5 places searchers should be looking for capital beyond the usual suspects

Over the past couple of weeks a lot of searchers have been reaching out asking the same thing: “Where do I actually find capital sources that back first-time operators and move at the pace I need for an ETA deal?” Most people look for one perfect list. In reality, you get better results by thinking in terms of directories. Places where lenders, investors and family offices naturally cluster, and where you can spot patterns in who actually supports deals in the 1.5M to 20M range. Here are five types of directories every searcher should be pulling from: 1. Lower middle market capital directories These are the PE firms, independent sponsors and hybrid funds that regularly support operator-led deals. They often don’t advertise it, but you see it when you look at the right directories. 2. Regional corporate finance and mezz groups Almost every region has lenders who fund 3M to 15M checks for service or industrial companies. They usually move faster than banks and they understand ETA operators better than people expect. 3. Family office directories and private capital networks Family offices love steady acquisitions but they never publicly raise their hands. They sit inside curated member directories and private networks. 4. Non-bank debt funds that work with EBITDA deals A lot of searchers think their only choices are SBA or bank debt. Some of the most flexible capital actually comes from specialty debt funds that aren’t visible unless you know where their listings live. 5. ETA(Entrepreneurship-through-Acquistion) -focused opt-in capital lists This is where things are moving. Directories where lenders and investors choose to be listed because they actively want to work with searchers. It cuts down the noise and gives operators a clean place to start. If you want an example of category five, here’s a free opt-in directory for this community: https://ecliptica-ops.com/search-funders It’s intentionally built so capital providers can add themselves. If you’re a lender or investor in this community, feel free to submit your firm so searchers here can see who is actually deploying right now. If you’re sitting on an LOI or close to one and you need debt, equity or a blended structure, feel free to send me your deal size, EBITDA and timeline. I can point you in the right direction or make an introduction. And if you want an edge getting your deal in front of groups that respond quickly, message me. I’m happy to connect you with the “secret weapon” that’s been helping other searchers get attention.