Minds Capital Podcast Podcast By Will Smith & Niklas James cover art

Minds Capital Podcast

Minds Capital Podcast

By: Will Smith & Niklas James
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Your connection to the growing world of independent sponsors and deal-by-deal private equity.© 2025 Will Smith & Niklas James Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Solo Sponsor: 5 Deals & 2 Exits
    Jun 4 2025

    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:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
    • Visit Minds Capital

    Credits:

    • Edited by Anton Rohozov
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Expand Multiple by Zone-Skipping EBITDA
    May 28 2025

    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:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
    • Visit Minds Capital

    Credits:

    • Edited by Anton Rohozov
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • The State of SaaS in 2025
    May 21 2025

    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:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
    • Visit Minds Capital

    Credits:

    • Edited by Anton Rohozov
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 10 mins
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