Expand Multiple by Zone-Skipping EBITDA
In just 4 years, Bobby Sheth has closed 10 platform deals, a rare pace for an independent sponsor. He focuses not on perfect companies, but on those with fixable issues like supply chain or people risks. Bobby explains how skipping EBITDA zones expands the buyer universe and how conservative deal structures create room to navigate surprises.
At Salt Creek Capital, Bobby Sheth looks for businesses with operational gaps, customer concentration, or supply chain risk. These factors often discourage other buyers, but represent opportunity in Bobby's model.
Bobby relies on disciplined deal structuring. He avoids excessive leverage, keeping it
His most recent acquisition from late 2024 sources 90%+ from China. Tariff exposure was a real risk, but instead of walking away, Bobby modeled downside cases and structured the deal to absorb potential shocks (which materialized!). The company is consequently not only weathering the current tariff storm, but hopefully also growing market share as some peers struggle to survive.
He also emphasizes EBITDA zone skipping. When a company grows from $3.5m to $5.1m, it attracts a new class of buyers. That growth expands the pool of interested acquirers with more capital and broader mandates.
Check today's new episode of the Minds Capital Podcast.
Keep reading
20x MOIC After Decade-Long Hold
David Acharya has been an independent sponsor since the great financial recession. His most notable deal, a 9.5-year investment in experiential marketing firm Impact XM, delivered an extraordinary 20x MOIC. Along the way he navigated a smooth separation from former partners, and today he chairs the Independent Sponsor Alliance, a 55-member peer network shaping best practices in the industry.
Carving Out an 8x MOIC in 3 Years
Doug Song reflects on 25 years of experience as an independent sponsor, having co-founded Prodos Capital in 2003. He explains how Prodos views co-sponsoring as a strategic path to scale, enabling experienced sponsors to take on more deals while supporting emerging talent. Doug also discusses the growing role of capital placement agents and family offices, and emphasizes why getting the first deal right is the single most important step in building a lasting independent sponsor career.
Quadruple EBITDA in 3.5 Years, Then Exit at 14x
Former theater director Cory Sandrock explains how independent sponsorship is just stagecraft in a different suit: cast great people, raise funds for each production, and deliver standout performances. Cory shares how he struck gold in home services, why he avoids herd behavior in crowded sectors, and how leaning in on terms like turning off fees or yielding economics attracts the right partners and builds long-term value.
