March 4 - 5, 2025 | Miami
Welcome to the 18th Independent Sponsor Summit! Join us for the official opening and welcome remarks to kick-start the day.
The two day agenda is filled with keynotes, expert-led panels and interactive workshops, that deliver valuable insights and knowledge from industry leaders discussing the latest trends and best practices.
Managing Principal, Value360 Practice
CohnReznick
Claudine oversees an integrated team of transaction, valuation, restructuring, project finance, and dispute resolution professionals serving clients throughout the lifecycles of their businesses. With specific expertise in managing opportunities and roadblocks that can impact a business moving forward, Claudine and her team help clients achieve optimal outcomes in protecting and growing stakeholder value.
Claudine serves as an adviser to public and private companies, both domestically and internationally. Her clients comprise the full gamut of financial sponsors including private equity investors, independent sponsors, family offices, alternative investment funds, lenders, and strategic investors. Her areas of knowledge include strategic advisory, quality of earnings analyses, identifying revenue sources and profitability drivers, examining operating cost structure and sustainability factors, investigating business models including cash flow and financial projections, reviewing quality and realization of assets and liabilities, identifying working capital requirements and negotiating positions, post-close working capital verification, and adjustment mechanisms.
Claudine was named to Mergers and Acquisitions 2019 list of the most influential women in mid-market M&A, and Crain’s NY 2018 most notable women in consulting.
Analyze the impact of key economic indicators—such as interest rates, inflation, and the geopolitical landscape—on deal flow and investment strategies. Explore the effects of these economic factors on market conditions and discover practical insights on how to navigate shifts in the economy to optimize dealmaking decisions. Learn how to stay ahead in a dynamic investment environment.
Key Takeaways:
Join your peers for a series of lively and interactive discussions on the most pressing topics you are facing today. The small group format will enable you to make meaningful connections and come up with out-of-the-box solutions to shared challenges.
Deep dive into the crucial 100-day plan, often grouped with broader post-closing strategies but deserving its own focus. Panelists will share what they prioritize in their 100-day plans versus what they actually accomplished after closing, and reflect on what they would change in future deals. Learn the key milestones, common challenges, and real-world adjustments needed to maximize value in the critical first phase of a new investment.
Key Takeaways:
Managing Director
Exeter Street Capital Partners
Franklin Staley joined the Patriot Capital Group in January 2020 to lead Exeter Street Capital Partners, Patriot’s micro-cap buyout strategy that makes control equity investments in promising lower middle market businesses with $2-$5 million of EBITDA within the industrial growth & technology, business, consumer and healthcare services sectors across North America. Mr. Staley brings more than 25 years of private equity, advisory and strategic operating expertise to Exeter Street Capital Partners.
Prior to Exeter Street, he spent over nine years with DC Advisory LLC (formerly Signal Hill), where he founded the firm’s sponsor coverage effort and was a Managing Director in the Business Services practice area. Prior to joining Signal Hill, Mr. Staley spent nine years as a Principal and founding member of Meriturn Partners, LLC, a private equity fund focused on buyouts of lower middle-market companies in basic industries. Among other duties, he was responsible for all aspects of sourcing, evaluating, conducting diligence, structuring and leading transactions, managing strategic capital events within the portfolio, as well as other portfolio monitoring activities and fund oversight duties. Previously, Mr. Staley was the CFO and Vice President of Strategy for Axcellis, Inc., an early-stage software developer in the security alarm and systems integration industries. He has prior investment banking experience with Cowen & Company, Lehman Brothers, and Chase.
Everyone talks about “proprietary deal sourcing,” but what does it really mean? This chatham house discussion dives into tactics Independent Sponsors are using to creatively find off-market deals. Be prepared to share insightful stories and actionable strategies that go beyond the traditional approach to sourcing deals.
Discussion Points:
In this Chatham House discussion, capital providers will have the opportunity to openly share how they evaluate Independent Sponsors (IS) for successful partnerships. Discussing key criteria such as track record, deal sourcing strategies, alignment of interests, and operational expertise. Discover what makes an IS a valuable partner and explore strategies to build long-term, profitable relationships that align with your investment goals.
Discussion Points:
As the independent sponsor space evolves new models and strategies are emerging to meet the demands of a competitive market. This session will explore the innovative approaches sponsors are using to differentiate themselves, how the industry is growing, and the new possibilities being created. From alternative deal structures to fresh opportunities for collaboration with capital providers, join us to examine the next evolution in the independent sponsor space and the future of deal-making.
