How Independent Sponsors REALLY Buy Businesses (M&A from the Inside)

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What Happens When a Guy with Grit Takes on M&A Without a Giant PE Firm Behind Him?

In this episode, Casey Minshew lays it out—no fluff.

He walks us through his real-world journey as an independent sponsor—finding deals, funding them, and figuring it out as he goes. No Wall Street suits. Just persistence, smart due diligence, and a crew he trusts.

We talk lessons learned (some the hard way), how to avoid rookie mistakes, and why your network can make or break your next deal.

You’ll also hear how Casey’s using tech to gain an edge—and what legacy businesses are hiding in plain sight for anyone paying attention.

If you're thinking about buying a business—or want to raise capital without writing a massive check—don’t miss this one.

Plus, we dive into what’s happening at the M&A Launchpad Conference and how it’s shaping the future of small business ownership.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Casey Minchew and Equity Launchpad
01:41 Understanding Independent Sponsorship
04:46 Lessons from the First Acquisition
09:56 Navigating Challenges in Business
14:35 The Importance of Team and Transparency
19:34 Transitioning to Independent Sponsorship
24:36 Capital Structure and Deal Sourcing
29:57 Building a Business with Integrity
35:22 The Journey of Networking and M&A
36:16 Navigating Business Acquisitions
38:53 The Importance of Networking Capital
40:54 Learning from Past Mistakes
44:04 Understanding Different Business Models
49:18 Compressing Time in Deal-Making
51:15 Exploring New Business Opportunities
54:15 The Role of Seller Financing
55:54 Building Relationships in Business
01:02:26 Creating a Community through M&A Launchpad
01:04:43 The Future of M&A and Market Trends