Behind the Scenes: Launching 2nd Equity Fund for Independent Sponsors

Minds Capital's 3 GPs celebrate 50 episodes, sharing insights on their media-first strategy, deal flow flywheel, and high-velocity investing journey.

Niklas James, Will Smith & Max Lummis

In celebration of our 50th episode, the 3 GPs of Minds Capital share their journey: the media-first strategy's role in creating a deal flow flywheel, behind-the-scenes from the podcast, learnings from high-velocity investing, and thoughts on the future. A special note of gratitude to our investors; thank you for making this journey possible - we're having a blast!

Minds Capital is an equity fund for independent sponsors. We invest $1-3m of equity per platform and average one commitment per month.

This episode is sponsored by

Minds Capital was founded on the premise that delivering value to independent sponsors - via capital, media, and services - would generate deal flow in exchange. The strategy is working; we're seeing record-strong inbounds from podcast listeners and a steady stream of new opportunities from the relationships that we've formed with portco sponsors, podcast guests, and other friends in the ecosystem.

During this episode we agreed to launch webinars in 2026. Webinars have been highly successful on Acquiring Minds, and the idea will be to feature expert-level vendors from the deal-by-deal community who can offer specific insights and tactical advice on relevant topics. Please reach out if you'd like to participate in the webinar program.

More recent episodes

Jeff Goldstein
EP.
30
with
Jeff Goldstein

From Public Company CEO to Independent Sponsor

Jeff Goldstein's journey from public company CEO to independent sponsor at Breakwater Management, navigating AI challenges in marketing and finding opportunities in media.

Sarkaw Aziz
EP.
29
with
Sarkaw Aziz

To Exit or Not to Exit: 2x MOIC in 2 Years

Discover how Sarkaw Aziz acquired a vacation rental platform with creative financing and achieved a 41% IRR in just two years through strategic growth and timely exit.

Rick Apple
EP.
28
with
Rick Apple

The 3-5-7x MOIC Underwriting Framework

Princeton grad Rick Apple built Upside Growth Partners in Nashville, scaling 12 platforms while raising 5 kids. His strategic sourcing and 3-5-7 framework drive consistent success from retail to roofing.

new episode every week
new episode every week
new episode every week
new episode every week
new episode every week
new episode every week

Be the first to know about new episodes!

Receive summaries of our weekly interview drops:
Thank you! You've subscribed to our podcast list.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Want to recommend a guest for the Minds Capital Podcast?
Send an email to podcast@mindscapital.co.