Minds Capital Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/meeting-of-the-minds Your connection to the growing world of independent sponsors and deal-by-deal private equity. © 2026 Will Smith & Niklas James f4ac5cf3-e5d4-5046-811d-f6f30a39effc no en Wed, 06 May 2026 03:00:06 -0400 Wed, 06 May 2026 03:01:43 -0400 https://www.mindscapital.co/podcast https://img.transistorcdn.com/-WNM8TlXBwgLZFszXLxDdG8Wp86LNwKUag31WaMloEA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xNzUx/OTBiMjNkZTA1ZGI0/MGY4Mjg2OTVjZmMw/ZTgxMC5wbmc.jpg Minds Capital Podcast https://www.mindscapital.co/podcast episodic Will Smith & Niklas James Your connection to the growing world of independent sponsors and deal-by-deal private equity. Your connection to the growing world of independent sponsors and deal-by-deal private equity.. independent sponsors Niklas James, Will Smith motm@mindscapital.co No No Winning Big by Doing Minority Recaps 62 62 Winning Big by Doing Minority Recaps full 5531eea4-c574-4c77-aee0-7559014ccc06 https://share.transistor.fm/s/baae8b44 Erik Miller watched his entrepreneurial father build a thriving business, only to be squeezed by private equity. After 30 years in finance, Erik is now running Perspective Equity Partners to partner & collaborate with founders. 


References and how to contact today's guest:
Erik Miller | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Erik Miller watched his entrepreneurial father build a thriving business, only to be squeezed by private equity. After 30 years in finance, Erik is now running Perspective Equity Partners to partner & collaborate with founders. 


References and how to contact today's guest:
Erik Miller | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4060 Erik Miller watched his entrepreneurial father build a thriving business, only to be squeezed by private equity. After 30 years in finance, Erik is now running Perspective Equity Partners to partner & collaborate with founders. 


References and how to contact today's guest:
Erik Miller | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Acquiring Infrastructure for PortCos 61 61 Acquiring Infrastructure for PortCos full 1d2a7497-9e46-4d9c-9a60-147e55e2b011 https://share.transistor.fm/s/feefc9a8 A podcaster and accountant, Leah Berend founded Minneapolis-based Merrin Investment Partners in 2024. 4 deals later, Leah shares their playbook, which includes an openness to imperfect situations and conviction that culture & people management make companies 4x more valuable.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Leah Berend | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> A podcaster and accountant, Leah Berend founded Minneapolis-based Merrin Investment Partners in 2024. 4 deals later, Leah shares their playbook, which includes an openness to imperfect situations and conviction that culture & people management make companies 4x more valuable.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Leah Berend | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3887 A podcaster and accountant, Leah Berend founded Minneapolis-based Merrin Investment Partners in 2024. 4 deals later, Leah shares their playbook, which includes an openness to imperfect situations and conviction that culture & people management make companies 4x more valuable.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Leah Berend | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No $10m EBITDA After COVID Killed The Business 60 60 $10m EBITDA After COVID Killed The Business full ae446abb-7ad9-4265-9123-5fd0d3c6f012 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e1837d8 Nicolás Lulli "grew up" at Relay Investments, a well-known fund in the traditional search fund world in the Prudential Tower in Boston. With their backing, he later acquired a $1m EBITDA business in Peru shortly before the pandemic. Peru was hard hit by the pandemic, not the least due to draconian government policies. So $1m EBITDA dropped to $0, before heavy-lifting turned it around to $10m and climbing.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nicolás Lulli | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

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]]> Nicolás Lulli "grew up" at Relay Investments, a well-known fund in the traditional search fund world in the Prudential Tower in Boston. With their backing, he later acquired a $1m EBITDA business in Peru shortly before the pandemic. Peru was hard hit by the pandemic, not the least due to draconian government policies. So $1m EBITDA dropped to $0, before heavy-lifting turned it around to $10m and climbing.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nicolás Lulli | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4199 Nicolás Lulli "grew up" at Relay Investments, a well-known fund in the traditional search fund world in the Prudential Tower in Boston. With their backing, he later acquired a $1m EBITDA business in Peru shortly before the pandemic. Peru was hard hit by the pandemic, not the least due to draconian government policies. So $1m EBITDA dropped to $0, before heavy-lifting turned it around to $10m and climbing.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nicolás Lulli | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No One Man's Trash: 5x MOIC on a 14-Deal Waste Roll-Up 59 59 One Man's Trash: 5x MOIC on a 14-Deal Waste Roll-Up full 23da1ee5-e725-4138-9ce5-2f77cf65900d https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d6d4038 Chandos Mahon dreamed of driving garbage trucks at age 3. In 2024, he exited a tire recycling waste management platform to a strategic buyer for a 5x net MOIC. Starting as a searcher in 2015, he acquired the business in 2017 and scaled it through 14 add-ons before exit.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Chandos Mahon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Chandos Mahon dreamed of driving garbage trucks at age 3. In 2024, he exited a tire recycling waste management platform to a strategic buyer for a 5x net MOIC. Starting as a searcher in 2015, he acquired the business in 2017 and scaled it through 14 add-ons before exit.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Chandos Mahon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4663 Chandos Mahon dreamed of driving garbage trucks at age 3. In 2024, he exited a tire recycling waste management platform to a strategic buyer for a 5x net MOIC. Starting as a searcher in 2015, he acquired the business in 2017 and scaled it through 14 add-ons before exit.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Chandos Mahon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No $100m Acquisition as First Deal 58 58 $100m Acquisition as First Deal full ce991c8b-2c96-4eb2-a447-1f9fc0688379 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a2239fc Former auto mechanic Eugene Polevoy is an independent sponsor based in Toronto. His strong opinions routinely go viral on LinkedIn and were recently featured in Pitchbook's daily newsletter. Eugene walks through how he built and exited an HVAC platform and talks about his latest move into a $100m commercial generator services deal.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Eugene Polevoy | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Former auto mechanic Eugene Polevoy is an independent sponsor based in Toronto. His strong opinions routinely go viral on LinkedIn and were recently featured in Pitchbook's daily newsletter. Eugene walks through how he built and exited an HVAC platform and talks about his latest move into a $100m commercial generator services deal.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Eugene Polevoy | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 5695 Former auto mechanic Eugene Polevoy is an independent sponsor based in Toronto. His strong opinions routinely go viral on LinkedIn and were recently featured in Pitchbook's daily newsletter. Eugene walks through how he built and exited an HVAC platform and talks about his latest move into a $100m commercial generator services deal.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Eugene Polevoy | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Almost 40% IRR across 55 Platforms 57 57 Almost 40% IRR across 55 Platforms full fa30aca5-b8f6-4ded-b9cb-0c59cabcee93 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f84479b Transition Capital Partners is a mainstay in Dallas private equity. Jason Faucett and his team are the 4th generation of partners at this 33-year old firm, with a track record that includes 55 platform acquisitions and a historical IRR in the high 30% range. TCP proves that local networks and reputational compounding are the ultimate competitive moats.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jason Faucett | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Transition Capital Partners is a mainstay in Dallas private equity. Jason Faucett and his team are the 4th generation of partners at this 33-year old firm, with a track record that includes 55 platform acquisitions and a historical IRR in the high 30% range. TCP proves that local networks and reputational compounding are the ultimate competitive moats.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jason Faucett | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4111 Transition Capital Partners is a mainstay in Dallas private equity. Jason Faucett and his team are the 4th generation of partners at this 33-year old firm, with a track record that includes 55 platform acquisitions and a historical IRR in the high 30% range. TCP proves that local networks and reputational compounding are the ultimate competitive moats.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jason Faucett | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No "We're Not Operators": Bridging Capital & Management 56 56 "We're Not Operators": Bridging Capital & Management full 1823f5ef-256d-4951-b647-a24b70ab02bd https://share.transistor.fm/s/5e9ee72e As early deal-by-deal pioneers, Edwin Burke and Chris Eichmann of Pillsman Partners have have completed 7 platform investments and 23 add-on acquisitions since their founding in 2012. Unlike many PE executives who embrace operations depth as a differentiator, Pillsman's "suits & jeans" model focuses on value creation through partnership, team building, capital access, and strategy.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Edwin Burke | LinkedIn
Chris Eichmann | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> As early deal-by-deal pioneers, Edwin Burke and Chris Eichmann of Pillsman Partners have have completed 7 platform investments and 23 add-on acquisitions since their founding in 2012. Unlike many PE executives who embrace operations depth as a differentiator, Pillsman's "suits & jeans" model focuses on value creation through partnership, team building, capital access, and strategy.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Edwin Burke | LinkedIn
Chris Eichmann | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4663 As early deal-by-deal pioneers, Edwin Burke and Chris Eichmann of Pillsman Partners have have completed 7 platform investments and 23 add-on acquisitions since their founding in 2012. Unlike many PE executives who embrace operations depth as a differentiator, Pillsman's "suits & jeans" model focuses on value creation through partnership, team building, capital access, and strategy.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Edwin Burke | LinkedIn
Chris Eichmann | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No 7x Organic EBITDA Growth After Liberating Employees 55 55 7x Organic EBITDA Growth After Liberating Employees full 308920c5-b273-4fc1-bea5-d3627b48d6ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/532eedaf Corbin Cook and Alex Swanston of Rise Run Capital challenge the "get rich slow" reputation of independent sponsorship. Since starting 6 years ago, after having roadmapped their firm over beers by a bonfire in Wyoming, they have acquired 5 platforms, reaching more than $50m of aggregate EBITDA, before landing their 1st home run exit (7x EBITDA growth in 4 years) a few months ago.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Corbin Cook | LinkedIn
Alex Swanston | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Corbin Cook and Alex Swanston of Rise Run Capital challenge the "get rich slow" reputation of independent sponsorship. Since starting 6 years ago, after having roadmapped their firm over beers by a bonfire in Wyoming, they have acquired 5 platforms, reaching more than $50m of aggregate EBITDA, before landing their 1st home run exit (7x EBITDA growth in 4 years) a few months ago.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Corbin Cook | LinkedIn
Alex Swanston | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4213 Corbin Cook and Alex Swanston of Rise Run Capital challenge the "get rich slow" reputation of independent sponsorship. Since starting 6 years ago, after having roadmapped their firm over beers by a bonfire in Wyoming, they have acquired 5 platforms, reaching more than $50m of aggregate EBITDA, before landing their 1st home run exit (7x EBITDA growth in 4 years) a few months ago.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Corbin Cook | LinkedIn
Alex Swanston | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No The Applied AI Engineer: A New PE Weapon 54 54 The Applied AI Engineer: A New PE Weapon full 3e5be701-651c-49d8-8193-245268f6960f https://share.transistor.fm/s/c402d154 Chris Breaux left the world of $500m middle-market deals as an investment banker to build Emberline, an independent sponsor focused on the intersection between government, defense, and vertical tech. Their portfolio consists of 3 platform companies. They view technology and AI as a differentiator in the small business world, leaning heavily in on the implementation and utilization to drive organic growth. 

