Insights

Predictive Owner Psychology: Identifying Companies Ready for Transactions

June 25, 2025

Personal motivations, not just financial metrics, drive business sale decisions in private equity. Understanding an owner's psychological readiness for a transaction enables firms to engage at the optimal time, boosting deal flow efficiency.

Building a Deal Engine: Core Components of Elite PE Firm BD Operations

June 18, 2025

In the increasingly competitive private equity landscape, the difference between average and exceptional deal sourcing performance isn't merely effort or luck—it's systematic process.

Why Multi-Channel Approaches Generate 3.4x Higher Responses

June 11, 2025

In the competitive landscape of private equity deal sourcing, a fundamental shift is occurring. The days of single-channel outreach—sending emails and hoping for responses—are giving way to sophisticated multi-channel engagement strategies that dramatically improve conversion rates and relationship development.

The Untapped 83.5%: Why Most PE Firms Miss the Best Acquisition Opportunities

June 4, 2025

In today's hyper competitive private equity landscape, a striking reality remains hidden in plain sight: PE firms, on average, see only 16.5% of relevant acquisition opportunities in their target markets.

Beyond Dealflow: The Debt and Talent Dynamics Reshaping M&A

May 12, 2025

The DealMax 2025 keynote spotlighted two key forces set to shape deal outcomes this year: shifting debt market dynamics and a rapidly evolving workforce.

Operational Value Creation

May 5, 2025

At DealMax 2025, Withum’s Travis Loomis and Steve Brady shared a forward-thinking playbook for private equity firms to drive sustainable operational value beyond traditional cost-cutting.

Market Dynamics: What PE Firms Need to Know for Dealflow in 2025

April 28, 2025

Key insights reveal emerging trends set to shape deal origination in 2025—critical intel for strategic buyers, independent sponsors, and private equity firms refining their go-forward strategies.

In Defense of Action

April 23, 2025

In volatile markets, private equity firms gain a competitive edge by staying active, sourcing deals, and building relationships while others pull back.

Introducing CAPTARGET's Warm Calling Service

March 19, 2025

Our Warm Calling Service boosts deal origination through strategic, real-time conversations & pre-qualified prospects.

CAPTARGET's 2024 Playbook for Quality Lead Flow

October 8, 2024

Buyers must be diligent, consistent, and focus not on 'who' you work with but what that firm is specifically doing.

BridgeCo: The Deliverable Partner for PE Funds

August 14, 2024

BridgeCo provides investor presentations, overview decks, reporting templates and more for PE funds.

Evolving Deal Origination: Beyond Leads and Fees

June 26, 2024

Rather than looking to sell leads to funds, we look to partner with private equity firms to help them build healthier pipelines.

Is Your Fund the "Right Size" for Deal Origination with CAPTARGET?

May 15, 2024

Regardless of firm size, all professional acquirers of companies need to focus on the long game of building, nurturing and maintaining healthy deal pipelines.

How the CAPTARGET Approach Compares to Other Deal Origination Service Providers

May 8, 2024

Professional buyers have a lot options when it comes to piecing together the source of their next acquisition. Here's how to make sense of the options in the marketplace today.

The easiest way for PE and Corp Dev professionals to build more intermediary relationships

February 28, 2024

Bankers, lawyers, deal platforms, deal auctions, listing websites, direct marketing . . . it’s impossible to stay active on every front.

Lower Middle-Market Deal Sourcing: Here’s What You’re Up Against

February 26, 2024

As a buyer in this market, here's what you face from the competition.

4 deal origination email mistakes Private Equity firms should avoid

February 13, 2024

Deal Origination online is tricky. You find a company that at face value could be a great acquisition candidate, so you cold email them…

Strategic Buyer Origination Case Study

September 20, 2023

Grata: Empower Your Deal Sourcing in a New Way

September 14, 2023

Grata is not just another company database – it's a game-changer in the field of private company intelligence. Contact us and we’ll make a firsthand introduction to their team.

Your Options to Source: Who CAPTARGET fits and Who it Doesn’t

August 15, 2023

Sourcing your next deal is always a fresh challenge. What if this time around …. You could do it with less pain, less waste, and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in deal fees?

CAPTARGET Named Best Deal Origination Service Provider

June 27, 2023

We've been named the Best Deal Origination Service Provider award by the M&A Today Global Awards 2023.

Operational and Financial Reporting Work After You Source a Deal

May 30, 2023

See why recommend Signature Analytics as a partner to help operational and financial reporting, post-close.

Why Wait for a Deal to Post on a Marketplace?

March 24, 2023

There is nothing wrong with "on market" deals. But most ‘good’ deals represented by intermediaries do not get mass marketed.

