Investors & Operators Ep. 141: David Acharya, Managing Partner at Acharya Capital Partners
Topics:
- How to Prepare for a Sale
- Customer Diversification as a Growth Lever
- Importance of Board Culture
...and so much more.
Top Takeaways
- Keep leverage in check for stability. In the ImpactXM deal, David’s team held the company for 10 years and achieved a 21x ROI. When COVID hit, low leverage and a diversified service mix kept the business alive. The lesson for independent sponsors: don’t overextend just to win a deal. A strong balance sheet and disciplined cash management create the runway to survive shocks and capture long-term upside.
- Get the books in order before diligence. David explains that many deals fall apart because sellers aren’t prepared. Independent sponsors should push for clean reporting, monthly closes, and 13-week cash flows. These basics streamline diligence, build investor confidence, and keep management focused on running the business.
- Board culture can drive exponential growth. Founder-led businesses often lack formal boards. Independent sponsors can add immediate value by instituting structured board meetings. Simple steps, like setting agendas, tracking follow-ups, and standardizing reporting, can shift a company from reactive to strategic and set the stage for growth.
About David Acharya
David Acharya is the Managing Partner of Acharya Capital Partners, leading the firm’s investing, strategy, and operations. With 25+ years of investing and transaction experience, he’s known for hands-on value creation. He began his career in investment banking at JPMorgan Chase and Toronto Dominion, where he helped raise $18B+ across telecom, media, consumer, and financial sectors.
About Acharya Capital Partners
Acharya Capital Partners (ACP) is a New York–based independent sponsor firm specializing in lower middle-market investments. The firm partners with founders and management teams to drive growth through disciplined buy-and-build strategies, operational enhancements, and professionalized governance. ACP focuses on companies in technology, media and telecommunications, marketing services, and light manufacturing, typically with $3–20 million of EBITDA.