References and how to contact today's guest:
Chris Breaux | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Chris Breaux left the world of $500m middle-market deals as an investment banker to build Emberline, an independent sponsor focused on the intersection between government, defense, and vertical tech. Their portfolio consists of 3 platform companies. They view technology and AI as a differentiator in the small business world, leaning heavily in on the implementation and utilization to drive organic growth. 

References and how to contact today's guest:
Chris Breaux | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3545 Chris Breaux left the world of $500m middle-market deals as an investment banker to build Emberline, an independent sponsor focused on the intersection between government, defense, and vertical tech. Their portfolio consists of 3 platform companies. They view technology and AI as a differentiator in the small business world, leaning heavily in on the implementation and utilization to drive organic growth. 

References and how to contact today's guest:
Chris Breaux | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Acquiring $10m of EBITDA as Industry Operators 53 53 Acquiring $10m of EBITDA as Industry Operators full c32eab28-fd81-4dd2-9753-b04935e7ec0b https://share.transistor.fm/s/d49efa49 Edoardo Maggini is the Operating Partner at Star Step, a specialty coatings rollup. Founded in 2021 by 3 partners, Star Step pivoted away from chasing a $45m EBITDA carveout to aggregating smaller, founder-led businesses, resulting in rapid growth across USA and Europe.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Edoardo Maggini | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Edoardo Maggini is the Operating Partner at Star Step, a specialty coatings rollup. Founded in 2021 by 3 partners, Star Step pivoted away from chasing a $45m EBITDA carveout to aggregating smaller, founder-led businesses, resulting in rapid growth across USA and Europe.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Edoardo Maggini | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3260 Edoardo Maggini is the Operating Partner at Star Step, a specialty coatings rollup. Founded in 2021 by 3 partners, Star Step pivoted away from chasing a $45m EBITDA carveout to aggregating smaller, founder-led businesses, resulting in rapid growth across USA and Europe.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Edoardo Maggini | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No “I Sold My Business to an Independent Sponsor” 52 52 “I Sold My Business to an Independent Sponsor” full d3a8512b-c1e8-4518-80bc-2bd06043712a https://share.transistor.fm/s/99f553e5 Aaron Stahl sold his business in 2025 to an independent sponsor. He had spent the previous 21 years founding & building P3 Cost Analysts, a cost reduction consulting company. The change in ownership, he states, was necessary to take risks and grow, and it also enabled Aaron to reclaim his most important asset: time.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Aaron Stahl | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Aaron Stahl sold his business in 2025 to an independent sponsor. He had spent the previous 21 years founding & building P3 Cost Analysts, a cost reduction consulting company. The change in ownership, he states, was necessary to take risks and grow, and it also enabled Aaron to reclaim his most important asset: time.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Aaron Stahl | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4612 Aaron Stahl sold his business in 2025 to an independent sponsor. He had spent the previous 21 years founding & building P3 Cost Analysts, a cost reduction consulting company. The change in ownership, he states, was necessary to take risks and grow, and it also enabled Aaron to reclaim his most important asset: time.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Aaron Stahl | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No 11x MOIC by Scaling Revenue from $15m to $100m 51 51 11x MOIC by Scaling Revenue from $15m to $100m full 5659995a-78f0-4cfc-827e-75590e2b9e05 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2f8bfc4c Justin Turner and Traction Capital Partners just exited a 7-year hold in the specialty fire equipment distributor space, where they grew revenue from $15m to nearly $100m. Traction Capital proved that a semi-long-term hold allows real value creation, leading to an 11x MOIC and 44% IRR outcome.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Justin Turner | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Justin Turner and Traction Capital Partners just exited a 7-year hold in the specialty fire equipment distributor space, where they grew revenue from $15m to nearly $100m. Traction Capital proved that a semi-long-term hold allows real value creation, leading to an 11x MOIC and 44% IRR outcome.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Justin Turner | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3756 Justin Turner and Traction Capital Partners just exited a 7-year hold in the specialty fire equipment distributor space, where they grew revenue from $15m to nearly $100m. Traction Capital proved that a semi-long-term hold allows real value creation, leading to an 11x MOIC and 44% IRR outcome.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Justin Turner | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Behind the Scenes: Launching 2nd Equity Fund for Independent Sponsors 50 50 Behind the Scenes: Launching 2nd Equity Fund for Independent Sponsors full ca1adafc-b9dc-4f0d-ae68-581e5e86211d https://share.transistor.fm/s/fdb82667 In celebration of our 50th episode, the 3 GPs of Minds Capital share their journey: the media-first strategy's role in creating a deal flow flywheel, behind-the-scenes from the podcast, learnings from high-velocity investing, and thoughts on the future. A special note of gratitude to our investors; thank you for making this journey possible - we're having a blast!

References and how to contact today's guest:
Minds Capital | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> In celebration of our 50th episode, the 3 GPs of Minds Capital share their journey: the media-first strategy's role in creating a deal flow flywheel, behind-the-scenes from the podcast, learnings from high-velocity investing, and thoughts on the future. A special note of gratitude to our investors; thank you for making this journey possible - we're having a blast!

References and how to contact today's guest:
Minds Capital | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3222 In celebration of our 50th episode, the 3 GPs of Minds Capital share their journey: the media-first strategy's role in creating a deal flow flywheel, behind-the-scenes from the podcast, learnings from high-velocity investing, and thoughts on the future. A special note of gratitude to our investors; thank you for making this journey possible - we're having a blast!

References and how to contact today's guest:
Minds Capital | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No A Family Office's View From 27 Platforms 49 49 A Family Office's View From 27 Platforms full 40090880-c172-477e-9e71-a1170e4d46db https://share.transistor.fm/s/3b35200c Kevin Wong is the Chief Investment Officer at Lang Partners, a family office based in Dallas. With 15 years on the investment side of the lower-middle market, Kevin has built a reputation as one of the most active and respected LPs in the independent sponsor ecosystem, backing 27 platforms since 2020.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Kevin Wong | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

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]]> Kevin Wong is the Chief Investment Officer at Lang Partners, a family office based in Dallas. With 15 years on the investment side of the lower-middle market, Kevin has built a reputation as one of the most active and respected LPs in the independent sponsor ecosystem, backing 27 platforms since 2020.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Kevin Wong | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3343 Kevin Wong is the Chief Investment Officer at Lang Partners, a family office based in Dallas. With 15 years on the investment side of the lower-middle market, Kevin has built a reputation as one of the most active and respected LPs in the independent sponsor ecosystem, backing 27 platforms since 2020.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Kevin Wong | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No A 9-Deal Rollup Without Losing 1 Customer 48 48 A 9-Deal Rollup Without Losing 1 Customer full 21c4dbd5-0ec0-4693-bd06-dda02675787a https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd8c9f8e Alan Baca and Dana Robinson explain how Verde Equity Partners is buy-and-building a scaled commercial landscaping platform using an operator-led playbook. Drawing from prior home services roll-ups, Verde warehoused their early deals and operates by moving fast on M&A and slow on integration. In 2.5 years, the team has completed 9 acquisitions while retaining 100% of customers and employees.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Alan Baca| LinkedIn
Dana Robinson | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Alan Baca and Dana Robinson explain how Verde Equity Partners is buy-and-building a scaled commercial landscaping platform using an operator-led playbook. Drawing from prior home services roll-ups, Verde warehoused their early deals and operates by moving fast on M&A and slow on integration. In 2.5 years, the team has completed 9 acquisitions while retaining 100% of customers and employees.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Alan Baca| LinkedIn
Dana Robinson | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4480 Alan Baca and Dana Robinson explain how Verde Equity Partners is buy-and-building a scaled commercial landscaping platform using an operator-led playbook. Drawing from prior home services roll-ups, Verde warehoused their early deals and operates by moving fast on M&A and slow on integration. In 2.5 years, the team has completed 9 acquisitions while retaining 100% of customers and employees.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Alan Baca| LinkedIn
Dana Robinson | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Family Offices + Independent Sponsors = Strong Match 47 47 Family Offices + Independent Sponsors = Strong Match full 453f86fd-ec8f-4c08-9608-71fa26532476 https://share.transistor.fm/s/09ccb3d7 NYC-based James Bohannon works at Belzberg & Co, a multi-family office with a keen eye to the independent sponsor asset class. Drawing on years of conference repetition and real world deal experience, James explains how family offices truly think about backing independent sponsors.

References and how to contact today's guest:
James Bohannon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov


]]> NYC-based James Bohannon works at Belzberg & Co, a multi-family office with a keen eye to the independent sponsor asset class. Drawing on years of conference repetition and real world deal experience, James explains how family offices truly think about backing independent sponsors.

References and how to contact today's guest:
James Bohannon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4175 NYC-based James Bohannon works at Belzberg & Co, a multi-family office with a keen eye to the independent sponsor asset class. Drawing on years of conference repetition and real world deal experience, James explains how family offices truly think about backing independent sponsors.

References and how to contact today's guest:
James Bohannon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov


]]> independent sponsors No The 16-Year Path to a $175m Revenue Portfolio 46 46 The 16-Year Path to a $175m Revenue Portfolio full 58fd9ca7-22b8-4c11-aceb-3fa32c1eab9d https://share.transistor.fm/s/001e26d7 Based in New York, Michael ("Mike") Healy began his career as an attorney before deciding the real fun and action were on the deal side.

