Making the Complex World of Private Equity Simple

Launched by subject matter expert and honoured lecturer, Steve Balaban, Mink Learning aims to empower investors, wealth managers, and service providers with unbiased knowledge on investing and advising private equity.

Our mission is to equip clients with clear, actionable knowledge. By sharing knowledge in an accessible and straightforward manner, we create lasting value, build trust, and cultivate enduring relationships with our clients.

What We Do

Trusted Mentor

With an average customer satisfaction score of 9.1/10, we hone the skills of finance professionals.

Extensive Knowledge

Steve Balaban has been working in, and teaching private equity for over 15 years. 

Global Thought Leader

Mink Learning has delivered workshops at organisations in over 12 countries across 4 continents.

Our Goal

At Mink Learning, we pride ourselves on delivering a deep and thorough understanding of private equity, designed to empower professionals in the field. Our expertise lies in simplifying the complexities of private equity and transforming them into clear, actionable insights. Through our carefully crafted educational programs, we address every critical aspect of the private equity process, from customized due diligence to portfolio integration and beyond.

This approach reflects our commitment to making private equity accessible without sacrificing depth. We don’t just teach concepts; we equip professionals with the tools to make informed decisions, uncover opportunities, and drive success. By providing this comprehensive foundation, Mink Learning enables family offices, institutional investors, and service providers to confidently navigate the challenges of private equity and create enduring value in their investments.

Why Mink Learning

What sets us apart is our independence. Unlike many education providers in the private equity field, we are not affiliated with any funds or General Partners. This means we have no hidden agendas or financial incentives to steer clients toward specific investments. Our sole purpose is to empower you with honest, balanced, and objective insights that help you succeed in private equity.

This independence is the foundation of our integrity. We prioritize education over persuasion, ensuring that the knowledge and strategies we provide are tailored to your needs—not driven by external interests. When you choose Mink Learning, you’re choosing a trusted partner dedicated to equipping you with the unbiased expertise needed to make confident and informed decisions in the complex world of private equity.

Teaching Like No Other

Steve Balaban, the founder of Mink Learning, has revolutionized the way private equity is taught through his interactive and experiential teaching methods. As an award-winning lecturer at the University of Waterloo, Steve has crafted courses on private equity, wealth management, and international studies that prioritize clarity, engagement, and real-world application. His unique approach has earned him prestigious honors, including the Distinguished Teaching Award and the WUSA Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award—making him the only lecturer in the university’s history to achieve both in the same year.

But Steve’s expertise extends far beyond academia. With over 15 years of experience in private equity as an advisor, consultant, and educator to family offices, he brings invaluable industry insights to every lesson. This rare combination of academic excellence and practical knowledge ensures that Mink Learning delivers a teaching style that is both academic and grounded in the realities of private equity. Under Steve’s leadership, Mink Learning equips professionals with the skills and understanding they need to navigate the complexities of this field confidently.

See our offering to learn more how we can collaborate:

At Mink Learning, our goal is to make the complex world of private equity simple in a fun, interactive, and engaging way.

Private Equity Bootcamps

Our in-person bootcamps are designed specifically for investors and finance professionals. These sessions go beyond learning by offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in the field. Gain practical insights into private equity investing, while building meaningful, long-term relationships with peers and industry experts. Our interactive, hands-on approach ensures you leave with the confidence, skills, and network to thrive in the private equity space.

Upcoming Events

Corporate Training

We offer customized in-person workshops, videos, and online training so that your team can learn the specific areas of private equity that best meet your needs, whether you are looking to invest in private equity or advise your clients on how to invest in private equity.

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Private Equity Certificate

CFA Society Toronto in collaboration with Mink Learning has created a certificate that merges the best of both worlds to offer you a comprehensive and prestigious learning experience. With the CFA Society Toronto accredited Certificate, you're opening doors to exciting career opportunities and unparalleled success in the finance industry.

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