Navigating the Financial Seas: Lightyear Capital's Voyage with ampliFI into Uncharted Waters

Once upon a time, in the bustling metropolis of New York City, a formidable private equity firm by the name of Lightyear Capital embarked on a journey not for the faint of heart. Their mission? To navigate the treacherous, shark-infested waters of financial services and technology. Their treasure? A single-asset continuation vehicle, a rare and mystic vessel capable of leading to untold riches or perilous doom. This tale begins with a company, ampliFI Loyalty Solutions, a beacon of hope for banks and credit unions swimming in the vast ocean of financial competition.

The Maiden Voyage

Our adventure started in 2018 when our brave sailors at Lightyear Capital first set their eyes on the prize - ampliFI. Like a shipwright meticulously carving out a vessel from the mightiest oak, Lightyear meticulously carved out ampliFI from its parent company, setting the stage for what was to become an epic saga of growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Under the steady hand of its captain, Mark Vassallo, and his crew, Lightyear didn't just sail with the wind; they summoned it. Investing in ampliFI's technology and assembling a crew of visionary leaders, they launched new products that allowed customers to fuel their vehicles with points, pay with points, and even check out with points. These were not just additions to their treasure chest; they were the golden doubloons that tripled their EBITDA.

A New Horizon

As every seasoned navigator knows, to reach new lands, one must be willing to chart unknown territories. Lightyear’s commitment to ampliFI was more than just a partnership; it was a pact, sealed on the deck of their newly formed continuation vessel. This was no ordinary ship; it was a ship of dreams, anchored by the prestigious Neuberger Berman and supported by a crew of both new and seasoned investors.

The Crew Speaks

Jay Comerford, the first mate and Managing Director at Lightyear, reminisced about the transformation of ampliFI from a mere processing company to a formidable bank technology and data analytics firm. Under their watch, ampliFI grew not just in size but in stature, becoming a beacon of innovation in the financial services sector.

Mike Knoop, the captain of ampliFI, stood on the deck, looking towards the horizon with determination. With the wind of Lightyear’s partnership in his sails, he spoke of the uncharted territories they were yet to explore. The real-time rewards program was just the beginning, and with their exclusive partnership victories, the future looked as promising as the calm seas at dawn.

Navigating Through Storms

Yet, no journey is without its perils. The seas of financial services are known for their unpredictability, with storms that can test the mettle of even the most experienced sailors. Chris Casciato, another valiant sailor and Managing Director at Lightyear, acknowledged the extraordinary talent and dedication of the ampliFI crew. With multiple levers for growth at their disposal, they were well-equipped to navigate through even the darkest storms.

The Port of Success

As we anchor at the port of today, the journey of Lightyear Capital and ampliFI is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships, innovative thinking, and relentless pursuit of growth. With Evercore as their exclusive financial advisor and the legal acumen of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, they were not just prepared for the journey; they were destined for success.

Charting the Future

As the sun sets on our tale, the future holds new adventures for Lightyear Capital and ampliFI. The continuation vessel is not just a ship; it’s a symbol of their journey forward - a journey of innovation, growth, and unparalleled success.

• Navigating the Seas: With a robust partnership and a relentless pursuit of innovation, the journey is far from over.
• The Crew’s Arsenal: The team's expertise in financial services and technology is the compass that guides their journey.
• The Treasure Chest: With ampliFI’s technology and Lightyear’s strategic acumen, the riches of success are within reach.

As we look towards the horizon, let’s raise our glasses to Lightyear Capital and ampliFI. May their sails always catch the winds of fortune, and may their journey be etched in the annals of financial services history. Here’s to navigating the uncharted waters of success, with innovation as our North Star and strategic partnerships as our sails.

To the future – vast, unpredictable, and full of promise.