After a stint in PE, he founded Gardner Standard in 2010. The early years were rocky, marked by failed deals and long stretches of uncertainty. Momentum finally arrived when a sizable closing fee on a deal he sourced and sold to a PE fund provided the liquidity needed to persevere. Today, Mike is an accomplished independent sponsor with a clearly defined strategy built around sourcing deals with legal complexity.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Michael Healy | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Based in New York, Michael ("Mike") Healy began his career as an attorney before deciding the real fun and action were on the deal side.

After a stint in PE, he founded Gardner Standard in 2010. The early years were rocky, marked by failed deals and long stretches of uncertainty. Momentum finally arrived when a sizable closing fee on a deal he sourced and sold to a PE fund provided the liquidity needed to persevere. Today, Mike is an accomplished independent sponsor with a clearly defined strategy built around sourcing deals with legal complexity.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Michael Healy | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4122 Based in New York, Michael ("Mike") Healy began his career as an attorney before deciding the real fun and action were on the deal side.

After a stint in PE, he founded Gardner Standard in 2010. The early years were rocky, marked by failed deals and long stretches of uncertainty. Momentum finally arrived when a sizable closing fee on a deal he sourced and sold to a PE fund provided the liquidity needed to persevere. Today, Mike is an accomplished independent sponsor with a clearly defined strategy built around sourcing deals with legal complexity.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Michael Healy | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Axial’s Lessons From 10,000 Lower-Middle Market Deals 45 45 Axial’s Lessons From 10,000 Lower-Middle Market Deals full 36643559-9f18-4cdc-8fa5-989480bf4bcf https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e70df32 Peter Lehrman founded Axial in 2009, the leading deal origination platform for lower-middle-market M&A. Today, roughly 10,000 attempted transactions are launched on Axial each year, with approximately 25% closing, making it one of the most active M&A marketplaces in the U.S. lower middle market, and independent sponsors are the single most active buyer type by closed-deal volume. In this episode, Peter shares unmatched market intelligence and highly tactical insights on how independent sponsors source, win, and fund deals.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Peter Lehrman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Peter Lehrman founded Axial in 2009, the leading deal origination platform for lower-middle-market M&A. Today, roughly 10,000 attempted transactions are launched on Axial each year, with approximately 25% closing, making it one of the most active M&A marketplaces in the U.S. lower middle market, and independent sponsors are the single most active buyer type by closed-deal volume. In this episode, Peter shares unmatched market intelligence and highly tactical insights on how independent sponsors source, win, and fund deals.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Peter Lehrman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4058 Peter Lehrman founded Axial in 2009, the leading deal origination platform for lower-middle-market M&A. Today, roughly 10,000 attempted transactions are launched on Axial each year, with approximately 25% closing, making it one of the most active M&A marketplaces in the U.S. lower middle market, and independent sponsors are the single most active buyer type by closed-deal volume. In this episode, Peter shares unmatched market intelligence and highly tactical insights on how independent sponsors source, win, and fund deals.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Peter Lehrman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Working Under an Independent Sponsor Who Suddenly Passed Away 44 44 Working Under an Independent Sponsor Who Suddenly Passed Away full 840f1622-4f34-4e63-87b7-5d61d6c2e2a4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e1359a75 G.R. Kearney, a former inner-city Chicago teacher, was thrust into leadership when his senior partner tragically passed away. He navigated the emotional and legal complexities of sustaining the firm and ultimately rebranded it as Stacker Holdings, reshaping the platform into an employee-centric, EOS-driven, long-term investment firm.

References and how to contact today's guest:
G.R.Kearney | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> G.R. Kearney, a former inner-city Chicago teacher, was thrust into leadership when his senior partner tragically passed away. He navigated the emotional and legal complexities of sustaining the firm and ultimately rebranded it as Stacker Holdings, reshaping the platform into an employee-centric, EOS-driven, long-term investment firm.

References and how to contact today's guest:
G.R.Kearney | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3813 G.R. Kearney, a former inner-city Chicago teacher, was thrust into leadership when his senior partner tragically passed away. He navigated the emotional and legal complexities of sustaining the firm and ultimately rebranded it as Stacker Holdings, reshaping the platform into an employee-centric, EOS-driven, long-term investment firm.

References and how to contact today's guest:
G.R.Kearney | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Skipping $2m EBITDA Deals ("The Messy Middle") 43 43 Skipping $2m EBITDA Deals ("The Messy Middle") full 043afe6e-9b1e-4075-8a5b-54022919798d https://share.transistor.fm/s/773e0b48 Dan Tamkin, based in California and co-founder of Resurgent Capital Partners, is an operator, technologist, and turnaround investor, in that order. After a career revolving around tech turnarounds and challenged VC portcos, he has found the lower-middle market to be a better channel for value creation, especially when done via the deal-by-deal model of independent sponsorship.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Dan Tamkin | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Dan Tamkin, based in California and co-founder of Resurgent Capital Partners, is an operator, technologist, and turnaround investor, in that order. After a career revolving around tech turnarounds and challenged VC portcos, he has found the lower-middle market to be a better channel for value creation, especially when done via the deal-by-deal model of independent sponsorship.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Dan Tamkin | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3581 Dan Tamkin, based in California and co-founder of Resurgent Capital Partners, is an operator, technologist, and turnaround investor, in that order. After a career revolving around tech turnarounds and challenged VC portcos, he has found the lower-middle market to be a better channel for value creation, especially when done via the deal-by-deal model of independent sponsorship.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Dan Tamkin | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Financing Add-Ons Without New Equity 42 42 Financing Add-Ons Without New Equity full 0a80dbfa-31f1-4409-abe6-e1862671a5c4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1sVT8QwpUA UK-based Sam Turner overcame a challenged first deal by pivoting the business model and eventually built a thriving facilities maintenance roll-up that targets market leadership in its space. He points to capital stack discipline as key when self-funding add-on acquisitions. Beyond work, Sam volunteers one full mentorship day per month to founders and prospective business buyers.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sam Turner | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> UK-based Sam Turner overcame a challenged first deal by pivoting the business model and eventually built a thriving facilities maintenance roll-up that targets market leadership in its space. He points to capital stack discipline as key when self-funding add-on acquisitions. Beyond work, Sam volunteers one full mentorship day per month to founders and prospective business buyers.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sam Turner | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:01:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3932 UK-based Sam Turner overcame a challenged first deal by pivoting the business model and eventually built a thriving facilities maintenance roll-up that targets market leadership in its space. He points to capital stack discipline as key when self-funding add-on acquisitions. Beyond work, Sam volunteers one full mentorship day per month to founders and prospective business buyers.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sam Turner | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No “Partner Equity, Not Private Equity” 41 41 “Partner Equity, Not Private Equity” full c4380348-6cd7-4522-8983-82d092ae6f7c https://share.transistor.fm/s/459e1e93 Craig Dupper, based in Park City, Utah, founded Elan Growth Partners after years of seeing how the traditional fund model fails to optimize stakeholder alignment and investment periods. At Elan, they prioritize high rollover equity to cement a true partnership mindset in each deal. On the LP side, they have built a tech-enabled, institution-grade back office that extends the flexibility of the independent sponsor model to the capital providers as well.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Craig Dupper | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Craig Dupper, based in Park City, Utah, founded Elan Growth Partners after years of seeing how the traditional fund model fails to optimize stakeholder alignment and investment periods. At Elan, they prioritize high rollover equity to cement a true partnership mindset in each deal. On the LP side, they have built a tech-enabled, institution-grade back office that extends the flexibility of the independent sponsor model to the capital providers as well.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Craig Dupper | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3782 Craig Dupper, based in Park City, Utah, founded Elan Growth Partners after years of seeing how the traditional fund model fails to optimize stakeholder alignment and investment periods. At Elan, they prioritize high rollover equity to cement a true partnership mindset in each deal. On the LP side, they have built a tech-enabled, institution-grade back office that extends the flexibility of the independent sponsor model to the capital providers as well.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Craig Dupper | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No $233m For and By Independent Sponsors 40 40 $233m For and By Independent Sponsors full 00114dcc-7a2f-4b65-b567-12d0c9838850 https://share.transistor.fm/s/895fe864 Independent sponsor royalty Michael Kornman details how he built NCK Capital out of Dallas with his brother Grant, acquiring 5 platforms in 10 years. In 2024 they partnered with Align Capital Partners to form Align Collaborate, changing sides of the table to deploy a $233m sponsor-friendly fund that backs buyouts and buy & builds.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Michael Kornman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov


]]> Independent sponsor royalty Michael Kornman details how he built NCK Capital out of Dallas with his brother Grant, acquiring 5 platforms in 10 years. In 2024 they partnered with Align Capital Partners to form Align Collaborate, changing sides of the table to deploy a $233m sponsor-friendly fund that backs buyouts and buy & builds.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Michael Kornman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov


]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:22:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4035 Independent sponsor royalty Michael Kornman details how he built NCK Capital out of Dallas with his brother Grant, acquiring 5 platforms in 10 years. In 2024 they partnered with Align Capital Partners to form Align Collaborate, changing sides of the table to deploy a $233m sponsor-friendly fund that backs buyouts and buy & builds.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Michael Kornman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov


]]> independent sponsors No 33 PortCos in 6 Years 39 39 33 PortCos in 6 Years full bb0f1594-9e4b-4e87-af3d-64ed71965d82 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad41e464 Robert Graham, based in Dallas, graduated from HBS in 2018 and acquired his first company the year after as a self-funded searcher using SBA7a financing. After a turbulent start, this healthcare platform exploded to $30m of EBITDA and now "hemorrhages cash." That early breakout win became the engine behind SIG Partners, recently named a Top 20 independent sponsor by Axial, which has since assembled an extraordinary 33 platforms in just 6 years.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Robert Graham | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Robert Graham, based in Dallas, graduated from HBS in 2018 and acquired his first company the year after as a self-funded searcher using SBA7a financing. After a turbulent start, this healthcare platform exploded to $30m of EBITDA and now "hemorrhages cash." That early breakout win became the engine behind SIG Partners, recently named a Top 20 independent sponsor by Axial, which has since assembled an extraordinary 33 platforms in just 6 years.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Robert Graham | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4827 Robert Graham, based in Dallas, graduated from HBS in 2018 and acquired his first company the year after as a self-funded searcher using SBA7a financing. After a turbulent start, this healthcare platform exploded to $30m of EBITDA and now "hemorrhages cash." That early breakout win became the engine behind SIG Partners, recently named a Top 20 independent sponsor by Axial, which has since assembled an extraordinary 33 platforms in just 6 years.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Robert Graham | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Platform + Key Competitor = Multiple Expansion 38 38 Platform + Key Competitor = Multiple Expansion full faa29272-6299-4418-8810-bd6fb17dd060 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6734b18c Willistown Capital’s journey offers a window into how independent sponsors can execute complex, high-stakes transactions with institutional precision. William Boffa and Darren Fultz walk through the anatomy of their award-winning related acquisitions of Quiltcraft and Fabtex. From stakeholder alignment to >$1m of legal fees, they detail their journey through complexity & risk to the promised land of “zone skipping".

