Experience with the independent sponsor model?

I like what ^

Ian, I think you're getting few responses here because there is a lot of confusion about what "independent sponsor" really means. There are a few good resources on this platform to better understand what an independent sponsor is and does. Here's one: https://www.searchfunder.com/article/viewarticle/48306 . What's often misunderstood is that unless you have a significant track record of creating value through M&A transactions, it's very difficult to just declare yourself an IS (as classically defined.) You're going to have to persuade sophisticated, M&A-experienced investors - family offices, experienced HNW individuals, PE funds, etc. - that they should invest in the transaction you are "sponsoring", meaning not only have you done sufficient due diligence to validate the attractiveness of the target but also you've priced (valued) and structured the transaction correctly. Investors require all that of an IS and will scrutinize you and the opportunity heavily - this isn't friends and family capital. And, depending on the investor(s), they may be looking to you to raise the needed debt/mezz capital and finally to negotiate the deal to a successful closing. Post closing, an IS usually has a significant minority of board seats (say 2 of 5) - but again, that's if the IS has a track record of driving value growth in a similar operating company - otherwise why would the 80-90% equity owners want to give such power to the IS? Lots to consider here. What is it that you believe may be "better" as an IS, given your objectives?