TRANSFORMATIONAL GROWTH
THROUGH PARTNERSHIP CAPITAL
At Shoal Harbor Capital, we focus on lower middle market investment opportunities where digital transformation and strategic acquisitions are critical to the next phase of growth. We primarily concentrate on control and structured transactions in the information economy.
shoal [shōl]: a large number of fish swimming together. Fish derive many benefits from shoaling behavior including defense against predators, enhanced foraging success, and higher success in finding a mate.
harbor [härbər]: a place on the coast where vessels may find shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other structures. Harbors have long been of great strategic naval and economic importance and have formed the center of many of the world’s great civilizations.
Shoal Harbor builds scaled platforms by combining small independent businesses that derive strategic benefits from being part of the same organization. Our established and repeatable investment process provides a safe and strategic option for lower middle market companies with ambition to become leaders in their space.
Our Strategy for Building Value is
Grounded in Four Key Beliefs:
FORCES OF DIGITIZATION ARE STRONG
Digital transformation can have an outsized and accelerating impact on the trajectory of any business. We believe in embracing changes in technology and have a unique ability to leverage our digital expertise to enhance enterprise value.
FUNDAMENTALS DRIVE LONG-TERM VALUE
Basic principles of operational rigor and financial discipline can create near-term and long-term value. We believe in growth at a reasonable price, and that long-term, durable free cash flow is the hallmark of a successful investment.
THE LOWER MIDDLE MARKET IS RIPE WITH OPPORTUNITY
In a world of tech behemoths and mega-funds, the lower middle market is underappreciated. We believe that this part of the market is full of stable, healthy businesses in need of partnership and support to achieve their full potential.
RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
A deep bench of sector experts, industry contacts, operating executives and investment professionals can supercharge a business. We have robust experience in our sectors and an extensive network that we can attach to every investment to drive outsized results.
TARGET COMPANY PROFILE
- $10 – $100mm Revenue
- $1 – $20mm EBITDA
- Media, Marketing or Information Services
- Opportunity for Digital Transformation
- Significant Inorganic Growth Potential
- North American Headquarters
TARGET DEAL PROFILE
- $10 – $75mm Equity Commitment
- Control Investment
- First or Early Institutional Capital
- Management Ownership Post-Investment
- Sector-Specialized Value Creation Plan
- Multiple Levers for Creating Value
Illustrative Themes:
media
Sports & Entertainment
Content and digitally enabled tools and services that enhance sporting and entertainment experiences and fan engagement.
Emerging Media
Content, tools and services focused on audience engagement and monetization via non-traditional media channels (e.g., digital audio, social, experiential, etc.).
marketing
Marketing Agencies
Businesses that create and execute strategies to build brand awareness, drive engagement, enhance visibility, and connect with target audiences in specific verticals.
Commerce Technology
Data-driven tools and technologies that automate and optimize marketing activities, customer engagement, business intelligence, and campaign performance across retail channels.
information services
Data & Analytics
Digitally enabled information tools and services that facilitate and enhance business intelligence, process efficiency and customer experience for businesses and consumers in specific verticals.
Digital Transformation Services
Consulting firms specializing in software implementation, workforce training, and digital transformation solutions for enterprises.
Our Team
Leadership
Sean Alford
Co-Founder & Partner
Thomas Le, CFA
Co-Founder & Partner
Tom Dempsey
Co-Founder & Partner
Operations
Ed Broaddus
Chief Technology Officer
Jon Campbell, CPA
Controller
CONTACT