References and how to contact today's guest:
Darren Fultz | LinkedIn
William Boffa | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Willistown Capital’s journey offers a window into how independent sponsors can execute complex, high-stakes transactions with institutional precision. William Boffa and Darren Fultz walk through the anatomy of their award-winning related acquisitions of Quiltcraft and Fabtex. From stakeholder alignment to >$1m of legal fees, they detail their journey through complexity & risk to the promised land of “zone skipping".

References and how to contact today's guest:
Darren Fultz | LinkedIn
William Boffa | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:55:44 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3941 Willistown Capital’s journey offers a window into how independent sponsors can execute complex, high-stakes transactions with institutional precision. William Boffa and Darren Fultz walk through the anatomy of their award-winning related acquisitions of Quiltcraft and Fabtex. From stakeholder alignment to >$1m of legal fees, they detail their journey through complexity & risk to the promised land of “zone skipping".

References and how to contact today's guest:
Darren Fultz | LinkedIn
William Boffa | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Buy Small ($1m EBITDA at 4x), Keep Winning 37 37 Buy Small ($1m EBITDA at 4x), Keep Winning full a3370871-35c6-44a6-bd6d-438907d72eb5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/021d1737 Ryan Sullivan's fully-baked & winning concept at North Park Group: buy $1m EBITDA firms at 4x, add the real estate, finance half with SBA debt, and never sell. Voila, today they have 5 operating companies, 6 acquisitions, 25% annual returns, and an investor waitlist.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Ryan Sullivan | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Ryan Sullivan's fully-baked & winning concept at North Park Group: buy $1m EBITDA firms at 4x, add the real estate, finance half with SBA debt, and never sell. Voila, today they have 5 operating companies, 6 acquisitions, 25% annual returns, and an investor waitlist.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Ryan Sullivan | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3954 Ryan Sullivan's fully-baked & winning concept at North Park Group: buy $1m EBITDA firms at 4x, add the real estate, finance half with SBA debt, and never sell. Voila, today they have 5 operating companies, 6 acquisitions, 25% annual returns, and an investor waitlist.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Ryan Sullivan | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No $100m Fund? No, Thanks! 36 36 $100m Fund? No, Thanks! full acbc17ba-4dc1-4726-b2f5-fe18ea0197c3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae2ec4be Quinten Griffiths, based in Calgary, Canada, shares his journey from an empty-handed traditional searcher who walked away from 6 LOIs to a highly successful independent sponsor and co-founder of GoodCapital. Today, he leads Sportball as CEO, one of several portfolio companies that they own outright, with a 4th platform set to close imminently. Their success prompted a Family Office to offer them the opportunity to lead & run a dedicated $100m fund, but Quinten and his partner preferred the autonomy & flexibility of staying an independent sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Quinten Griffits | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Quinten Griffiths, based in Calgary, Canada, shares his journey from an empty-handed traditional searcher who walked away from 6 LOIs to a highly successful independent sponsor and co-founder of GoodCapital. Today, he leads Sportball as CEO, one of several portfolio companies that they own outright, with a 4th platform set to close imminently. Their success prompted a Family Office to offer them the opportunity to lead & run a dedicated $100m fund, but Quinten and his partner preferred the autonomy & flexibility of staying an independent sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Quinten Griffits | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:58:45 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3642 Quinten Griffiths, based in Calgary, Canada, shares his journey from an empty-handed traditional searcher who walked away from 6 LOIs to a highly successful independent sponsor and co-founder of GoodCapital. Today, he leads Sportball as CEO, one of several portfolio companies that they own outright, with a 4th platform set to close imminently. Their success prompted a Family Office to offer them the opportunity to lead & run a dedicated $100m fund, but Quinten and his partner preferred the autonomy & flexibility of staying an independent sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Quinten Griffits | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> independent sponsors No 8 Years, 8 Portcos Since Starting as a Searcher 35 35 8 Years, 8 Portcos Since Starting as a Searcher full 4e2adbd3-fc3e-4dbc-9c48-1e173359d1af https://share.transistor.fm/s/db4e9641 Ian Reynolds, based in Houston, founded Thesis Capital Partner, recently ranked as a Top 20 independent sponsor. Thesis recruits Executives in Residence, who run their portcos, shares in the GP, and gets involved at the Thesis-level for shared learnings and ecosystem-building. Minds Capital invested in one of Thesis' deals in 2024. 8 years after completing his first deal as a self-funded searcher, Ian reflects on a journey that now counts 8 portfolio companies and a team of handpicked partners.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Ian Reynolds | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> Ian Reynolds, based in Houston, founded Thesis Capital Partner, recently ranked as a Top 20 independent sponsor. Thesis recruits Executives in Residence, who run their portcos, shares in the GP, and gets involved at the Thesis-level for shared learnings and ecosystem-building. Minds Capital invested in one of Thesis' deals in 2024. 8 years after completing his first deal as a self-funded searcher, Ian reflects on a journey that now counts 8 portfolio companies and a team of handpicked partners.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Ian Reynolds | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4892 Ian Reynolds, based in Houston, founded Thesis Capital Partner, recently ranked as a Top 20 independent sponsor. Thesis recruits Executives in Residence, who run their portcos, shares in the GP, and gets involved at the Thesis-level for shared learnings and ecosystem-building. Minds Capital invested in one of Thesis' deals in 2024. 8 years after completing his first deal as a self-funded searcher, Ian reflects on a journey that now counts 8 portfolio companies and a team of handpicked partners.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Ian Reynolds | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No On the ground at the McGuireWoods Conference 34 34 On the ground at the McGuireWoods Conference full f7ca1b9c-ac79-4da7-bbd4-0131e5a89367 https://share.transistor.fm/s/755348f9 Join the team at Minds Capital as they debrief the first day of the McGuireWoods Independent Sponsor Conference at the Fairmont in Dallas. The MWIS Conference is the premier meeting point of independent sponsors and capital providers (such as Minds Capital, an equity fund). On the first day, Max, Will, and Niklas had 1-on-1 speed dating sessions with more than 30 independent sponsors, many of whom will appear on this podcast in the coming months.   

]]> Join the team at Minds Capital as they debrief the first day of the McGuireWoods Independent Sponsor Conference at the Fairmont in Dallas. The MWIS Conference is the premier meeting point of independent sponsors and capital providers (such as Minds Capital, an equity fund). On the first day, Max, Will, and Niklas had 1-on-1 speed dating sessions with more than 30 independent sponsors, many of whom will appear on this podcast in the coming months.   

]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:57:20 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3198 Join the team at Minds Capital as they debrief the first day of the McGuireWoods Independent Sponsor Conference at the Fairmont in Dallas. The MWIS Conference is the premier meeting point of independent sponsors and capital providers (such as Minds Capital, an equity fund). On the first day, Max, Will, and Niklas had 1-on-1 speed dating sessions with more than 30 independent sponsors, many of whom will appear on this podcast in the coming months.   

