Learning Journeys: Jan-André Pieper – Certified Private Equity Analyst (CPEA)

For 14 years, the “Certified Private Equity Analyst” certificate program has been training experts in the fields of private equity and venture capital, a collaboration between TUM and the BVK (German Private Equity and Venture Capital Association).  What motivates participants to take part in this intensive program spanning several months?

Learn more about the motivations and insights for their own professional practice firsthand from CPEA graduate Jan-André Pieper, Founder and Managing Director, Pieper Group.

LLL: What motivated you to participate in the “Certified Private Equity Analyst” certificate program?

Jan-André Pieper (JP): As co-founder and shareholder of Scaled Asset Services GmbH, I deal with private markets, fund operations, CFO services, risk management, and the question of what infrastructure private equity and venture capital will need in the coming years.

After completing my degree in economics at Goethe University Frankfurt and my MBA at WHU, I wanted to further deepen my knowledge in the areas of private equity and venture capital – not purely from an academic perspective, but with a clear focus on practical application. That is exactly what appealed to me most about the CPEA: the combination of TUM, BVK, academic depth, and a very concrete look at the issues that actually drive the market.

For me, therefore, the program was not a traditional step in continuing education, but a deliberate professional refinement for my role as an entrepreneur in the private markets environment.

LLL: How would you describe your experiences during the program – the structure, the interaction with other participants, professors, and/or industry experts? What skills and key insights are you taking away with you?

JP: I found the program to be very well-structured, challenging, and at the same time pleasantly practical. The interaction between participants from the private equity and venture capital tracks was particularly valuable to me. This brought together very different perspectives – from funds, investors, advisors, entrepreneurs, and other market participants.

The course content was technically rigorous but never detached from reality. Topics such as fund structures, investment logic, due diligence, portfolio management, governance, market cycles, and operational requirements were not only covered theoretically but were consistently linked to real-world practical experience.

It was precisely this blend that made the program special for me. You don’t just gain knowledge; you also develop a better sense of how private equity and venture capital function as markets – and what role different players in the ecosystem play.

LLL: Is there a specific event, assignment, or conversation that stands out in your memory?

JP: What stands out most in my memory are the joint events and the conversations that took place on the sidelines of the program. Often, the greatest value isn’t found in the official sessions, but precisely where different experiences and perspectives come together.

For me, that was the real value of the CPEA: you get to talk to people who view similar topics from completely different perspectives. This leads to new ideas, new connections, and sometimes a much broader view of the market.

You could say that 1 + 1 doesn’t just equal 2, but sometimes 3 – or even more. It is precisely this combination of professional sparring, networking, and open exchange that I remember most fondly.

It was also very rewarding for me to later contribute to the program myself with a keynote speech. In my view, this shows that the CPEA doesn’t end with the certificate but creates a genuine professional platform and a resilient network.

LLL: What impact did the program have on you and your professional career, both professionally and personally?

JP: The CPEA further sharpened my perspective on private markets. For my work as a co-founder and entrepreneur, the insight into the connection between the investment side, fund structures, governance, and operational infrastructure was particularly valuable.

My day-to-day work often focuses on how private equity and venture capital funds can be structured to operate more professionally, scalably, and efficiently – for example, in fund administration, CFO services, reporting, or risk management. The program helped me place these topics even more firmly within the broader context of the market.

Personally, the exchange with the other participants, lecturers, and industry experts was particularly enriching. You leave the program not only with additional knowledge but also with a better understanding of the different roles, perspectives, and challenges within the private markets ecosystem.

LLL: If you were to recommend the program to someone else, what would you highlight based on your experience?

JP: I would recommend the CPEA to anyone who wants to do more than just scratch the surface of private equity and venture capital – but truly gain a deeper understanding of them.

I would particularly highlight the combination of theory, practical experience, networking, and real-world market relevance. The program offers in-depth expertise while also providing very concrete insights into the realities of private equity, venture capital, and private markets.

For me, the CPEA is not merely a continuing education program, but a powerful format for people who want to advance their professional development, expand their network, and better understand the market from different perspectives.

We would like to sincerely thank Jan-André Pieper for sharing his experiences.

Interested? You can find more information about the certificate program on the program page.