Overview
CGP Independent Sponsors Group partners with founders who are ready to accelerate their growth trajectory, not only with capital, but with the support of an extremely networked executive team of experienced C-Suite operators.
FAQs Regarding Independent Sponsors
A non-sponsored fund, also known as an independent sponsor fund, differs from a traditional private equity fund in several key ways:
Non-Sponsored Fund
- Operated by an individual or small team (independent sponsor) rather than a large private equity firm.
- Identifies and secures a specific investment opportunity before raising capital from investors.
- Investors have complete control over each investment decision since deals are presented individually rather than committing to a blind pool fund.
- Investors can negotiate investment terms directly with the independent sponsor for each deal.
- Investors have the option to exert control over the operations of the acquired company.
- No management fees charged on uncommitted capital.
- More flexible investment horizon, not bound by a strict 7-10 year fund life.
Traditional Private Equity Fund
- Managed by a large private equity firm (sponsor).
- Raises capital commitments from investors first, before identifying investment opportunities (blind pool).
- Limited partners have little control over which companies the fund invests in.
- Fund imposes its investment terms on portfolio companies.
- Limited partners have no operational control over portfolio companies.
- Charges annual management fees on committed capital, even if undeployed.
- Typically has a defined investment period and fund life of 7-10 years.
- In summary, non-sponsored funds provide investors more control, flexibility and customization compared to committing to a traditional private equity fund, but require more hands-on involvement from the investor side.
Leadership Experience
Founding Leadership Team
Alphred Stephen John | General Partner, Strategy
Stephen has over 40 years in the wireless and broadband sectors, is a telecommunications veteran, notably founding American Broadband to pioneer fiber optic network services for US mobile operators. He’s successfully navigated major mergers, including UNSI with AirBand Communications, and their sale to GTT Communications. Focused on private investing and consulting, Stephen has raised over $300 million for telecommunications innovation.
Mark Metcalf | General Partner, finance
Mark has a significant background in investment banking, real estate, and over 5,000 miles of fiber development. His career highlights include leadership at Atlantic Engineering Group, contributing to Google Fiber and municipal networks, founding Atlantic Fiber Networks focusing on educational fiber assets, and leadership roles at Uniti Fiber and World Fiber Technologies. In 2018, he founded Teton Telecom, advising numerous telecom providers and securing over $200M in grants. Residing in Athens, GA, Metcalf is deeply involved in educational and rural fiber deployment initiatives.
Mark mercer | Managing partner
Mark brings over 30 years of diverse experience across technology startups, Fortune companies, consulting, and military service, including roles from founder to C-suite and board member. His career spans several successful exits, rooted in technology infrastructure like wireless, fiber, cyber, and data centers, blending with sectors like SaaS, AI/ML, and gaming. He’s significantly contributed to startups and growth companies in various capacities including fundraising, due diligence, and product launches. Actively investing in veteran-owned startups and volunteering with veteran organizations, his background includes serving in the U.S. Navy after attending the U.S. Naval Academy.
Jason Welz | Managing partner
Jason is a dynamic technologist, business development leader and visionary CEO with a proven track record of success in the cable, telecommunications, infrastructure and technology sectors. Most recently, Jason led a private equity backed acquisition and integration strategy as the CEO of GridSource, a leading provider of construction and engineering solutions for telecommunications, utility and infrastructure firms. Jason brings a wealth of experience in business strategy, sales, marketing operations, and finance. Prior to his role as CEO of GridSource, he held key leadership positions in both startup ventures and established companies within the cable, telecommunications, technology and infrastructure sectors, where he demonstrated a strong ability to drive growth and deliver results.
Contact Us
Visit: CapitalGrowthPartners.net