HoldCo Builders 7 Acquisitions Done — Buying Businesses on “Easy Mode” in 2025 (here’s why)
12 snips
Oct 31, 2025 Donza Worden, a former private equity professional and founder of Clear Peak Capital, joins Travis Jamison, a multi-exit entrepreneur and investor, to discuss transforming the small business acquisition landscape. They explore how CapitalPad simplifies connections between accredited investors and independent sponsors. From the importance of curated deal flow to insights on startup governance, they highlight how better access to SMB deals can yield impressive returns. The conversation also touches on common mistakes searchers make and the evolving dynamics of the M&A market.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
SMB Acquisitions Offer High Returns But Poor Access
- Independent sponsor and searcher returns often outpace other alternatives, making SMB acquisitions attractive.
- Access barriers and deal sourcing make the asset class hard for individual accredited investors to reach.
Early Launch Path And Curation Choice
- CapitalPad launched after a soft start with two minority deals in April–May 2024 and a formal launch in August 2024.
- The founders chose a curated approach instead of an open marketplace to build trust and reduce noise.
Fee Structure And Governance Leverage
- Searchers pay nothing; investors pay 20% carry and a 1.5% closing fee to access curated deals and governance.
- Use CapitalPad's aggregated capital to push for better sponsor economics and governance protections.