A Trusted Partner for Founder-Led Businesses
M&A expertise, and hands-on value creation for your next chapter.
About
FCL Capital Partners is a private investment firm focused on partnering with founder-led and family-owned businesses in the lower middle market. We combine institutional-grade M&A expertise with hands-on value creation, so founders can confidently navigate their next chapter — whether that means stepping back, bringing in a partner, or accelerating growth.
Who We Partner With
We work with founders and family-owned businesses who want a trusted partner to scale, transition, or recapitalize their company.
Founder-Led & Family Businesses
Established companies with strong customer relationships.
EBITDA $2M–$20M
High-margin lower-middle-market companies.
U.S. & Canada
National footprint and Canada.
Industry Focus
Business Services, Consumer Services & Products, Manufacturing.
How We Create Value
FCL is more than a capital provider — we bring a structured value creation engine built around M&A expertise, operator support, and Buy & Build execution.
- M&A Expertise
We help structure, negotiate, and execute transactions founders shouldn’t have to learn alone.
- CEO-in-Residence Network
Experienced operators ready to support transitions or step into leadership roles.
- Buy & Build Strategy
Add-on acquisitions that expand capabilities, geography, and market share.
- Founder-Aligned Terms
Majority and minority recapitalizations with meaningful rollover equity to keep interests aligned.
- Value Creation Engine
Playbooks for pricing, sales optimization, organizational structure, and financial discipline.
Why Founders Choose FCL
When you’re selling or recapitalizing a business you’ve built over decades, who you partner with matters as much as price.
Founder-Friendly Approach
We tailor deal structures around your goals, not a rigid fund mandate.
Transparent & Direct
You work directly with decision-makers. No endless committees or bureaucracy.
Hands-On Support
Strategic and operational support before, during, and after the transaction.
Clear Timelines
Fast, honest feedback and a disciplined process so you always know where you stand.
Long-Term Alignment
We invest for value creation over 4–5 years, not short-term flipping.
Is Your Business Ready for Sale?
Find out in just 2 minutes.
Take our free Exit Readiness Quiz and see where you stand.
No prep needed. Just honest answers.
Who We Are
Our principals have extensive Investment Banking and Restructuring experience at bulge-bracket investment banks and hedge funds advising public and private companies representing over $55 billion in global Mergers & Acquisitions, Debt & Equity Capital Markets, Leveraged Finance, and Project Finance.
Rafael De Paoli
Founder & CEO
Paulo Zottolo
Strategic Advisor, Consumer
Duncan Caird
Strategic Advisor, Infrastructure
Mike Sanders
Strategic Advisor, Technology
Andre Molinari
Strategic Advisor, Franchising
Ajla Gilić
Investor Relations
Lucas Burigo
Senior Associate
Companies We Have Worked With...
Disclaimer – The referenced companies have maintained relationships with FCL Capital Partners and or its staff even through previous employment. Logos of the referenced companies are the property of those companies and are solely used for referenced purposes. Such citations should not be viewed as direct or indirect endorsement.
Testimonials
Insights
Introduction to Selling Your Business
Introductory video detailing the key steps to the selling process, common challenges, and the role of professional advisors.
6 Key Steps to Prepare Your Business for Sale
As a seller, your goal should be to prepare the company well, making it as desirable as possible for buyers to not only drive the highest possible price but also attract the best terms and conditions.
How to Value Your Business -
3 Popular Methods
This video describes the three most popular valuation methods and important considerations to maximize business value.
Preparing Your Business For Sale
Key Documents and Due Diligence
This in-depth guide navigates through the critical stages, essential paperwork, and the comprehensive due diligence required to position your business optimally in the marketplace.
Maximizing Business Value
A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners
This comprehensive guide unravels essential strategies aimed at enhancing assets, streamlining operations, and showcasing growth potential, ultimately boosting the allure and value of your business in the eyes of potential buyers.
Private Equity Offers
Understanding Purchase Price Components
In this article, we will examine the six primary components of the purchase price in a private equity transaction including cash, third-party financing, seller notes, rollover equity, earnouts, and escrow.
Contact Us
FCL Capital Partners
Corporate Office
1001 Brickell Bay Drive
Suite 2700
Miami, FL 33131
By Email
Send Us A Message
Please let us know how we can help you.
Ready to explore your exit strategy or growth opportunities? Contact us today to learn how our services can help you achieve your strategic goals.