Deal Origination Cost Comparison

January 6, 2023

In 2023, professional buyers have several options when choosing a path to originate a deal. Which is best? What are the costs? Here's a revised look at deal sourcing partner "types" and how they may fit for you.

What is a “JAMBOG”?

August 23, 2022

“JAMBOG” is an unofficial term that stands for ‘just another mid-market buyout group’.

The Difference Between Buy Side Firms, Data/Tools, and CAPTARGET

August 8, 2022

Working with CAPTARGET means having a deal origination partner who is aligned with you.

Private Equity: Who “Owns” Your Leads?

July 26, 2022

Most buy side firms can not promise you true ownership of your lead funnel. Why? Because the economic model of a traditional buy side firm disincentivizes it!

M&A Groups: How a White-Label of our Buy Side Process Works

May 31, 2022

We don't advise or participate in any transaction fees.  We strictly bring the "horse to water."

After a Deal is Sourced, What About Due Diligence?

March 8, 2022

For those buyers looking for options when entering due diligence, finding a cost-effective proposal from a reputable set of professionals is paramount.

Deal Sourcing: Buyer Strategies for Unique Messaging

November 22, 2021

Here are a handful of effective messaging strategies that we have seen used by buyers, and notes about their advantages and disadvantages.

The Myth of Proprietary Deal Flow

November 2, 2021

‘Is there really such a thing as proprietary deal flow?’. The answer is imperfect to say the least.

How Sourcing Deals Has Changed as PE Goes Down Market ($2MM EBITDA and Below)

October 13, 2021

What happens when buyers move down market? We take a look at the effects on sourcing strategies.

Deal Sourcing for Searchers {Webinar}

October 1, 2021

CAPTARGET CEO Gabe Galvez hosts this webinar on the Searchfunder platform, to discuss deal sourcing for "searchers". Smaller buyers, like search funds and independent sponsors, can compete against larger competitors if they take advantage of technology, data, and email.

Broad Search vs. Narrow Targeted Search

October 1, 2021

What’s better? We recently ran the result metrics side by side for our clients, and broke it down below. Here’s what we found.

Proprietary Deal or Intermediary Sourced? Pros and Cons

September 24, 2021

Going the proprietary route? You may find a deal but the chances of you closing on it are fairly low.

Deal Origination for Family Offices [Webinar + Recap]

June 10, 2021

Our Co-Founder/CEO Gabe Galvez presented to the audience at Family Office Insights on deal origination for family offices, and other professional buyers who are looking to source companies to acquire.

What are Business Sellers Thinking in 2021?

June 7, 2021

It's a very interesting time for the world of professional buyers. Let's take a look at what we think business owners - and your potential business sellers - are thinking these days.

Webinar Replay: Tools & Strategies Every M&A Firm Should Use in 2021

March 2, 2021

Watch Co-Founder/CEO Gabe Galvez explain exactly what strategies M&A firms should be using in 2021 to grow their firm.

The CAPTARGET Deal Origination Research Process {Updated}

February 24, 2021

We answer the question, "Where do you get your data?"

10 Years Serving the M&A Market: What's Changed?

January 7, 2021

‍As we enter our 10th year of service, we ask ourselves and our clients one question - how can we continue to run leaner, meaner deal shops?

How to Manage Changing Market Dynamic: M&A Firms

December 21, 2020

"How Can Buyers Be Better?" Survey Results

August 4, 2020

With a potential universe of 10,000 private equity firms out there, it's important for buyers to take into consideration how they could improve their chances of landing a deal.

Email Marketing Best Practices for M&A Firms – Updated

June 17, 2020

This week, we explain: 1. How to manage your audience long term. 2. Content ideas to keep your message fresh over time.

Closing a CAPTARGET sourced deal

May 26, 2020

One question is asked by prospective private equity clients more than any other – what happens when we close a deal that you sourced?

4 tips to build a recession proof M&A firm

May 19, 2020

With economic uncertainty at its highest point in a long time, M&A professionals should consider these proactive strategies.

Deal Sourcing Exclusive to Portfolio Add-Ons

April 28, 2020

The data doesn't lie. Portfolio add-on searches are most successful when taking our unique approach to direct sourcing acquisition targets. Here's how it works.

The 5 Most Common Questions You Want Answered about CAPTARGET Right Now (COVID-19 Update)

April 20, 2020

Is CAPTARGET a deal marketplace? Is CAPTARGET a software platform? and more answers to the most common questions about our service.

Here’s How a Successful M&A Client Process Runs

April 7, 2020

Creating a Buyers List that hand-selects your targets is a process our team excels with.

Survey Responses: How COVID-19 Has Affected M&A Outlook

April 6, 2020

In an effort to pass along as much information as possible to our industry, we asked your peers to send in some anecdotal insights into what they’ve seen in their business these past few weeks.

