Hello all – it’s a pleasure to be joining this avid community of searchers. In my (for now) day job, I’m an institutional credit investor for a Top 10 global fixed income manager. I got the EtA bug a few years back when I was graduating from the MBA program at UCLA Anderson, and am pleased to be launching a formal process. I am self-funded and intent on closing a deal in 1H21.
Background: started career at Lehman Brothers in###-###-#### whoops) and spent 8 years in sell-side trading/research seats before moving to the buyside post-MBA. Deep familiarity with underwriting credit risk across markets (IG, HY, loans, distressed) which has proven quite transferable as I assess opportunities in SMB/lower middle market. (Note: for those searchers who want a primer on credit or are unfamiliar with capital structure, I highly recommend Stephen Moyer’s Distressed Debt Analysis.)

Target: seeking to deploy both my personal capital and leveraged finance background to acquire a company in $1-$2mm EBITDA / $3-$7mm EV range. Based in LA and originally from Colorado, so I’m looking for anything west of my beloved Rocky Mountains. Industry targets include B2B services, distribution, or light manufacturing/industrial… the smaller the niche, the better. Non-cyclicality >>> growth potential.

Seeking: advisors of all stripes. If you have bandwidth to partner on the above, we should talk. • Legal: seeking advisory immediately, as I’m in preliminary diligence on several deals and expect to be submitting LOIs in the near future. • CPA: looking for information on tax-advantaged acquisition structures (self-directed IRAs, Opportunity Zones, etc.). Happy to connect on confirmatory DD / QoE process as well. • Lenders: focused on finding the right deals to meet SBA 7(a) underwriting requirements; would love to source some new relationships here as I search for the right partner. • Brokers: expanding the network is always a priority!
My firm: Nekite is a permanent equity vehicle, with the aim to deleverage acquired assets and hold in perpetuity. Named after the Nekite River in coastal British Columbia, which plays host to a vibrant salmon run (and grizzly bear feast) each fall. The name pays homage to Charlie Munger, who implores investors to “fish where the fish are”.

If you made it this far, thank you for the time. If I can be of assistance to anyone – particularly with strategic/financial analysis and underwriting – please feel free to reach out.