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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
  • From Venture Capital to Independent Sponsor
    Jun 24 2026

    Christian Seale has built healthcare companies from every angle. As a healthcare VC, entrepreneur, and now founder of Despierta, Christian Seale combines VC, PE, and independent sponsorship into a single concept. He explains why buying businesses can be better than building from scratch, how Mexico became a laboratory for healthcare innovation, and why Miami has emerged as one of the world's most attractive cities for entrepreneurs.

    References and how to contact today's guest:
    Christian Seale | 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 2 mins
  • Promoted from Associate to MD at Independent Sponsor Firm
    Jun 17 2026

    Jimmy Watson graduated during the 2009 financial crisis, which forced him to move back home to his parents' basement. Luckily he soon landed a job in FP&A at Raytheon, and later moved through roles in consulting and middle market banking before eyeing the independent sponsor model. He joined Clavis Capital Partners as an associate in 2018 and rose to Managing Director over the next 8 years.

    References and how to contact today's guest:
    Jimmy Watson | 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
  • Two Recaps To 10.5x MOIC
    Jun 10 2026

    Dan Chetrit was a traditional searcher, "stuck" in his first (well-performing) deal. That changed during COVID, when they successfully recapped the company. Rolling their carry back into the business gave them majority control, removed the full-time attention clause, and let them start building a portfolio instead of staying tied to a single company. Since then, they’ve added ~1 new platform per year while building a sourcing engine that aims at making them a top-decile independent sponsor.

    References and how to contact today's guest:
    Dan Chetrit | 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 16 mins
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