Axial vs CAPTARGET

March 5, 2020

Business development, which has typically been conducted internally or through buy side firms, is now being thought of and done in different, more efficient ways.

4 Keys to the Perfect Confidential Investment Memorandum (CIM)

February 24, 2020

Sell-side advisors can sometimes overlook the basics when building a CIM or pitchbook. Here's our take on what matters most after working with hundreds of M&A professionals.

Comparing the Best M&A Conferences & Trade Organizations

January 20, 2020

They can be great sources of information, deal flow and are often a fun time to boot. Here is our updated take on four top trade groups in the M&A world.

Top Players in Lower Middle Market Healthcare PE, M&A

January 13, 2020

The 2020’s promise to be a decade with a significant level of continued M&A activity in the healthcare industry.

5 Reasons to Continue Sourcing Through the Holidays

November 11, 2019

While the slow months can shave a few sourcing days off the calendar, we believe there are a number of compelling reasons to keep sourcing diligently through summer and the Q4 holidays. Here is why:

Corporate Development Origination Case Study

October 17, 2019

A private equity backed manufacturer of LED lighting components. Already growing fast from internal efforts, the firm was now looking to grow through acquisition.

Small Private Equity Firm Origination Case Study

July 1, 2019

Formerly independent sponsors, this new, California based 2 MD private equity firm was looking to pivot towards investing their own capital into larger deals.

Our 3 Step Process to Creating CIMs for Clients

June 19, 2019

A M&A professional hires us to build a CIM. How does it all work?

The High Value You Should Place on Personalized Messaging

June 5, 2019

There is an approach to deal origination that is a fundamental choice that many private equity firms (and other professional buyers) can understand, and implement.It’s this: Origination is marketing.

M&A Research Service Model Update

March 18, 2019

M&A firms will carry no cost until they need support while still having access to our U.S based analysts team equipped with the needed tools to run their back office.

Port Co or PE Outreach? Which is better when searching for add-ons?

January 23, 2019

Private equity buyers should know that 'who' sends the email has significant impact on how often a willing business owner responds to the outreach.

CIM Flexibility

January 3, 2019

While we publish our standard CIM (or CBR, pitchbook etc.) on our website – the reality is very few CIMs are identical in scope or format.

The Outdated Sourcing Methods That Could Be Holding You Back

November 14, 2018

Follow the path of your portfolio companies (and every other business) and leverage technology more often.

CAPTARGET Announces Improved Origination Service for Private Equity Dealmakers

October 25, 2018

Originally published via BusinessWire.

M&A startup case study

September 18, 2018

A brand new firm, 3 professional’s, based in California, focused on distressed middle market transactions regionally.

Increasing Prospect List Hit Rate

July 9, 2018

Usually, this conversation focus on data sources and tools used to generate screens that eventually become buyers lists. While data sources are important, there is one way to drastically improve the hit rate of your buyer outreach – carefully vetting and testing emails.

How Do You Stand Out from the Noise?

June 4, 2018

In a sea of noise with 15,000 active buyers out there trying to find the next deal, how do you compete with your messaging?

Core Management Partners are Finding New Deals with CAPTARGET

May 29, 2018

CAPTARGET’s origination services are being used by investment groups and funds both large and small. Every so often, we like to highlight a partnership that tells a good story of success.

Comparing Corporate Development Origination Strategies

May 8, 2018

While no single strategy is necessarily ‘the best’, the pros and cons of each should be considered prior to investing heavily in your company’s acquisition strategy.

Deal Origination Client Success: 5 Month “Check-in”

April 25, 2018

Five months into our partnership, San Diego-based Visual Communications Company, LLC (VCC) now enjoys a robust pipeline of potential acquisitions.

Email marketing best practices for M&A firms – Part 2

April 10, 2018

This week, we explain: 1. Exactly what goes wrong with most firms’ email campaigns. 2. And what you can do to be different, so you succeed with email.

Email marketing best practices for M&A firms – Part 1

April 2, 2018

Regardless of what email platform you use, or what your area of speciality is, there are a few key best practices that often make the difference between a lead generating initiative and a waste of time.

M&A Firm Spotlight: Capstone Headwaters LLC

April 2, 2018

Every so often, we like to spotlight an M&A firm that we think deserves extra attention. The combined group at Capstone Headwaters is certainly worthy of a nod, given their industry depth, office coverage, and experience across 150 M&A professionals.

Glen Street Capital Partners with Captarget for Deal Origination Services

March 26, 2018

Led by co-founders Asha Moran and Marty Moran, Glen Street is a family-owned investment partnership that is actively seeking acquisitions with $3M to $18M in Revenue and $1-2M in EBITDA.

