Financial Sponsors
Smart Financing and Strategies for Financial Sponsors
Who We Serve
Strategic Advisory and Expert SolutionsPrivate equity firms, venture capital funds, hedge funds, and institutional investors need an investment banking partner who can source, structure, and execute transactions that maximize returns.
First Turn Capital provides financial sponsors with deal flow, transaction execution, and strategic advisory services that help firms reach their investment goals.
Whether acquiring a company, raising institutional capital, restructuring a portfolio, or planning an exit, First Turn Capital delivers the expertise and execution that financial sponsors need for high-value outcomes.
What Are Financial Sponsors?
Defining Financial Sponsors
A financial sponsor is a firm or institution that raises funds from institutional investors, and then invests in companies with the intent of growing their value and eventually exiting through a sale, initial public offering (IPO), or other strategic transactions. These firms also provide capital and help manage the finances and competitive position of the companies in which they invest.
Financial sponsors usually include:
- Private equity firms
- Venture capital firms
- Hedge funds
- Pension funds and institutional investors
- Family offices and alternative investment firms
Investment Banking Services for Financial Sponsors
Customized Investment Banking Solutions for Financial Sponsors
- Proprietary deal sourcing: Connecting financial sponsors with off-market, high-value acquisition targets.
- Industry and market analysis: Identifying sectors and companies with strong upside potential and value creation opportunities.
- Competitive intelligence: Assessing market positioning, growth potential, and financial health of potential investments.
- Sell-side advisory: Positioning portfolio companies for profitable exits through sales to strategic buyers, IPOs, or secondary buyouts.
- Leveraged buyouts (LBOs): Structuring and executing LBOs with optimized financial and deal structuring.
- Joint ventures: Facilitating strategic partnerships that open new market opportunities and capital efficiencies.
- Debt financing: Arranging senior debt, mezzanine financing, and asset-based lending for leveraged acquisitions.
- Equity capital raising: Sourcing institutional capital for growth, recapitalization, or expansion initiatives.
- Fundraising advisory: Assisting private equity and venture capital firms in raising new investment funds from institutional LPs.
- Convertible securities and structured equity: Developing creative hybrid capital structures that balance risk and return.
- Operational and financial restructuring
- Debt refinancing and recapitalization
- Market repositioning
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) advisory
- Identify the optimal exit strategy (trade sale, secondary buyout, IPO, or recapitalization).
- Maximize valuation and buyer interest through financial restructuring and strategic positioning.
- Prepare for public markets with IPO advisory and institutional investor engagement.
- Structure management buyouts (MBOs) and recapitalizations that provide liquidity while retaining growth potential.
Deal Origination and Target Identification
Finding the right investment opportunities requires deep market knowledge and industry connections. We provide:
Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory
First Turn Capital provides sell-side advisory services, structuring transactions based on the financial sponsor’s investment objectives.
Capital Markets and Financing Solutions
To support acquisitions, growth, and liquidity events, financial sponsors need access to structured capital solutions. First Turn Capital delivers:
Portfolio Company Advisory and Restructuring
First Turn Capital helps financial sponsors strengthen the performance of portfolio companies by providing:
Exit Strategy Planning and Execution
A well-executed exit strategy contributes to the success of an investment. First Turn Capital works with financial sponsors to:
How Financial Sponsors Benefit from First Turn Capital’s Services
Helping Financial Sponsors Achieve Their Financial Goals
First Turn Capital provides institutional-level investment banking solutions based on financial sponsors’ investment strategies. Partnering with us means you can expect the following.
Exclusive Deal Flow and Market Access
Our team connects financial sponsors with off-market transactions, proprietary investment opportunities, and high-growth companies.Comprehensive Deal Execution
We manage the entire transaction lifecycle, from due diligence and valuation to financing and closing.Capital Markets Expertise and Financing Access
Debt, equity, and structured financing solutions that support leveraged buyouts, growth funding, and portfolio liquidity.Strategic Portfolio Management and Value Creation
Financial restructuring, market repositioning, and exit strategy planning that maximizes portfolio returns.