]]> independent sponsors No Aggregating SMBs Inside a Public Company 33 33 Aggregating SMBs Inside a Public Company full 82dd1387-fc23-498d-b13a-2b318deb690b https://share.transistor.fm/s/3e928bdf After an early search that didn't close and a decade in PE (incl. Alpine), former Marine Rob Casper found his stride inside a public company. Today he leads skilled trades at Kingsway Financial, a public company that transformed from an insurance underwriter to a public company compounder of small business acquisitions.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rob Casper | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> After an early search that didn't close and a decade in PE (incl. Alpine), former Marine Rob Casper found his stride inside a public company. Today he leads skilled trades at Kingsway Financial, a public company that transformed from an insurance underwriter to a public company compounder of small business acquisitions.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rob Casper | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:05:57 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4590 After an early search that didn't close and a decade in PE (incl. Alpine), former Marine Rob Casper found his stride inside a public company. Today he leads skilled trades at Kingsway Financial, a public company that transformed from an insurance underwriter to a public company compounder of small business acquisitions.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rob Casper | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No 4 of 4 Exits Above 10x MOIC 32 32 4 of 4 Exits Above 10x MOIC full 614375f3-57a2-4967-859d-d43e43b67df8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9462caca Marc Cabrera, based in Telluride, worked as a healthcare-focused investment banker from 1988 until his retirement last year. As a side gig to being a banker, he has acquired 5 companies, of which 4 have exited, all north of 10x MOIC. One returned a whopping 40x MOIC, where Marc was the largest investor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Marc Cabrera | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Marc Cabrera, based in Telluride, worked as a healthcare-focused investment banker from 1988 until his retirement last year. As a side gig to being a banker, he has acquired 5 companies, of which 4 have exited, all north of 10x MOIC. One returned a whopping 40x MOIC, where Marc was the largest investor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Marc Cabrera | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 5493 Marc Cabrera, based in Telluride, worked as a healthcare-focused investment banker from 1988 until his retirement last year. As a side gig to being a banker, he has acquired 5 companies, of which 4 have exited, all north of 10x MOIC. One returned a whopping 40x MOIC, where Marc was the largest investor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Marc Cabrera | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No The Journey to 7 Platforms 31 31 The Journey to 7 Platforms full ea0d9069-b833-44d7-826f-904f8d9df2be https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f672178 Outspoken Nathan Chandrasekaran of Columbia River Partners, based in Seattle, Washington, has built a track record around carve-outs, portfolio synergies, and hard work, creating a firm with a clear identity and 7 platforms.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nathan Chandrasekaran | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Outspoken Nathan Chandrasekaran of Columbia River Partners, based in Seattle, Washington, has built a track record around carve-outs, portfolio synergies, and hard work, creating a firm with a clear identity and 7 platforms.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nathan Chandrasekaran | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4605 Outspoken Nathan Chandrasekaran of Columbia River Partners, based in Seattle, Washington, has built a track record around carve-outs, portfolio synergies, and hard work, creating a firm with a clear identity and 7 platforms.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nathan Chandrasekaran | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No From Public Company CEO to Independent Sponsor 30 30 From Public Company CEO to Independent Sponsor full 1f790bc8-331e-412e-b228-cef92d2c614d https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9d56342 Jeff Goldstein is an independent sponsor at Breakwater Management, formerly a private credit fund. Earlier this year they closed their first independent sponsor transaction of a marketing company called Chemistry Communications, which Minds Capital invested in. Jeff's career path has taken him from law and investment banking into senior leadership roles at media & marketing companies like IAC, Experian, and PriceGrabber, before stepping in as CEO of United Online, which was a public company at the time.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jeff Goldstein | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Jeff Goldstein is an independent sponsor at Breakwater Management, formerly a private credit fund. Earlier this year they closed their first independent sponsor transaction of a marketing company called Chemistry Communications, which Minds Capital invested in. Jeff's career path has taken him from law and investment banking into senior leadership roles at media & marketing companies like IAC, Experian, and PriceGrabber, before stepping in as CEO of United Online, which was a public company at the time.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jeff Goldstein | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4129 Jeff Goldstein is an independent sponsor at Breakwater Management, formerly a private credit fund. Earlier this year they closed their first independent sponsor transaction of a marketing company called Chemistry Communications, which Minds Capital invested in. Jeff's career path has taken him from law and investment banking into senior leadership roles at media & marketing companies like IAC, Experian, and PriceGrabber, before stepping in as CEO of United Online, which was a public company at the time.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jeff Goldstein | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No To Exit or Not to Exit: 2x MOIC in 2 Years 29 29 To Exit or Not to Exit: 2x MOIC in 2 Years full 1431ffe7-498f-45ad-9f1b-b7cac346641a https://share.transistor.fm/s/df1f8c49 Sarkaw Aziz acquired a $5 million EBITDA vacation rental platform in Colorado, structured it with a 50% seller rollover and a 3x EBITDA seller note, and exited just two years later with 2x MOIC and a 41% IRR.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sarkaw Aziz | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> Sarkaw Aziz acquired a $5 million EBITDA vacation rental platform in Colorado, structured it with a 50% seller rollover and a 3x EBITDA seller note, and exited just two years later with 2x MOIC and a 41% IRR.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sarkaw Aziz | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3985 Sarkaw Aziz acquired a $5 million EBITDA vacation rental platform in Colorado, structured it with a 50% seller rollover and a 3x EBITDA seller note, and exited just two years later with 2x MOIC and a 41% IRR.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sarkaw Aziz | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> independent sponsors No The 3-5-7x MOIC Underwriting Framework 28 28 The 3-5-7x MOIC Underwriting Framework full eabeb934-2983-4d80-a855-f35032938098 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c025885c Rick Apple built Upside Growth Partners out of Nashville after starting his career in the finance grind of New York. A Princeton grad turned entrepreneur, he has scaled 12 platforms while raising 5 kids at home. From a breakout children’s clothing brand to roofing and beyond, Rick has proven that smart sourcing, deliberate underwriting, and rolled-up sleeves can compound into lasting success.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rick Apple | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> Rick Apple built Upside Growth Partners out of Nashville after starting his career in the finance grind of New York. A Princeton grad turned entrepreneur, he has scaled 12 platforms while raising 5 kids at home. From a breakout children’s clothing brand to roofing and beyond, Rick has proven that smart sourcing, deliberate underwriting, and rolled-up sleeves can compound into lasting success.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rick Apple | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4678 Rick Apple built Upside Growth Partners out of Nashville after starting his career in the finance grind of New York. A Princeton grad turned entrepreneur, he has scaled 12 platforms while raising 5 kids at home. From a breakout children’s clothing brand to roofing and beyond, Rick has proven that smart sourcing, deliberate underwriting, and rolled-up sleeves can compound into lasting success.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rick Apple | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> independent sponsors No A Portfolio Marked Up at 10x MOIC 27 27 A Portfolio Marked Up at 10x MOIC full dcba7021-dc77-4ab8-9866-f297c649470a https://share.transistor.fm/s/d13a0fad Stenning Schueppert, based in Austin, leads Evolution Strategy Partners, one of the most transparent and high-performing independent sponsors west of the Mississippi. A private equity veteran and zinger machine, Stenning shares refreshing insights on why the independent sponsor model beats traditional funds, how radical alignment drives better outcomes, and the simple math behind his portfolio’s 10x MOIC markup.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Stenning Schueppert | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Stenning Schueppert, based in Austin, leads Evolution Strategy Partners, one of the most transparent and high-performing independent sponsors west of the Mississippi. A private equity veteran and zinger machine, Stenning shares refreshing insights on why the independent sponsor model beats traditional funds, how radical alignment drives better outcomes, and the simple math behind his portfolio’s 10x MOIC markup.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Stenning Schueppert | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4339 Stenning Schueppert, based in Austin, leads Evolution Strategy Partners, one of the most transparent and high-performing independent sponsors west of the Mississippi. A private equity veteran and zinger machine, Stenning shares refreshing insights on why the independent sponsor model beats traditional funds, how radical alignment drives better outcomes, and the simple math behind his portfolio’s 10x MOIC markup.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Stenning Schueppert | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Combining 2 Platforms to Reach $20m EBITDA 26 26 Combining 2 Platforms to Reach $20m EBITDA full 55a73c09-13b7-4469-9aea-e5ae4feb66f7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e2fe407 Zack Miller and his high school friend Johnny Lieberman combined their distinct backgrounds to launch Worklyn Partners, a dual platform marrying the VC-style upside of cybersecurity with the proven PE roll-up playbook in managed service providers (MSPs). Backed by $50m in committed capital, they have executed 7 acquisitions, keeping their IT services and cybersecurity businesses operationally separate, preserving the flexibility to merge or exit individually.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Zack Miller | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

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]]> Zack Miller and his high school friend Johnny Lieberman combined their distinct backgrounds to launch Worklyn Partners, a dual platform marrying the VC-style upside of cybersecurity with the proven PE roll-up playbook in managed service providers (MSPs). Backed by $50m in committed capital, they have executed 7 acquisitions, keeping their IT services and cybersecurity businesses operationally separate, preserving the flexibility to merge or exit individually.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Zack Miller | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4198 Zack Miller and his high school friend Johnny Lieberman combined their distinct backgrounds to launch Worklyn Partners, a dual platform marrying the VC-style upside of cybersecurity with the proven PE roll-up playbook in managed service providers (MSPs). Backed by $50m in committed capital, they have executed 7 acquisitions, keeping their IT services and cybersecurity businesses operationally separate, preserving the flexibility to merge or exit individually.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Zack Miller | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> independent sponsors No Behind The Scenes at Minds Capital: Building an Equity Fund for Independent Sponsors 25 25 Behind The Scenes at Minds Capital: Building an Equity Fund for Independent Sponsors full d3d60d2a-1010-4a06-a556-07ef57868702 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1c53da3b Celebrating 25 episodes, the founders of Minds Capital pull back the curtain on lessons from deploying Fund 1 capital, why they’re bullish on US private equity, how they evaluate deals and sponsors, and the strategy taking shape for their upcoming Flagship 2 fund.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Minds Capital | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Celebrating 25 episodes, the founders of Minds Capital pull back the curtain on lessons from deploying Fund 1 capital, why they’re bullish on US private equity, how they evaluate deals and sponsors, and the strategy taking shape for their upcoming Flagship 2 fund.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Minds Capital | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 06 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3457 Celebrating 25 episodes, the founders of Minds Capital pull back the curtain on lessons from deploying Fund 1 capital, why they’re bullish on US private equity, how they evaluate deals and sponsors, and the strategy taking shape for their upcoming Flagship 2 fund.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Minds Capital | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No 24 Add-Ons in 24 Months 24 24 24 Add-Ons in 24 Months full 6015370a-1435-4631-9f8f-99f8f03e335d https://share.transistor.fm/s/428e7e72 Luis Reyes, an exited SaaS founder, is building a fire safety market leader in Spain through full-time focus on operations and rapid M&A with 24+ acquisitions in just 24 months. Assembling a mosaic of micro-targets, the platform now generates €8m in EBITDA, with industry-leading efficiency stemming from Luis' consulting background and AI-first mindset. Fun fact (or maybe not so fun...): Luis grew up in rural Mexico and got his first pair of shoes at age 5.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Luis Reyes | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

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]]> Luis Reyes, an exited SaaS founder, is building a fire safety market leader in Spain through full-time focus on operations and rapid M&A with 24+ acquisitions in just 24 months. Assembling a mosaic of micro-targets, the platform now generates €8m in EBITDA, with industry-leading efficiency stemming from Luis' consulting background and AI-first mindset. Fun fact (or maybe not so fun...): Luis grew up in rural Mexico and got his first pair of shoes at age 5.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Luis Reyes | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4450 Luis Reyes, an exited SaaS founder, is building a fire safety market leader in Spain through full-time focus on operations and rapid M&A with 24+ acquisitions in just 24 months. Assembling a mosaic of micro-targets, the platform now generates €8m in EBITDA, with industry-leading efficiency stemming from Luis' consulting background and AI-first mindset. Fun fact (or maybe not so fun...): Luis grew up in rural Mexico and got his first pair of shoes at age 5.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Luis Reyes | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No 20x MOIC After Decade-Long Hold 23 23 20x MOIC After Decade-Long Hold full 88bf18f5-473e-4913-a2ce-8f4b00e2d597 https://share.transistor.fm/s/970cec4f David Acharya has been an independent sponsor since the great financial recession His most notable deal, a 9.5-year investment in experiential marketing firm Impact XM, delivered an extraordinary 20x MOIC. Along the way he navigated a smooth separation from former partners, and today he chairs the Independent Sponsor Alliance, a 55-member peer network shaping best practices in the industry.

