@Ben Leybovich Thanks for asking!
First - I want to thank everyone for their thoughtful responses. I've received a ton of value from you all. @Brian Burke, @Brian Briscoe, @Alina Trigub, @Danny Randazzo, @Taylor L., @Ola Dantis, @Roni E., @Michael Ealy, @Michael Le, @John Fortes,
To sum it up, you want a sponsor who:
- Has a track record to know how to manage people and complex processes
- Has the character and is incentivized to do the right thing
- Has the financial means to not enter into bad deals just because they need the acquisition fee and to keep the deal afloat during bad times.
Track record is critical – But # of deals is only one metric, and if all of those deals have been done in the past 2 years with no exit, then that might only tell you that the sponsor can offer the highest price.
I think investors need to look at other sources of track record, such as other relevant business experience. We are, at the end of the day, buying cash-flowing businesses.
Has the sponsor successfully run another business, managed people, managed a budget, managed change, and provided positive returns?
Character – I didn’t originally include, but as @Tj Hines brought up - This is the MOST important! This is where the investor should spend time getting to know the sponsor. Do you believe the sponsor feels a moral obligation to do what is right?
What is their WHY? Does he/she have a calling beyond making the most money? Maybe ask for references.
Skin in the game – Alignment of interests is critical. People only do what they are incentivized to do. The best way to make sure the sponsor will act in your best interest is to make sure they are incentivized to do so.
Thanks All!
Kent