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
  • 20x MOIC After Decade-Long Hold
    Jul 23 2025

    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:

    • 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 8 mins
  • Carving Out an 8x MOIC in 3 Years
    Jul 16 2025

    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:

    • 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
  • Quadruple EBITDA in 3.5 Years, Then Exit at 14x
    Jul 9 2025

    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:

    • 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
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