Minds Capital Podcast Podcast By Will Smith & Niklas James cover art

Minds Capital Podcast

Minds Capital Podcast

By: Will Smith & Niklas James
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Your connection to the growing world of independent sponsors and deal-by-deal private equity.© 2026 Will Smith & Niklas James Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • "We're Not Operators": Bridging Capital & Management
    Mar 25 2026

    As early deal-by-deal pioneers, Edwin Burke and Chris Eichmann of Pillsman Partners have have completed 7 platform investments and 23 add-on acquisitions since their founding in 2012. Unlike many PE executives who embrace operations depth as a differentiator, Pillsman's "suits & jeans" model focuses on value creation through partnership, team building, capital access, and strategy.

    References and how to contact today's guest:
    Edwin Burke | LinkedIn
    Chris Eichmann | LinkedIn

    Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

    Connect with Minds:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
    • Visit Minds Capital

    Credits:

    • Edited by Anton Rohozov
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • 7x Organic EBITDA Growth After Liberating Employees
    Mar 18 2026

    Corbin Cook and Alex Swanston of Rise Run Capital challenge the "get rich slow" reputation of independent sponsorship. Since starting 6 years ago, after having roadmapped their firm over beers by a bonfire in Wyoming, they have acquired 5 platforms, reaching more than $50m of aggregate EBITDA, before landing their 1st home run exit (7x EBITDA growth in 4 years) a few months ago.

    References and how to contact today's guest:
    Corbin Cook | LinkedIn
    Alex Swanston | LinkedIn

    Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

    Connect with Minds:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
    • Visit Minds Capital

    Credits:

    • Edited by Anton Rohozov
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • The Applied AI Engineer: A New PE Weapon
    Mar 11 2026

    Chris Breaux left the world of $500m middle-market deals as an investment banker to build Emberline, an independent sponsor focused on the intersection between government, defense, and vertical tech. Their portfolio consists of 3 platform companies. They view technology and AI as a differentiator in the small business world, leaning heavily in on the implementation and utilization to drive organic growth.

    References and how to contact today's guest:
    Chris Breaux | LinkedIn

    Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

    Connect with Minds:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
    • Visit Minds Capital

    Credits:

    • Edited by Anton Rohozov
    Show more Show less
    59 mins
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