References and how to contact today's guest:
David Acharya | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> David Acharya has been an independent sponsor since the great financial recession His most notable deal, a 9.5-year investment in experiential marketing firm Impact XM, delivered an extraordinary 20x MOIC. Along the way he navigated a smooth separation from former partners, and today he chairs the Independent Sponsor Alliance, a 55-member peer network shaping best practices in the industry.

References and how to contact today's guest:
David Acharya | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4059 David Acharya has been an independent sponsor since the great financial recession His most notable deal, a 9.5-year investment in experiential marketing firm Impact XM, delivered an extraordinary 20x MOIC. Along the way he navigated a smooth separation from former partners, and today he chairs the Independent Sponsor Alliance, a 55-member peer network shaping best practices in the industry.

References and how to contact today's guest:
David Acharya | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Carving Out an 8x MOIC in 3 Years 22 22 Carving Out an 8x MOIC in 3 Years full 839d6908-2fa3-432d-8ffe-46be146d15fe https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e8c252e Doug Song reflects on 25 years of experience as an independent sponsor, having co-founded Prodos Capital in 2003. He explains how Prodos views co-sponsoring as a strategic path to scale, enabling experienced sponsors to take on more deals while supporting emerging talent. Doug also discusses the growing role of capital placement agents and family offices, and emphasizes why getting the first deal right is the single most important step in building a lasting independent sponsor career.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Doug Song | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Doug Song reflects on 25 years of experience as an independent sponsor, having co-founded Prodos Capital in 2003. He explains how Prodos views co-sponsoring as a strategic path to scale, enabling experienced sponsors to take on more deals while supporting emerging talent. Doug also discusses the growing role of capital placement agents and family offices, and emphasizes why getting the first deal right is the single most important step in building a lasting independent sponsor career.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Doug Song | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3576 Doug Song reflects on 25 years of experience as an independent sponsor, having co-founded Prodos Capital in 2003. He explains how Prodos views co-sponsoring as a strategic path to scale, enabling experienced sponsors to take on more deals while supporting emerging talent. Doug also discusses the growing role of capital placement agents and family offices, and emphasizes why getting the first deal right is the single most important step in building a lasting independent sponsor career.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Doug Song | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Quadruple EBITDA in 3.5 Years, Then Exit at 14x 21 21 Quadruple EBITDA in 3.5 Years, Then Exit at 14x full aa36b080-9ed5-4bc5-8727-5734b29962cd https://share.transistor.fm/s/1fab35aa Former theater director Cory Sandrock explains how independent sponsorship is just stagecraft in a different suit: cast great people, raise funds for each production, and deliver standout performances. Cory shares how he struck gold in home services, why he avoids herd behavior in crowded sectors, and how leaning in on terms like turning off fees or yielding economics attracts the right partners and builds long-term value.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Cory Sandrock | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Former theater director Cory Sandrock explains how independent sponsorship is just stagecraft in a different suit: cast great people, raise funds for each production, and deliver standout performances. Cory shares how he struck gold in home services, why he avoids herd behavior in crowded sectors, and how leaning in on terms like turning off fees or yielding economics attracts the right partners and builds long-term value.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Cory Sandrock | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4404 Former theater director Cory Sandrock explains how independent sponsorship is just stagecraft in a different suit: cast great people, raise funds for each production, and deliver standout performances. Cory shares how he struck gold in home services, why he avoids herd behavior in crowded sectors, and how leaning in on terms like turning off fees or yielding economics attracts the right partners and builds long-term value.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Cory Sandrock | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Pushed Out by Anchor Investor 20 20 Pushed Out by Anchor Investor full 7c2e4009-a3fa-4a53-ba04-09a4ce8c8484 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8b114de When Neal Doshi got within inches of closing a $40m+ transaction, his anchor investor rewrote the deal. Management fees and carry were stripped. Neal was left with a consolation closing fee, cashed out. This episode is a raw look at what happens when power shifts at the final hour, and what independent sponsors can do to protect themselves. Neal eventually used the closing fee to propel his subsequent successful career as an independent sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Neal Doshi | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> When Neal Doshi got within inches of closing a $40m+ transaction, his anchor investor rewrote the deal. Management fees and carry were stripped. Neal was left with a consolation closing fee, cashed out. This episode is a raw look at what happens when power shifts at the final hour, and what independent sponsors can do to protect themselves. Neal eventually used the closing fee to propel his subsequent successful career as an independent sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Neal Doshi | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3850 When Neal Doshi got within inches of closing a $40m+ transaction, his anchor investor rewrote the deal. Management fees and carry were stripped. Neal was left with a consolation closing fee, cashed out. This episode is a raw look at what happens when power shifts at the final hour, and what independent sponsors can do to protect themselves. Neal eventually used the closing fee to propel his subsequent successful career as an independent sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Neal Doshi | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Buying 9-Figure Deals 19 19 Buying 9-Figure Deals full dad18a83-b0d7-41eb-ab5a-1777b7e6c115 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef537ffd Renaud Besançon is the founder of Ceres Industries Capital, one of Europe's leading independent sponsor firms. Free from the constraints of traditional funds, Renaud's team targets "non-vanilla" mid-market acquisitions (€20m-€75m EBITDA), often closing them at 30-40% discounts. After 20 years as a sponsor, with a 30-year WIP investor database, Renaud details how he blends "back-to-basics" PE centered on operational value creation with deal-by-deal pioneership in France.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Renaud Besançon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

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]]> Renaud Besançon is the founder of Ceres Industries Capital, one of Europe's leading independent sponsor firms. Free from the constraints of traditional funds, Renaud's team targets "non-vanilla" mid-market acquisitions (€20m-€75m EBITDA), often closing them at 30-40% discounts. After 20 years as a sponsor, with a 30-year WIP investor database, Renaud details how he blends "back-to-basics" PE centered on operational value creation with deal-by-deal pioneership in France.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Renaud Besançon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 25 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4562 Renaud Besançon is the founder of Ceres Industries Capital, one of Europe's leading independent sponsor firms. Free from the constraints of traditional funds, Renaud's team targets "non-vanilla" mid-market acquisitions (€20m-€75m EBITDA), often closing them at 30-40% discounts. After 20 years as a sponsor, with a 30-year WIP investor database, Renaud details how he blends "back-to-basics" PE centered on operational value creation with deal-by-deal pioneership in France.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Renaud Besançon | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Nick Huber: From 400k Followers to $52m Deal 18 18 Nick Huber: From 400k Followers to $52m Deal full 3693bc2a-4e7a-4810-afea-9348860c0ad7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c2541cd Serial entrepreneur Nick Huber turned a grueling college moving startup into a self-storage real estate empire. By mastering remote work and offshore labor, he cut payroll costs by 70%, lifted sales conversion rates by 35%, and built a defensible operating moat. Chronicling his playbook on Twitter earned him 400,000 followers, and he used that influence to acquire and grow Somewhere.com for $52m.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nick Huber | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Serial entrepreneur Nick Huber turned a grueling college moving startup into a self-storage real estate empire. By mastering remote work and offshore labor, he cut payroll costs by 70%, lifted sales conversion rates by 35%, and built a defensible operating moat. Chronicling his playbook on Twitter earned him 400,000 followers, and he used that influence to acquire and grow Somewhere.com for $52m.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nick Huber | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 6423 Serial entrepreneur Nick Huber turned a grueling college moving startup into a self-storage real estate empire. By mastering remote work and offshore labor, he cut payroll costs by 70%, lifted sales conversion rates by 35%, and built a defensible operating moat. Chronicling his playbook on Twitter earned him 400,000 followers, and he used that influence to acquire and grow Somewhere.com for $52m.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nick Huber | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No $16m Buyout to $55m Exit in 18 Months 17 17 $16m Buyout to $55m Exit in 18 Months full aa949a6b-35ca-499b-ad19-156267ada5d6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba08d307 Kevin Ramsier's bought his first company for $60,000 and exited it for $77 million - growing EV by more than 1,000x! He also shares the story about a $55m exit, only 18 months after acquiring it for $16m. With a silky voice and sharp insights, Kevin explains how hiring strong operators drives scale and protects his family from constant relocations. A proud evangelist of the deal-by-deal model, he candidly reflects on striking out on 18 consecutive LOIs over the past year.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Kevin Ramsier | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Kevin Ramsier's bought his first company for $60,000 and exited it for $77 million - growing EV by more than 1,000x! He also shares the story about a $55m exit, only 18 months after acquiring it for $16m. With a silky voice and sharp insights, Kevin explains how hiring strong operators drives scale and protects his family from constant relocations. A proud evangelist of the deal-by-deal model, he candidly reflects on striking out on 18 consecutive LOIs over the past year.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Kevin Ramsier | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3869 Kevin Ramsier's bought his first company for $60,000 and exited it for $77 million - growing EV by more than 1,000x! He also shares the story about a $55m exit, only 18 months after acquiring it for $16m. With a silky voice and sharp insights, Kevin explains how hiring strong operators drives scale and protects his family from constant relocations. A proud evangelist of the deal-by-deal model, he candidly reflects on striking out on 18 consecutive LOIs over the past year.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Kevin Ramsier | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Solo Sponsor: 5 Deals & 2 Exits 16 16 Solo Sponsor: 5 Deals & 2 Exits full 155d1c10-320b-4757-87db-32ca11b1ca32 https://share.transistor.fm/s/14247378 Steven McGrath went from closing deals at billion-dollar family offices to becoming a solo independent sponsor headquartered in a LEGO-strewn basement. He proudly calls his first platform "Apollo 13", a near-impossible mission where he delivered 1x+ MOIC despite 3 Black Swans. Now, after 5 deals and 2 exits, he reflects on his journey as a lean, entrepreneurial, and disciplined sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Steven McGrath | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Steven McGrath went from closing deals at billion-dollar family offices to becoming a solo independent sponsor headquartered in a LEGO-strewn basement. He proudly calls his first platform "Apollo 13", a near-impossible mission where he delivered 1x+ MOIC despite 3 Black Swans. Now, after 5 deals and 2 exits, he reflects on his journey as a lean, entrepreneurial, and disciplined sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Steven McGrath | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3694 Steven McGrath went from closing deals at billion-dollar family offices to becoming a solo independent sponsor headquartered in a LEGO-strewn basement. He proudly calls his first platform "Apollo 13", a near-impossible mission where he delivered 1x+ MOIC despite 3 Black Swans. Now, after 5 deals and 2 exits, he reflects on his journey as a lean, entrepreneurial, and disciplined sponsor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Steven McGrath | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Expand Multiple by Zone-Skipping EBITDA 15 15 Expand Multiple by Zone-Skipping EBITDA full 75b7ea2d-bd77-4d38-9095-23c9d8eec382 https://share.transistor.fm/s/48eeb6a0 In just 4 years, Bobby Sheth has closed 10 platform deals, a rare pace for an independent sponsor. He focuses not on perfect companies, but on those with fixable issues like supply chain or people risks. Bobby explains how skipping EBITDA zones expands the buyer universe and how conservative deal structures create room to navigate surprises.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Bobby Sheth | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> In just 4 years, Bobby Sheth has closed 10 platform deals, a rare pace for an independent sponsor. He focuses not on perfect companies, but on those with fixable issues like supply chain or people risks. Bobby explains how skipping EBITDA zones expands the buyer universe and how conservative deal structures create room to navigate surprises.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Bobby Sheth | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 28 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4356 In just 4 years, Bobby Sheth has closed 10 platform deals, a rare pace for an independent sponsor. He focuses not on perfect companies, but on those with fixable issues like supply chain or people risks. Bobby explains how skipping EBITDA zones expands the buyer universe and how conservative deal structures create room to navigate surprises.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Bobby Sheth | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> independent sponsors No The State of SaaS in 2025 14 14 The State of SaaS in 2025 full 4cf773c8-1f91-4630-ae69-586314ec7832 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fcbee49c Robert Koven discusses his journey from a SaaS-focused independent sponsor to founding a 100-man strong investment bank on Wall Street. Suit & tie, Bob provides experience and nuance on the state of SaaS in 2025 as well as the evolution of our cherished independent sponsor space, which he has observed both from the driver seat (via his direct deals) and the banker perspective.   

