Align Collaborate: Empowering Independent Sponsors for Growth and Success

In today's competitive financial landscape, independent sponsors are becoming an increasingly important force in the private equity sector. These experienced professionals bring valuable expertise and deal origination capabilities to the table, making them an attractive option for investors seeking unique opportunities. Recognizing this trend, Align Capital Partners ("ACP") has launched Align Collaborate, a dedicated private equity strategy focused on partnering with independent sponsors.

Align Collaborate was established in 2023 through a partnership between ACP and seasoned independent sponsor investors, Grant Kornman and Michael Kornman. The goal of Collaborate is clear: to be a collaborative equity partner that offers strong strategic and financial alignment to each prospective independent sponsor relationship.

With private capital fundraising on the decline and a growing number of high-quality independent sponsor professionals, Align Collaborate sees the current market as an opportune time to create a dedicated strategy for this distinct group of investors. The strategy will target equity investments ranging from $5-30 million per transaction in support of platform companies with an EBITDA between $2-15 million.

The launch of Align Collaborate is seen as a natural complement to ACP's flagship fund strategy and their commitment to aiding the growth of lower-middle market businesses. By establishing a dedicated team and equity capital focused on serving as a true growth partner to independent sponsors, ACP aims to provide speed and certainty to what is often the most important deal of an independent sponsor's career.

Grant and Michael Kornman, the co-founders of NCK Capital, bring valuable experience to the table. NCK Capital, a boutique independent sponsor, successfully acquired controlling interests in lower-middle market companies and completed five platform acquisitions across various industries. Through their prior experience, the Kornman brothers understand the importance of addressing the question of where the money comes from for independent sponsors.

Align Collaborate aims to provide value-added equity capital for independent sponsor transactions, offering greater certainty of funding and a partnership approach that combines direct experience in leading independent sponsor investments with growth resources from the Align Capital Partners toolkit. This combination of financial backing, operational expertise, and industry knowledge will provide independent sponsors with the support needed to navigate the complex world of private equity.

Align Collaborate's growth-oriented approach is centered around creating shared success. The team recognizes the importance of building strong partnerships with independent sponsors and strives to bring certainty, operational value-add, and a diverse entrepreneurial perspective to each opportunity. As an affiliate of Align Capital Partners, Align Collaborate can leverage the firm's network and resources to deliver exceptional results for their partners.

Align Capital Partners is a growth-oriented private equity firm with a track record of success. Managing $1.5 billion in committed capital, ACP has investment teams in Cleveland and Dallas. They specialize in partnering with business owners and management teams to accelerate growth and create shared success. With a focus on the lower-middle market, ACP makes control investments in differentiated companies within the business services, technology, specialty manufacturing, and distribution sectors.

For more information about Align Collaborate and how they empower independent sponsors for growth and success, please visit their website at [aligncollaborate.com](https://www.aligncollaborate.com). To learn more about Align Capital Partners and their commitment to creating value in the lower-middle market, visit [aligncp.com](https://www.aligncp.com).

In conclusion, Align Collaborate's launch marks an exciting development in the private equity landscape. By recognizing the importance of independent sponsors and establishing a dedicated strategy to support their growth, Align Capital Partners is positioning itself as the first call for this distinct group of investors. With a focus on collaboration, strategic alignment, and shared success, Align Collaborate is set to make a significant impact in the world of independent sponsor-led transactions.