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

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

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

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:

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

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov