Connect with us

Press Release

Leading Lower Middle-Market Specialist Investment Firm Star Mountain Capital Bolsters its Secondaries and Investor Solutions Team Adding Bryan Johnson as a Managing Director Based in Los Angeles

Published

on

–News Direct–

Star Mountain Capital, LLC (Star Mountain), a rapidly growing specialized private credit and secondaries investment firm targeting systematic alpha and low market correlated returns for its global institutional and high-net-worth investors, is pleased to announce that Bryan Johnson has joined as a Managing Director based in Star Mountains Los Angeles office, one of its teams 20+ locations nationwide.

With over $4 billion in assets under management (committed capital including debt facilities as of 4/30/24), alignment of interest is a core value of Star Mountains investor-centric business, including being 100% employee-owned and sharing investment profits with 100% of its U.S.-based full-time team. Star Mountain is a purpose-built business with one of the largest teams focused on investing in established, profitable, small and medium-sized private U.S. businesses (the lower middle-market) which represents approximately 50% of U.S. GDP and one of the potentially most attractive locations for investors to diversify their portfolios.

Bryan Johnson has nearly 20 years of leadership experience advising and consulting on strategic investment solutions to some of the worlds largest and most sophisticated wealth managers, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. In addition to his financial expertise, business owners and investors appreciate his seven years of management and operating experience in the semiconductor industry.

We are committed to providing our investors with the best resources and service possible in accessing the benefits of the less efficient and large U.S. lower middle-market which can include a higher cash yield, tax advantages and portfolio constriction benefits of less correlated assets, said Brett Hickey, Star Mountain Capital Founder & CEO. We are thrilled for Bryan to join our Los Angeles office and add to our presence on the West Coast where Star Mountain has numerous important investors and investments.

"I've been impressed by Star Mountain's leadership team and the existing client base of sophisticated clients and investors," Mr. Johnson said. "I was also intrigued to learn how large and highly fragmented the lower middle-market is at nearly 50% of the U.S. economy. This presents a great opportunity for investors to target higher potential returns by either providing liquidity to these smaller, yet resilient, businesses or by providing liquidity to other investors through Star Mountain's secondaries platform. Investors may benefit from exposure to this fragmented segment of the market and economy, which many portfolios do not have exposure to. This is also a compelling and timely opportunity due to the expected increase in M& A activity with small businesses due to aging demographics. Star Mountain has a distinctive origination and underwriting platform to capitalize on these opportunities."

Most recently, Mr. Johnson spent 15 years in Los Angeles at AQR Capital Management, an alternative investment management firm with over $200 billion in assets under management at its peak, rising from a Vice President to a Managing Director including leading RIA business development on the west coast and strategic relationships nationally. During his tenure, he consulted with RIAs, wealth managers, and single/multi-family offices on sophisticated alternative investments. He joined AQR from Dimensional Fund Advisors, a ~$650 billion asset management firm where he spent three years, most recently as a Regional Director based in Los Angeles.

Mr. Johnson began his career at Infineon, a ~$15 billion revenue global semiconductor solutions company, where he held business development and project management roles over the course of a seven-year tenure.

He graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and earned an MBA from University of Southern California. Mr. Johnson is FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 30 and 66 licensed.

Mr. Johnson is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and also holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation. He is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Los Angeles, which he has lectured for since 2011.

About Star Mountain

With over $4 billion in assets under management (committed capital including debt facilities as of 5/15/2024), Star Mountain takes a data-driven approach to investing into the North American lower middle-market through two complementary investment strategies: (i) direct debt and equity investing and (ii) secondaries (acquiring LP interests and direct assets and making primary LP commitments). Star Mountain believes these complementary strategies provide data-enhanced, scalable, diversified, and customizable access for its institutional and qualifying high-net-worth investors to established businesses that generally have at least $15 million in annual revenues and under $50 million in EBITDA. Its investors include public pensions, private pensions, insurance companies, commercial banks, endowments, foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Star Mountain is 100% employee-owned and shares its profits with 100% of its U.S. full-time employees as part of its focus on maximizing value for its stakeholders and investors through alignment of interests.

Since 2010, Star Mountain has made over 250 direct investments in businesses and over 45 secondary / fund investments within its Collaborative Ecosystem, focused on the North American lower middle-market. One of Star Mountains specialties is seeking current cash income for investors that is materially above the typical yields found in the public markets, often accompanied with potential long-term capital gains equity returns and low correlation to public markets through its distinctive origination, underwriting and value-added investment capabilities.

Star Mountain was recently named one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America.

For the fifth straight year, Star Mountain was again named one of the Best Places to Work by Crains New York Business as well as once again one of the Best Places to Work by Pensions & Investments.

Star Mountain believes its focus and dedication has been productive for job creation and economic development including in underserved areas and communities. Star Mountain is dedicated to this large market of underserved businesses purpose-built to address the challenges and opportunities of these companies. As part of its commitment, Star Mountain has trademarked Investing in the Growth Engine of America .

Star Mountains Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 focuses on improving lives through economic development, including job creation, health & wellness and cancer research. Notable missions include helping match veterans and women with high quality small and medium-sized business career opportunities across the country, including within Star Mountains portfolio.

Note: This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase interests in any investment product. Awards and recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, companies and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he / she / it will experience a certain level of results if Star Mountain is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement, testimonial endorsement, recommendation or referral of Star Mountain or its representatives by any of its clients or any other third party. Rankings published by magazines and others are generally based exclusively on information prepared and / or submitted by the recognized advisor. Moreover, with regard to all performance information contained herein, directly or indirectly, if any, readers should note that past results are not indicative of future results. The description and the selection methodologies of each award and recognition are subjective and will vary.

Awards and recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, companies, and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she/it will experience a certain level of results if SMFM is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement, testimonial endorsement, recommendation or referral of SMFM or its representatives by any of its clients or any other third party. Rankings published by magazines and others are generally based exclusively on information prepared and/or submitted by the recognized advisor.

Crains two-part survey process consisted of evaluating each nominated companys workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part involved an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Star Mountain must pay a fee to Crains only for survey collection purposes. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found here: https://bestcompaniesgroup.com/best-companies-to-work-for-in-new-york/eligibility/

To be named to P&Is Best Places list, all firms met Best Companies high threshold for inclusion and were evaluated against others of similar size. Individual firm profiles, which were compiled based on survey results, reflect U.S. employment numbers and were confirmed by Best Companies in the summer. Company and employee comments were edited for space, style and clarity. Assets under management or advisement are as of June 30, unless otherwise noted. To participate, companies had to have at least 20 employees in the U.S., at least $100 million of discretionary assets under management or advisement and be in business for at least one year. An anonymous employee survey, which aimed to evaluate employee engagement and satisfaction, accounted for 75% of a firms score; an employer survey, which evaluated workplace policies, practices, benefits and demographics, made up 25%. https://bestcompaniesgroup.com/best-places-to-work-in-money-management/eligibility/

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent–not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies–as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine rankings were calculated to four decimal places. https://www.inc.com/inc5000/

Contact Details

For Star Mountain Capital

John Polis

[email protected]

Company Website

https://starmountaincapital.com/

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/leading-lower-middle-market-specialist-investment-firm-star-mountain-capital-bolsters-its-secondaries-and-investor-solutions-team-adding-bryan-johnson-as-a-managing-director-based-in-los-angeles-588923069

Star Mountain Capital

comtex tracking

COMTEX_452750258/2655/2024-05-22T14:53:53

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

Press Release

Bei La: A Shanghai Skylark Sings the Song of Walden.

Published

on

05a8389dc2503775a3110079eebd0fdCanadian Author Bei La

Canadian writer Bei La, born in Shanghai, recently completed a non-fiction work titled The Tears of the Skylark. This is her first work since she left Shanghai and returned to Canada two years ago. Through a skylark, a farewell song was sung about the prosperity and loneliness, brightness and darkness, disaster and redemption of Shanghai over the past hundred years.

d6555d6bc7c2e9a64181e6c14775433

Mike Medavoy and Bei La

This work was completed during her travels, including the Lake Mochizuki in Hokkaido, Beverly Hills, Concord in Massachusetts, Vancouver Harbour, Niagara Town, and an isolated island on Lake Ontario. This is hertribute paid as the meditation on Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.

77d09c2837dd703d8a3f9bf7ea90680

The Cursed Piano

The book records the thrilling journey of her maternal grandfather as a survivor of the shocking Jiangyashipwreck in December 1948, which had a death toll even far exceeding that of the Titanic. She describes her father, who was a military doctor, taking the risk of hiding more than ten ancestral gold bars and jewelry in the soil of his own iron tree during the Cultural Revolution, avoiding the fate of being confiscated but enduring the hardships brought by wealth. She also depicts the extraordinary significance of the Christian faith of her parents’ family to their lives. And she looksback at the distorted era when she was criticized for peeking at world classics in her youth. She witnesses the human nature revealed by the COVID-19 epidemic around the world……

What made Bei La decide to give up her luxurious life in Shanghai was not her experiences during the quarantine hotel and lockdown period, but rather, as a human being, everything she experienced during those special times has passed away with the wind. She left because she was called and pulled by a free soul. When a writer sees desolation amidst the hustle and bustle, yearning for tranquility amidst the clamor, and seeking her own “Walden”in the endless wilderness, she is awakened by literature.

“The farther away from one’s hometown in terms of geographical location, the closer the hometown in literature,” said Bei La.

She wrote in this book: Humans are immersed in a large sphere, gradually shrouded in anxiety, fear, absurdity, nothingness, and despair. In the ever-changing world, the unpredictability of fate has become a human destiny. This is an era that has become indifferent to tragedy. Any pain is futile. When a person is far away from the hustle and bustle, you will hear your own voice, and your soul will return to the wilderness of freedom.

The girl doesn’t speak

But it tells of sadness;

The silence of the river

Only records the years;

Time daydreaming

But it answered everything

This is the skylark singing: “Please give me the freedom to fall deeply in love with someone, give me the courage to embrace you tightly. Please give me a path to explore truth, and give me the power to find light in darkness,even if it requires sacrificing my life.”

“No matter what she has experienced or is currently experiencing,Bei La can always extract beneficial nutrients from hardships and transform them into valuable literary wealth. The light of brightness and hope has not disappeared in her eyes for a second. She stands at the spiritual pole and her thoughts far exceed those of contemporary writers. This is the best annotation that Shanghai Bei La can become the world’s Bei La,” said her literary agent An Boshun.

dbee6d36c209e11d8b5caa68ab2e025

French Opera:The Lover of Shanghai

The French opera Shanghai Lovers adapted from Bei La’ novel was accomplished on May 24th at the Fontainebleau Theater. This opera has 13 scenes and is expected to be performed in 2 hours and 10 minutes. The lineup is very strong, reproducing the bustling modernity and true love of Shanghai a century ago. The rivers of this Far Eastern city are full of her spirit of embracing all rivers.

This French opera that reproduces Bei La’s hometown will premiere in Paris and tour the world.

微信图片_20240718171117

Bei La

Bei La is a Canadian citizen born in Shanghai. As a contemporary writer of romanticism and humanitarianism, she also serves as a Visiting Researcher for the Institute of Arts and Humanities in Shanghaijiao Tong University. She has published over a dozen novels, including “The Cursed Piano”, “Song of Survivors”, “Sentimental Casablanca”, etc. Over the years, Bei La has focused her literary creation and researches on “Jews in Shanghai”. During the past two decades, she has visited Jews across the world who lived or were born in Shanghai, gathering a large number of first-hand historical materials. The “Jews in Shanghai” series is designed to include ten books. Howard Goldblatt, a renowned Jewish American sinologist, is the English translator of her works. “The Cursed Piano”, the last work of British playwright Ronald Harwood who is the Oscar Winner of Best Screenplay for “The Pianist”, is based on Bei La’s novel of the same name, also known as the companion piece of “The Pianist”. Bei La’s work “Song of the Survivors” is regarded as the Shanghai version of “Gone with the Wind”. “Song of Survivors” is based on the experience of Mike Medavoy’s parents in Shanghai during World War II. Mike grew up and became a top Hollywood producer who is an eight-time Oscar Winner of Best Picture with films such as “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. With love and faith as the main thread, Bei La’s works portray the humanitarian spirit of her hometown Shanghai by demonstrating the shared emotions and destiny of human beings, and fleshing out the wisdom and humor of the Jews, who showed tremendous optimism and resilience in the face of misery and uprooted existence. With an eye for love and beauty, Bei La tells the stories of Jews related to Shanghai, spreading the seed of love and faith to the world. In addition to her literary creation, as a music and art lover, Bei La also performed the piano solo “Butterfly lovers“ in a concert of the Israeli pianist Yaron Kolberg, and she once gave a concert at the Shanghai Concert Hall as well.

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

Press Release

Revolutionising Insect Repellents: BiteRepel’s Commitment to Safety, Efficacy and Sustainability

Published

on

California, USA – In a world where the threat of mosquito-borne viruses is ever-present, the need for effective protection is paramount. Enter BiteRepel, a game-changing product in the crowded market of insect repellents, known for its unparalleled commitment to safety, efficacy and environmental consciousness. BiteRepel’s unique formula targets mosquitoes’ specific genetic makeup, ensuring that even the newest variants are kept at bay.

Unmatched Safety and Environmental Consciousness

BiteRepel is the first of its kind, meticulously formulated to be both pet-safe and reef-friendly. The unique formula effectively reduces the risk of contracting mosquito-borne viruses while ensuring a healthier ecosystem for all. With the rise of new variants of mosquitoes since mid-2022, traditional repellents like DEET and Citronella have shown limited effectiveness. This is where BiteRepel steps in as your ultimate solution.

“BiteRepel stands out because it addresses the evolving nature of mosquito threats with a focus on both human and environmental health,” says Serene Johnson, Sales and Service Lead at BiteRepel. “Our products are not only effective but also align with the values of eco-conscious consumers.”

Natural and Organic Ingredients

Free from harmful chemicals, BiteRepel is completely natural and organic. The brand offers peace of mind to families and eco-conscious consumers alike. By choosing BiteRepel, you not only protect yourself from mosquito-borne viruses but also safeguard the well-being of your furry companions and the environment. BiteRepel is dedicated to combining safety, effectiveness, and sustainability without compromise.

Rigorous Testing and Proven Effectiveness

BiteRepel’s range of insect sprays and recommended insect repellents are formulated to provide unparalleled protection against relentless pests. Their products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their effectiveness against the latest mosquito strains, giving you peace of mind in any situation.

“Our commitment to quality is reflected in the thorough testing each product undergoes,” states Drew Carlyle, Quality Assurance Manager at BiteRepel. “We ensure that our repellents are effective against all types of mosquitoes, including genetically modified strains.”

Sustainability Commitment

BiteRepel is dedicated to environmental sustainability. The formula’s eco-friendly and biodegradable nature ensures it leaves no harmful residue, making it a sustainable choice for the environmentally conscious. BiteRepel’s non-toxic, natural, vegan, and 100% organic composition is crafted without harmful chemicals like Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, and Citronella, as well as parabens and gluten. This dedication to purity ensures the product is safe for users and the planet alike.

Innovative Origins

The journey of BiteRepel began with a mission to transform outdoor enjoyment by providing effective protection against biting insects. Driven by a clear objective to create a reliable solution, BiteRepel underwent extensive research and numerous trials. This process led to the development of a groundbreaking formula that sets a new standard in insect repellents. BiteRepel not only repels all mosquito types, including genetically modified strains, but also deters a wide range of other insects and pests. The brand’s focus on innovation, natural ingredients, and user well-being has resulted in a product that ensures a comfortable and safe outdoor experience.

We believe in responsible innovation, which is why our product is not only highly effective but also ethical and safe for the environment, pets, and marine life,” says Jesse Neimus, Assistant Manager at BiteRepel. “It’s a game-changer in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases and a testament to what can be achieved when science and nature work in harmony.”

