Many private equity (PE) leaders underestimate the true value of executing an effective “Executive First” or Backable Executive model when pursuing proprietary acquisition opportunities. Most understand the benefits of engaging seasoned subject matter experts (SMEs) and CEOs as River Guides or due diligence consultants. However, nearly 80% of PE leaders who attempt to use Backable Executives as “Acquisition Hunters” report inconsistent results — finding their success to be unpredictable and difficult to replicate.

At Ropella 360, we bring a unique perspective shaped by extensive experience working with both sides of this equation. Our team has interviewed hundreds of PE Founders, Partners, and Operating Advisors, along with hundreds of Backable Executives who have partnered with private equity firms across a wide range of industries. Through these conversations, we’ve identified the underlying causes behind the high failure rate in this approach — as well as the proven strategies that distinguish top-performing partnerships from those that fall short.

The key challenge isn’t simply finding talented executives — it’s aligning incentives, expectations, and search processes to ensure those executives can operate effectively as trusted partners and deal originators. When executed correctly, the “Executive First” model creates a powerful competitive advantage: it unlocks proprietary deal flow, strengthens due diligence, and accelerates value creation from day one.

If your firm is struggling to achieve consistent results using Backable Executives, or you’re looking to refine your acquisition strategy, it’s time to apply the insights and best practices that turn this model into a reliable growth engine. Ropella 360 can help you build, align, and execute a winning “Executive First” strategy that transforms how your firm identifies and captures new opportunities.