Title:GEMA Alumni Spotlight – Joe Puthenveetil (SFS’07), Partner, The Raine Group

Joe Puthenveetil (SFS’07) is a partner and founding team member at Raine, an investment bank and private equity firm focused on media, entertainment and sports. Joe is based in London and leads the firm’s practice in music and live entertainment in addition to EMEA coverage. 

What was your first “big break”? Or, what is the most significant experience you have had that has made your success possible?

Getting a job at Raine just as the firm was starting was the big break. I was about to leave New York to go pursue my SFS NGO dreams after a couple of years in banking. A friend at Raine knew how much I loved music, sports and broader entertainment and convinced me to come interview with the team and join at the outset. It’s been 15+ years working across different parts of the media and entertainment ecosystem, across nearly every continent. It’s been an incredible opportunity to help build out other businesses within a broader organization like our music practice over the past several years. 

What is the most challenging part of your job? What is the most rewarding part?

When we are investing in or advising a company, it’s usually around a significant inflection point for a company – entering new markets, a big transaction, etc. Most of the companies we work with are founder owned and led, and those inflection points are deeply personal and meaningful – and so it naturally leads to some very challenging conversations and dynamics. But when we are successful at achieving the right outcome for founders and great companies, it’s by far the most rewarding part of the job. 

What is something current you are working on that you are excited about?

We are spending a lot of time on music industry opportunities in emerging markets. The combination of great cultural traditions, modern (and young) music scenes, developing local business ecosystems, and a global commercial opportunity has created dynamic markets to match the amazing music in places like South Asia, West Africa and SE Asia. 

How is the ever-changing media landscape affecting your industry?

On one hand, constant change is leading to constant opportunities. Barriers to enter the market continue to fall as tools democratize creation, distribution and marketing of content – particularly in music. New business models, platforms and formats continue to emerge. And in spite of all the change, there is a constant that great content will always have an audience. 

Are there any ways that you feel Georgetown especially prepared you for your career?

Georgetown opened me up to the possibilities of having a global career. The lessons and skills of the classroom were important, but the most impactful part of Georgetown continues to be the relationships and sense of belonging in a global community. 

What is your best advice to those who are starting out in your field?

Be open to possibilities and embrace uncertainty when things don’t go according to plan. Life and careers are rarely linear, predictable paths. Create opportunities to challenge yourself and explore – and make sure to create those opportunities for others when you’re in a position to do so. 

Best Business Advice Received:

Our world of media and entertainment is a community. Success is about building lasting relationships. 

Trait You Most Admire in People: 

Empathy, curiosity and creativity. A big part of the reason I love our industries is to work with true creatives who help create and move culture. 

Favorite App, Website, Podcast or Social Platform (other than related to your own company):

My favorite app is Moshi Kids, which creates calming stories and games designed to help young kids sleep and relax. It’s a staple of bedtime with our two young kids, and the CEO is an absolute rockstar (and happens to be my wife). 

Favorite Georgetown Professor:

Professor Mike Ryan stands out amongst the many great professors. He taught an intro to finance course that gave me the practical tools needed to start down my career path. He also provided lots of thoughtful, direct and pragmatic advice on internships and career choices. He was an overall great role model in terms of creating a well-rounded life – incredibly successful as a professional, prioritized his family and personal life, and an active contributor to the community (came back to teach at Georgetown!).  

Favorite Georgetown Restaurant or Bar:

Tombs for a buffalo chicken sandwich and pitcher of Busch Light.

Favorite Georgetown Memory:

March Madness 2007 – the Men’s basketball team made a run to the final four. It was great basketball, each game was exciting, and the celebrations after the big wins were unforgettable (running down M Street) – really brought the campus together. 

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