Key Takeaways:
This Chatham House discussion will explore the growing trend of independent sponsor partnerships and the value they bring. These collaborations can enhance bandwidth, improve deal flow, and combine complementary skillsets for greater value creation. Join an open exchange of insights on how strategic partnerships can drive success for both emerging and established independent sponsors.
Discussion Points:
Success stories are inspiring, but some of the greatest lessons come from failures. In this Chatham House session, seasoned independent sponsors will share their real-world experiences of deals that went wrong, why they did, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. From challenging situations to tough decisions, these insights will provide an honest look at the pitfalls of deal-making and how failures can ultimately shape future success.
Focused on discussing active deals with a funding source, connect with the Independent Sponsors or Capital Providers specializing in investments in the industry sectors and markets you focus on. In advance of the event you will be provided with a full list of attendees, so you can choose to meet with the most relevant contacts and evaluate the potential for future business partnerships.
Join us to celebrate the rapidly evolving Independent Sponsors space. This ceremony will provide a fantastic opportunity to come together and recognize the remarkable achievements within the industry.
This session will focus on understanding the investment profiles of different capital sources when selecting the right capital partners, including equity capital providers, SBIC funds, family offices, and private equity firms. Discover insights on how to effectively match deals with the appropriate partner, helping sponsors maximize their chances of success. Learn how to navigate the landscape of capital partners and ensure your deals align with their goals and strategies.
Key Takeaways:
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
o15
Prior to co-founding o15, Kenneth Saffold was a Managing Director and a member of BlackRock's Global Credit Platform where he was responsible for originating and executing private credit investment opportunities across the United States. Kenneth also served as an Investment Committee Member for the BlackRock Impact Opportunities Fund, an asset class fund focused on making investments in underserved ethnic group businesses and communities. He was also on the Senior Leadership Team of the BlackRock Atlanta Office.
Prior to BlackRock, Kenneth held roles with GE Capital and Goldman Sachs. Kenneth received his MBA from The Wharton School and his BA from Morehouse College.
Director of Portfolio Investments
Hall Capital Holdings
Bill is the Founder and Managing Member of Hall Capital Holdings, LLC, since 2001. He is responsible for managing the firm’s investment portfolio.
Bill has over 38 years of operating experience, coupled with private equity, venture capital and real estate investments.
This Chatham House Discussion will explore best practices for executing deals in a competitive environment, from getting deals signed and financed to post-close strategies for driving organic growth with limited resources. Hear advice on overcoming challenges throughout the deal lifecycle, including, execution and integration, in a confidential setting.
Discussion Points:
This Chatham House discussion explores the trends, challenges, and opportunities for capital providers navigating the Independent Sponsor landscape. discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of investing in this space. Attendees can expect valuable insights to enhance their approach to independent sponsor investments.
Discussion Points:
Success stories are inspiring, but some of the greatest lessons come from failures. In this Chatham House session, seasoned independent sponsors will share their real-world experiences of deals that went wrong, why they did, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. From challenging situations to tough decisions, these insights will provide an honest look at the pitfalls of deal-making and how failures can ultimately shape future success.
Facilitator
Principal
Tamarix Equity Partners
Jay is a Principal at Tamarix Equity Partners, a middle-market fund based in NYC, where he leads deal execution, investment strategy, and portfolio management. Over ten years’ experience in private equity, growth capital, investment banking and as a consumer startup founder. Prior investment firms include Centre Partners, a middle-market private equity firm in NYC, Palisades Growth Capital, a growth-equity firm in Los Angeles, and Macquarie Capital, an investment bank. Bachelor of Arts degree from Middlebury College with a major in International Politics and Economics.
As traditional financing options become more competitive, independent sponsors and capital providers are increasingly turning to alternative sources of debt to fund their deals. In this Chatham House discussion, we will explore non-traditional lending solutions—ranging from private credit and mezzanine financing to direct lenders and family offices. Discuss how these alternative debt options can provide greater flexibility, customized solutions, and unlock new opportunities to navigate complex transactions.
Oriented to building new connections and expand your network Focused on discussing active deals with a funding source, connect with the Independent Sponsors or Capital Providers specializing in investments in the industry sectors and markets you focus on. In advance of the event you will be provided with a full list of attendees, so you can choose to meet with the most relevant contacts and evaluate the potential for future business partnerships.
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6 East 43rd St
19th Floor
New York, NY 10017