Why First Turn Capital?
Smart Capital for Stronger Outcomes
Deal Flow
AdvantageWe source proprietary, off-market transactions that match your investment thesis and timing.Start-to-Finish
ExecutionOur team manages due diligence, structuring, and closing to reduce friction and accelerate results.Capital Structuring
ExpertsWe create flexible financing solutions for acquisitions, recapitalizations, and fund growth.
Our Investment Banking Experts: A Competitive Advantage for Financial Sponsors
Driving Growth & Value for Financial Sponsors
First Turn Capital is a proven partner for private market investing. We specialize in M&A, capital raising, portfolio advisory, and strategic exits that drive investor returns. Our team of investment bankers operates with the expertise required for high-stakes investing.
First Turn Capital Also Serves:
Let’s Discuss Your Investment Strategy
Financial sponsors benefit more from investment banking expertise that goes beyond deal execution. At First Turn Capital, we provide strategic insights, capital solutions, and long-term value creation.
Connect with First Turn Capital Today!What types of financial sponsors does First Turn Capital work with?
We work with a range of financial sponsors, including private equity firms, venture capital funds, hedge funds, institutional investors, and family offices. Whether you’re raising a fund, executing a buyout, or preparing for a portfolio exit, our services are built to support your strategy.
How do you help sponsors with deal sourcing?
Our team provides proprietary deal flow by leveraging deep industry connections and market insight. We identify off-market targets that align with your investment thesis and provide competitive intelligence to support acquisition decisions.
What is your role in a leveraged buyout (LBO)?
We structure and execute LBOs from end to end. That includes arranging senior and mezzanine debt, modeling capital structures, assisting with due diligence, and guiding negotiations. Our goal is to optimize terms and reduce execution risk.
Can you help sponsors raise institutional capital?
Yes. We support financial sponsors in raising equity and debt from institutional investors. Whether you’re financing a specific transaction or raising a new fund, we position your opportunity to align with investor mandates and market conditions.
Do you provide exit planning services for portfolio companies?
Absolutely. We work with sponsors to identify the right exit strategy—whether that’s a sale to a strategic buyer, IPO, recapitalization, or secondary buyout. Our team boosts value by preparing companies for the market and driving competitive interest.
What kind of strategic advisory do you provide to portfolio companies?
We advise on operational restructuring, financial repositioning, recapitalization, and ESG strategy. We help optimize performance and prepare portfolio companies for growth, acquisition, or exit—whichever outcome delivers the most value.
How do you support cross-border transactions?
We assist with cross-border M&A through global market analysis, international deal structuring, and coordination with local legal and financial partners. Our team makes sure your transaction complies with all relevant regulations and maximizes value.
What makes First Turn Capital different from other investment banking firms?
We’re not just execution-focused—we think like investors. Our team understands the lifecycle of a fund, the pressure to create returns, and the need for speed and discretion. We align with your goals and work as an extension of your investment team.
Is Your Business Ready for a Sale or Strategic Exit?
Why This 60 Second Form Is Worth Your Time
It’s the first step in exploring a potential M&A transaction with First Turn Capital.
- Uncover What’s Driving Your Valuation
- Spot Operational Gaps That Could Kill a Deal
- See If You’re Caught in the Owner’s Trap
- Understand What Buyers Are Really Looking For
Once you complete the form, a member of our senior M&A team will review it and follow up with a confidential, no-pressure call. We’ll walk through your responses, discuss timing, and share what today’s buyers are paying for, along with what they’re avoiding. Whether you're planning for the future or already entertaining offers, this is a smart place to start.
Stay Ahead with Insights Built for Business Owners
Start the Conversation With First Turn Capital
Thinking about a sale? Exploring growth capital? Planning for something in between? It starts with this form.
Give us 60 seconds, and we’ll help you make your next move with confidence.
Join hundreds of owners and executives who receive our monthly updates. We share practical insights on deal activity, valuation trends, and the strategies successful companies use to plan for a sale or partnership. It’s clear, focused content from advisors who understand both sides of the table.