References and how to contact today's guest:
Robert Koven | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Robert Koven discusses his journey from a SaaS-focused independent sponsor to founding a 100-man strong investment bank on Wall Street. Suit & tie, Bob provides experience and nuance on the state of SaaS in 2025 as well as the evolution of our cherished independent sponsor space, which he has observed both from the driver seat (via his direct deals) and the banker perspective.   

References and how to contact today's guest:
Robert Koven | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4221 Robert Koven discusses his journey from a SaaS-focused independent sponsor to founding a 100-man strong investment bank on Wall Street. Suit & tie, Bob provides experience and nuance on the state of SaaS in 2025 as well as the evolution of our cherished independent sponsor space, which he has observed both from the driver seat (via his direct deals) and the banker perspective.   

References and how to contact today's guest:
Robert Koven | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> independent sponsors No Borgman: 500 LPs Across 10 Platforms 13 13 Borgman: 500 LPs Across 10 Platforms full 377b41e5-b43d-4e60-ab89-c28c9c610936 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1067850 Formerly a CPA, Sequoya Borgman realized his dealmaking clients were having more fun. In 2017, he hustled to raise the capital for his first platform in 2017. Since then, Borgman Capital has built a network of 500 HNWIs and been oversubscribed for each of its next 9 platforms. He shares how second-tier geographies, retail fundraising, and disciplined execution are critical to his firm’s sustained success.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sequoya Borgman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Formerly a CPA, Sequoya Borgman realized his dealmaking clients were having more fun. In 2017, he hustled to raise the capital for his first platform in 2017. Since then, Borgman Capital has built a network of 500 HNWIs and been oversubscribed for each of its next 9 platforms. He shares how second-tier geographies, retail fundraising, and disciplined execution are critical to his firm’s sustained success.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sequoya Borgman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 14 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3992 Formerly a CPA, Sequoya Borgman realized his dealmaking clients were having more fun. In 2017, he hustled to raise the capital for his first platform in 2017. Since then, Borgman Capital has built a network of 500 HNWIs and been oversubscribed for each of its next 9 platforms. He shares how second-tier geographies, retail fundraising, and disciplined execution are critical to his firm’s sustained success.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sequoya Borgman | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No From Minority Stake to Double EBITDA in 2 Years 12 12 From Minority Stake to Double EBITDA in 2 Years full efa5fc17-f9c2-41a5-962f-440ed9b0681e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e37c925a New York-based Neel Bhargava breaks down how a minority investment into a Crunch Fitness franchisee turned into a home run, scaling from 10 to 74 locations with multiple recapitalizations along the way. Neel explains the value of thematic focus, outlines the opportunity of franchises, and spotlights the importance of strong management teams.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Neel Bhargava | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> New York-based Neel Bhargava breaks down how a minority investment into a Crunch Fitness franchisee turned into a home run, scaling from 10 to 74 locations with multiple recapitalizations along the way. Neel explains the value of thematic focus, outlines the opportunity of franchises, and spotlights the importance of strong management teams.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Neel Bhargava | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

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]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3319 New York-based Neel Bhargava breaks down how a minority investment into a Crunch Fitness franchisee turned into a home run, scaling from 10 to 74 locations with multiple recapitalizations along the way. Neel explains the value of thematic focus, outlines the opportunity of franchises, and spotlights the importance of strong management teams.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Neel Bhargava | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Why Committed LPs Beat Committed Capital 11 11 Why Committed LPs Beat Committed Capital full 251f6e4a-b223-499f-b3ee-03f0282f1e77 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b692c401 “Eat infrequently, eat well,” says Ramiro Alfaro, whose Paltus Capital goes slow, strikes big, and is pioneering deal-by-deal private equity in Central America. They have had to overcome stigma, educate market participants, and obtain creative financing to close deals. As a first mover, however, they enjoy favorable market dynamics (e.g., good valuations, inbound deal flow, cold outreach success) and ample whitespace for continued growth, while customizing a long-term hold strategy to solve for the lackluster exit opportunities in the region. 

References and how to contact today's guest: Ramiro Alfaro | LinkedIn


Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.


Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> “Eat infrequently, eat well,” says Ramiro Alfaro, whose Paltus Capital goes slow, strikes big, and is pioneering deal-by-deal private equity in Central America. They have had to overcome stigma, educate market participants, and obtain creative financing to close deals. As a first mover, however, they enjoy favorable market dynamics (e.g., good valuations, inbound deal flow, cold outreach success) and ample whitespace for continued growth, while customizing a long-term hold strategy to solve for the lackluster exit opportunities in the region. 

References and how to contact today's guest: Ramiro Alfaro | LinkedIn


Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.


Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 5154 “Eat infrequently, eat well,” says Ramiro Alfaro, whose Paltus Capital goes slow, strikes big, and is pioneering deal-by-deal private equity in Central America. They have had to overcome stigma, educate market participants, and obtain creative financing to close deals. As a first mover, however, they enjoy favorable market dynamics (e.g., good valuations, inbound deal flow, cold outreach success) and ample whitespace for continued growth, while customizing a long-term hold strategy to solve for the lackluster exit opportunities in the region. 

References and how to contact today's guest: Ramiro Alfaro | LinkedIn


Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.


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]]> independent sponsors No Engineering 40% Carry 10 10 Engineering 40% Carry full 7382217c-30f7-4693-865a-7fe4868a5a11 https://share.transistor.fm/s/577a90e8 Straddling the line between independent sponsor and self-funded searcher, MIT-educated operator Nick Haschka breaks down how to go beyond market terms and engineer a carried interest well north of 20%. He outlines 12 factors that can tilt negotiations in the sponsor’s favor such as raising from retail, prioritizing quick paybacks, backloading sponsor economics, and more.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Nick Haschka | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Straddling the line between independent sponsor and self-funded searcher, MIT-educated operator Nick Haschka breaks down how to go beyond market terms and engineer a carried interest well north of 20%. He outlines 12 factors that can tilt negotiations in the sponsor’s favor such as raising from retail, prioritizing quick paybacks, backloading sponsor economics, and more.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Nick Haschka | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4428 Straddling the line between independent sponsor and self-funded searcher, MIT-educated operator Nick Haschka breaks down how to go beyond market terms and engineer a carried interest well north of 20%. He outlines 12 factors that can tilt negotiations in the sponsor’s favor such as raising from retail, prioritizing quick paybacks, backloading sponsor economics, and more.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Nick Haschka | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

