TPG, a private equity giant, is making a return to the talent business. Last year, TPG sold its stake in CAA to French billionaire François-Henri Pinault, and now it is launching a new company focused on talent management, representation, and related industries. The company will acquire, invest in, and develop a diversified global business in these areas.
Former President of Boat Rocker Media, Michel Pratte, has been named CEO of the new company, while Eric Taitz, another former Boat Rocker executive, will serve as COO. The first investment for the new company will be in Untitled Entertainment, a talent management firm led by Jason Weinberg and Stephanie Simon. The pair will remain co-CEOs of Untitled and will roll a significant portion of their equity into the new venture.
Having exited CAA, TPG is now focusing its efforts on the talent business with $224 billion under management. The company believes there is a significant opportunity to create a talent representation company that benefits both managers and the talent they serve. The goal is to scale the company and collaborate across multiple complementary talent verticals with subsequent investments.
According to Jacqui Hawwa, a business unit partner at TPG Growth, the new company aims to provide resources and capabilities to benefit managers and talent. This partnership with Untitled, known for its strong reputation in the entertainment industry and impressive roster of clients, is just the beginning of a strategic expansion into the talent business.
Michel Pratte also emphasized the importance of proactivity and access to innovative tools in the evolving entertainment industry. The new company will empower Untitled and other talent-centric businesses to support their diverse clients in achieving their career ambitions. This move represents a fresh push by TPG into the talent business, signaling a commitment to growth and innovation in the industry.