2018 M&A Research Cost Comparison

March 20, 2018

Let’s do a quick cost comparison of CAPTARGET’s research support services vs. internal fulfillment using a sample firm for reference below:

Comparing Deal Origination Strategies

March 19, 2018

While no single strategy is necessarily ‘the best’, each option is most effective with different a buyer type.

M&A Firm Spotlight: Saddle Creek LLC

March 5, 2018

Every so often, we meet a M&A firm really stands apart from the crowd.

‘Internal’ outreach for maximum origination results

March 1, 2018

There are two major differences when comparing CAPTARGET’s deal origination service to that of a buy side firm…

What is M&A research anyway?

February 19, 2018

Although we work with hundreds of middle market M&A firms supporting their research and other needs I still talk to people every day who do not fully understand how we help middle market M&A firms.

Private Equity Deal Origination Best Practices

February 19, 2018

Below are a few recommendations to take into account when considering modernizing or augmenting your current deal origination process:

VCC Partners with Captarget for New Deal Origination Services

February 11, 2018

San Diego-based Visual Communications Company, LLC (VCC) has partnered with Captarget to help source new acquisitions. VCC is a leading supplier of LED components to industries that range from aerospace, to telecom and food service.

Private Equity Deal Origination Survey Results

February 5, 2018

Is your private equity firm seeing enough deal flow to meet targets? Do you have the needed resources to stay competitive in today’s hyper competitive market?

Symmetrical Investments and HD Ventures close CAPTARGET sourced deal

January 23, 2018

We are proud to announce that our clients Symmetrical Investments and HD ventures have partnered and closed on a CAPTARGET originated deal.

Circle Square Capital Partners with Captarget for Deal Origination

January 15, 2018

We are proud to announce that La Jolla-based private equity firm Circle Square Capital has chosen Captarget to provide deal origination support in 2018.

Beyond origination – best practices consulting recap

August 31, 2017

Last week we had the pleasure of engaging with a group of private equity professionals based in Texas who had a unique request -

Left Field M&A Project Updates

August 28, 2017

Ask any investment banker and they will tell you – no two deals are exactly alike. The diverse nature of the M&A fulfillment process means that there are times where M&A professionals need support in ways that are simply not on our menu.

When origination campaigns underperform

February 27, 2017

Recently, we were meeting with a prospective private equity deal origination client who asked a poignant question – “When these engagements don’t produce the anticipated result, what is the cause of the underperformance?”.

Boutique M&A firm – case study update

February 14, 2017

Boutique New York City based M&A firm with 3 staff analysts and 1 CAPTARGET analyst subscription.

M&A Firms – Get Competitive In 2017

February 6, 2017

Yes, valuations were up, but middle market deal count has actually been dropping for more than 18 months particularly deals acquired by PE buyers. Below are a few stats that may be of interest:

3 prospect list building mistakes to avoid in M&A

January 9, 2017

Ah, the prospect list. Nearly everyone at any M&A firm regardless of size has built a few prospect lists.

Wholesale vs. Retail Deal Origination

January 3, 2017

We often call ourselves a wholesale provider of deal origination…but what does that mean?

Announcing a new, more focused www.captarget.com

November 28, 2016

Over the last 6 years, we have launched 8 websites. Looking back, it is still amazing to us how much our service, message and brand have evolved over the years.

Boutique M&A firm – research case study

October 26, 2016

Boutique New York City based M&A firm with 3 staff analysts and 1 significant database subscription supporting 5 deal makers.

Internal vs. External Origination Results

October 11, 2016

Prior to discussing the various methods and platforms private equity groups can use to support deal origination there is often debate over internal vs. external strategies.

Deal Origination Case Study

August 16, 2016

Most private equity firms call us with similar stories. You see plenty of deals but do not see enough of the right type of deals. We publish our typical sourcing rates here on our website but we all know that no two firms or mandates are the same.

Subject lines matter in Private Equity acquisition searches!

June 22, 2016

For such a sophisticated group of professionals, I am always amazed at how poor their email conversion strategies are.

What happened to Web?

June 19, 2016

Frequent visitors may have noticed a change to the site – We are no longer offering web development services.

4 simple ways M&A firms sign up more clients

June 14, 2016

What if I told you that you could easily catch up with your competition by making just a few small changes to your M&A firm?

Do you wonder how many deals you don’t see?

June 7, 2016

With so many deal origination options and strategies out there, picking the right one can be hard. Most private equity buyers we work with can’t dedicate personnel to managing multiple deal origination channels full-time.

Announcing Merger Labs!

May 23, 2016

Over the years we have added a number of services to our M&A research core offering. As we have grown our service scope and messaging have become so diverse that it's gotten a bit confusing.

Deal origination announcement

May 10, 2016

For nearly 5 years we have been providing a broad business development service to M&A firms and Private Equity groups alike. Over the years we learned a lot about generating deal flow in the middle market.