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]]> independent sponsors No $100m Deployed in 2+ Years — Thanks to Industry Focus 9 9 $100m Deployed in 2+ Years — Thanks to Industry Focus full 9e08aee9-6c75-4fbb-8a64-c1d3dc47d037 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6ac14355 In less than 3 years, Ben Hughes and Blue Ridge Construction Capital have acquired 4 platform companies in the building products industry, deploying over $100 million of equity. Their pace is the result of more than a decade spent in industry-focused investment banking. Due to their industry focus, Blue Ridge delivers value through deep vertical expertise and superior access to deal flow, strategic capital, and key relationships.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Ben Hughes | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> In less than 3 years, Ben Hughes and Blue Ridge Construction Capital have acquired 4 platform companies in the building products industry, deploying over $100 million of equity. Their pace is the result of more than a decade spent in industry-focused investment banking. Due to their industry focus, Blue Ridge delivers value through deep vertical expertise and superior access to deal flow, strategic capital, and key relationships.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Ben Hughes | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3826 In less than 3 years, Ben Hughes and Blue Ridge Construction Capital have acquired 4 platform companies in the building products industry, deploying over $100 million of equity. Their pace is the result of more than a decade spent in industry-focused investment banking. Due to their industry focus, Blue Ridge delivers value through deep vertical expertise and superior access to deal flow, strategic capital, and key relationships.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Ben Hughes | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No "I Care More About Moats Than Multiples" 8 8 "I Care More About Moats Than Multiples" full ef535dcf-83df-4eb5-a00b-7cd086fab569 https://share.transistor.fm/s/655e1bd9 Serial entrepreneur and independent sponsor, Jory Caulkins, gives a tactical masterclass on how to build trust with sellers, partners, investors, and team members - and why this is so important. He also deep-dives into his company's three deal criteria: moat, longevity, and asymmetry.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Jory Caulkins | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Serial entrepreneur and independent sponsor, Jory Caulkins, gives a tactical masterclass on how to build trust with sellers, partners, investors, and team members - and why this is so important. He also deep-dives into his company's three deal criteria: moat, longevity, and asymmetry.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Jory Caulkins | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4282 Serial entrepreneur and independent sponsor, Jory Caulkins, gives a tactical masterclass on how to build trust with sellers, partners, investors, and team members - and why this is so important. He also deep-dives into his company's three deal criteria: moat, longevity, and asymmetry.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Jory Caulkins | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Buying at <5x by Mastering Deal Flow 7 7 Buying at <5x by Mastering Deal Flow full e678c60d-fe67-4126-a66b-9377d84771b6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/118026cc Benjamin Graham-inspired value investor, Matt Bodnar, views deal flow and valuation discipline, specifically 4-5x, as the two mission-critical components in creating long-term alpha. He is also a believer in permanent holdings, where annual cash flows, rather than exit proceeds, are a source of evergreen capital for future acquisitions.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Matt Bodnar | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Benjamin Graham-inspired value investor, Matt Bodnar, views deal flow and valuation discipline, specifically 4-5x, as the two mission-critical components in creating long-term alpha. He is also a believer in permanent holdings, where annual cash flows, rather than exit proceeds, are a source of evergreen capital for future acquisitions.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Matt Bodnar | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4610 Benjamin Graham-inspired value investor, Matt Bodnar, views deal flow and valuation discipline, specifically 4-5x, as the two mission-critical components in creating long-term alpha. He is also a believer in permanent holdings, where annual cash flows, rather than exit proceeds, are a source of evergreen capital for future acquisitions.
 
References and how to contact today's guest:
Matt Bodnar | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No From UEFA Champions League to Deal-By-Deal PE 6 6 From UEFA Champions League to Deal-By-Deal PE full 03579ebb-3217-48d1-9add-5784407ed78f https://share.transistor.fm/s/0dcab682 From playing against FC Barcelona at Nou Camp to negotiating with chain-smoking veterinarians, Nikolay Dimitrov at Unity Investment Partnership is trailblazing the path of independent sponsor firms in Eastern Europe.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nikolay Dimitrov | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> From playing against FC Barcelona at Nou Camp to negotiating with chain-smoking veterinarians, Nikolay Dimitrov at Unity Investment Partnership is trailblazing the path of independent sponsor firms in Eastern Europe.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nikolay Dimitrov | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4584 From playing against FC Barcelona at Nou Camp to negotiating with chain-smoking veterinarians, Nikolay Dimitrov at Unity Investment Partnership is trailblazing the path of independent sponsor firms in Eastern Europe.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nikolay Dimitrov | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No How to Build an Investor Database of 4,000 HNWIs 5 5 How to Build an Investor Database of 4,000 HNWIs full d7d472db-e5f3-4d86-ab87-7ff6c5e576b2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/731b3f43 Zinger-machine Jay Fuquay is an EVP at Trinity Investors. Trinity was formerly an independent sponsor and is now a private equity and alternative investments powerhouse. They've curated an active investor database of 4,000 high net worth individuals, which has propelled Trinity into a leading capital partner for independent sponsors.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jay Fuquay | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Zinger-machine Jay Fuquay is an EVP at Trinity Investors. Trinity was formerly an independent sponsor and is now a private equity and alternative investments powerhouse. They've curated an active investor database of 4,000 high net worth individuals, which has propelled Trinity into a leading capital partner for independent sponsors.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jay Fuquay | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4131 Zinger-machine Jay Fuquay is an EVP at Trinity Investors. Trinity was formerly an independent sponsor and is now a private equity and alternative investments powerhouse. They've curated an active investor database of 4,000 high net worth individuals, which has propelled Trinity into a leading capital partner for independent sponsors.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jay Fuquay | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No How to Build an Indy Sponsor Team Before Chasing Deals 4 4 How to Build an Indy Sponsor Team Before Chasing Deals full 29ac3725-ea7c-4f92-9968-2e5b0b5aa630 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5d73d9d Where many newly established independent sponsors "fake it 'till they make it", Shreveport-native Edward Crawford used his "Mission & Margin" principles to raise working capital for real infrastructure and a team at Coltala Holdings before chasing deals. He shares about their monthly newsletter that reaches 30,000 stakeholders and generates 14-15 deals, Coltala's relationship-based scoring system for deal flow, and Coltala Enterprise Systems for driving operational efficiency in PortCos.
 
References and how to contact Edward:
Edward Crawford 🇺🇸 | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Where many newly established independent sponsors "fake it 'till they make it", Shreveport-native Edward Crawford used his "Mission & Margin" principles to raise working capital for real infrastructure and a team at Coltala Holdings before chasing deals. He shares about their monthly newsletter that reaches 30,000 stakeholders and generates 14-15 deals, Coltala's relationship-based scoring system for deal flow, and Coltala Enterprise Systems for driving operational efficiency in PortCos.
 
References and how to contact Edward:
Edward Crawford 🇺🇸 | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3474 Where many newly established independent sponsors "fake it 'till they make it", Shreveport-native Edward Crawford used his "Mission & Margin" principles to raise working capital for real infrastructure and a team at Coltala Holdings before chasing deals. He shares about their monthly newsletter that reaches 30,000 stakeholders and generates 14-15 deals, Coltala's relationship-based scoring system for deal flow, and Coltala Enterprise Systems for driving operational efficiency in PortCos.
 
References and how to contact Edward:
Edward Crawford 🇺🇸 | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No From Searcher to Independent Sponsor to $225m Fund 3 3 From Searcher to Independent Sponsor to $225m Fund full 8dad2a9f-78ba-4631-a7a8-49cca2441ffe https://share.transistor.fm/s/9fcb6156 Alex de Pfyffer and Ross Porter of Heritage Holdings share their journey from searchers (bringing a $45m revenue company to $140m) to sponsors (achieving 99% gross IRR (68% net IRR) across 5 platforms) to fund managers (closing a $225m fund closed in 2024). They engage in a vivid debate about the pros and cons of the fund model versus deal-by-deal private equity.

References and how to contact Alex and Ross:
Alex de Pfyffer | LinkedIn
Ross Porter | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Alex de Pfyffer and Ross Porter of Heritage Holdings share their journey from searchers (bringing a $45m revenue company to $140m) to sponsors (achieving 99% gross IRR (68% net IRR) across 5 platforms) to fund managers (closing a $225m fund closed in 2024). They engage in a vivid debate about the pros and cons of the fund model versus deal-by-deal private equity.

References and how to contact Alex and Ross:
Alex de Pfyffer | LinkedIn
Ross Porter | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4533 Alex de Pfyffer and Ross Porter of Heritage Holdings share their journey from searchers (bringing a $45m revenue company to $140m) to sponsors (achieving 99% gross IRR (68% net IRR) across 5 platforms) to fund managers (closing a $225m fund closed in 2024). They engage in a vivid debate about the pros and cons of the fund model versus deal-by-deal private equity.

References and how to contact Alex and Ross:
Alex de Pfyffer | LinkedIn
Ross Porter | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No Buying an 800-Unit Hair Salon during Covid 2 2 Buying an 800-Unit Hair Salon during Covid full 42c529a1-69dc-4afe-882f-9d149910abba https://share.transistor.fm/s/8541df87 Azhar Quader of Queens Court Capital specializes on special situations and walks us through how he used his large-cap Wall Street experience to take Hair Cuttery out of bankruptcy to become a huge success story.

References and how to contact Azhar:
Azhar Quader | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Azhar Quader of Queens Court Capital specializes on special situations and walks us through how he used his large-cap Wall Street experience to take Hair Cuttery out of bankruptcy to become a huge success story.

References and how to contact Azhar:
Azhar Quader | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 4209 Azhar Quader of Queens Court Capital specializes on special situations and walks us through how he used his large-cap Wall Street experience to take Hair Cuttery out of bankruptcy to become a huge success story.

References and how to contact Azhar:
Azhar Quader | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No 20x a $10m investment in 2.5 years 1 1 20x a $10m investment in 2.5 years full a721633a-ab5a-4b83-9c25-2f2abd7d8f4a https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b119ea9 Michael Sutton, founder of Guideboat Capital Partners, discusses how he took a restaurant chain from $5m to $25m in EBITDA and then 40x'd the enterprise value of Buff City, a soap retailer.

References and how to contact Michael:
Michael Sutton | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Michael Sutton, founder of Guideboat Capital Partners, discusses how he took a restaurant chain from $5m to $25m in EBITDA and then 40x'd the enterprise value of Buff City, a soap retailer.

References and how to contact Michael:
Michael Sutton | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:25:58 -0500 Will Smith & Niklas James Will Smith & Niklas James 3815 Michael Sutton, founder of Guideboat Capital Partners, discusses how he took a restaurant chain from $5m to $25m in EBITDA and then 40x'd the enterprise value of Buff City, a soap retailer.

References and how to contact Michael:
Michael Sutton | LinkedIn

For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

Credits:

  • Edited by Anton Rohozov
]]> independent sponsors No