Women in Energy: Lindsay Grider, Tailwater Capital

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[Editor's note: Influential Women In Energy 2021 is a supplement to the May 2021 issue of Oil and Gas Investor magazine. Subscribe to the magazine here.]

Lindsay Grider moved around the U.S. as a child and then ultimately her family relocated to Singapore when she was 11 years old. Living there until she went to college, she still considers Singapore home. 

Her entrance into the energy industry was truly circumstantial. 

“I was moving to Texas from San Francisco, and my background was in investment banking and investments,” Grider said. “I considered being more generalist, but I loved the idea of going deep in a new industry.” 

Grider started working in energy when she moved to Dallas in 2011. She joined another private equity firm, NGP, that year as director of investor relations. 

Finding her place 

“The industry has less female representation so it can be challenging to find your place. Years ago, I joined and took an active role in Women’s Energy Network and Kayo, both of which have been instrumental in helping me develop a strong network and support system of like-minded women in the private equity and energy industries. 

“I want to show other women that we can be just as ambitious as our male counterparts, succeed in industries where we haven’t historically had strong representation and pave the way for future generations.” 

“I am grateful to now work at Tailwater—both co-founders, Jason Downie and Edward Herring, have championed my career and place significant value on sharing and considering different perspectives as we make decisions.” 

Memorable moments 

“Since joining Tailwater in 2018, I’ve led the firm’s investor relations and managed capital raising across our funds and co-investments. It has been incredibly rewarding to develop the overarching fundraising strategy and bring in new investors, while more broadly overseeing the firm’s more than 230 LP relationships. Having ample capital to commit at a time of dislocation in the industry has positioned Tailwater exceptionally well to take advantage of compelling investment opportunities as they arise.” 

Career milestone 

“In the less than three years since I have been leading fundraising efforts for Tailwater, we have closed two funds totaling over $2 billion. Our largest fund to date was raised in nine months and closed at the start of the pandemic—a testament to the strength of our team and the longstanding trust our investors place in us. 

“This is a particularly compelling time to be in energy private equity. The industry has seen its share of volatility and change over the years, and I am proud to be a part of a team that continues to be forward looking about changes in the macro environment and the investment opportunities that it creates. With many opportunities present to invest in the energy transition, our team believes we are poised with considerable dry powder to invest behind these shifts, and I am proud of the role that I am able to play.” 

Motivation 

“Being at a firm where I believe in the team and have full conviction in the investment strategy makes it rewarding to deliver the message around our activity and differentiation. I’m also motivated by the role I play in helping encourage more diversity in the energy private equity industry. I have supported Tailwater’s efforts to recruit more diverse candidates of all backgrounds, helping our industry continue to progress and recruit a wide range of perspectives.” 

Strong mentors 

“Jason and Edward have been strong role models to me and have not only supported and valued my role and point of view since joining the firm, but created opportunities for growth in my career. It is an honor to work with a talented team where I feel like my perspective is appreciated.” 

View the full on-demand video interviews featuring this year’s honorees at HartEnergyConferences.com/Women-in-Energy