years into the role, I had an opportunity to join a portfolio company as the Head of Business Development – as they were working on a number of exciting strategic initiatives.  While I loved the investment role – I felt that immersing myself in an operating role at a portfolio company would provide invaluable experience.  So I packed my bags and moved to Boston!  I learned a tremendous amount and the “hands on” experience inside a portfolio company provides interesting insight into how companies really work – that I don’t think I could have appreciated from the ‘investing side of the table.’  I encourage those that have an entrepreneurial curiosity or desire to work at a high growth business to think about this – as even if it is not for the long-term, I think it provides great experience for a career in investing.

Why consumer?
After my time on the portfolio side, I decided to return to investing and joined a generalist fund.  This was great exposure to a variety of verticals and I found my passion was with consumer.  The ability to experience the products or services as a consumer made it very personal, tangible…and exciting, and have never looked back!  I have focused exclusively on the consumer sector now for over 12 years and really enjoy trying to uncover new innovation and emerging category leaders.  I have even enlisted my kids as brand scouts!

Favorite aspect of your job?  
I love that everyday brings something new.  The learning really never ends.  While the job can be challenging at times (it really is a 24/7 job), it is also very rewarding.  I enjoy speaking with entrepreneurs, hearing their story and understanding the vision for their brands.  I have such tremendous respect for the founders we work with, and I truly enjoy working with these businesses to help achieve their vision and unlock the full potential of the brand.

Any advice for young women?
If this is something you really enjoy, stick with it.  While the hours can be long, I think this profession is worth it – and it does get easier as you advance.  While the hours are always long, you will have more control over your schedule as you get more senior. I also think it is very important to do diligence on where you choose to work.  TZP Group is an amazing culture that is very supportive of women in investing roles and that is very helpful.  The private equity industry has made a lot of progress over the last 15 – 20 years compared to when I started, but there is still room for improvement, and not all firms are progressing equally.  Lastly, I would say find a mentor – someone that can be your champion professionally, but also provide feedback or guidance on how they managed the work-life balance, which can be difficult at times.

Biggest accomplishment?
My family.  I have a supportive husband (which is also very helpful / necessary with this career) and three children, who are a constant source of inspiration, energy and laughter.  My daughter, who will be eight this month, has recently started to express interest in my job which has been fun and she is always very happy to provide feedback on products I bring home to evaluate.  Beauty / personal care opportunities are always her favorite!

Thank you for your time, Erin! To learn more about TZP Group check out https://www.tzpgroup.com/