The Conscientious Choice

BiteRepel is the conscientious choice for modern, eco-conscious consumers who value both personal and environmental health. It’s not just about keeping bugs at bay; it’s about fostering a safer, harmonious and healthier world for all. With BiteRepel, you can finally reclaim your outdoor spaces and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against mosquitoes and the diseases they spread.

Perfect for All Outdoor Activities

BiteRepel is the perfect solution for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, off-roading, swimming, backpacking, walking, running, jogging, hiking or participating in other sporting activities, BiteRepel has you covered. It’s also ideal for outdoor events like parties, BBQs, and gardening. Their products work great on flying and crawling insects, including fleas, ticks, gnats, flies, spiders, ants, and other bugs.

A Message from Our Founder

“Our journey started with a personal need and evolved into a mission to protect people and the environment,” says the founder of BiteRepel. “We’re proud to offer a product that not only protects against mosquito bites but does so in a way that’s safe for our families, pets and the planet.”

Join the BiteRepel Movement

Join BiteRepel in embracing the great outdoors with confidence and comfort. Say goodbye to ineffective repellents and hello to BiteRepel – your ultimate defence against mosquito-borne viruses. Don’t wait until it’s too late; make BiteRepel a staple in your home and outdoor adventures. BiteRepel offers affordable, accessible protection that everyone can benefit from. Don’t let mosquitoes dictate your life – take control with BiteRepel and enjoy the outdoors without worry.

Connect with Us

For more information, visit BiteRepel. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About BiteRepel

At BiteRepel, the mission is to revolutionize outdoor protection with effective, easy-to-use insect repellents. Harnessing the power of science and nature, innovative formulas are developed that set a new standard for safety and efficacy. With a relentless commitment to quality, BiteRepel delivers unparalleled protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. This pioneering approach empowers a life unrestricted by nuisance bites, making the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable.

Our formula is a testament to our values of responsible innovation, combining effectiveness with ethical considerations. By choosing BiteRepel, you are not only protecting yourself from mosquito-borne viruses but also contributing to a healthier planet. Join us in embracing the great outdoors with confidence and comfort, knowing nature’s best defence safeguards you. Choose BiteRepel for peace of mind and unparalleled protection.

Media Contact

Organization: BiteRepel

Contact Person: Jesse Neimus

Website: https://www.biterepel.com/

Email: Send Email

City: Diamond Bar

Country: United States

Release Id: 27072414822

The post Revolutionising Insect Repellents: BiteRepel’s Commitment to Safety, Efficacy and Sustainability appeared first on King NewsWire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

Press Release

OPTRAFFIC: Revolutionizing Traffic Safety Equipment with Technology and Innovation

Published

on

China, 27th Jul 2024, King NewsWire – OPTRAFFIC, a premier manufacturer of traffic safety equipment since 2008, is at the forefront of creating innovative solutions for road safety and traffic management. With an extensive range of products, including variable message signs, arrow boards, light towers, radar speed signs, and portable traffic signals, OPTRAFFIC continues to lead the industry by enhancing the quality, durability, and adaptability of its offerings.

Innovative Traffic Safety Solutions

OPTRAFFIC’s product line is designed to meet the diverse needs of traffic management professionals. Key products include:

  • Variable Message Signs: These signs provide dynamic and customizable messaging to motorists, ensuring clear communication of important traffic information. Products such as portable changeable message signs and portable traffic message boards are integral for real-time traffic management and emergency situations. For more details, visit Variable Message Signs.
  • Arrow Boards: Essential for directing traffic, OPTRAFFIC’s arrow boards come in various configurations, including arrow board trailers and solar arrow boards. These are crucial for managing road closures and diversions efficiently. Explore our range here: Arrow Boards.
  • Light Towers: OPTRAFFIC offers a selection of light towers, including portable light towers, LED light towers, and solar light towers, ensuring optimal visibility in low-light conditions for roadworks and events. Learn more at Lighting Towers.
  • Traffic Signals: Portable traffic signal lights, LED traffic signal lights, and portable signal lights from OPTRAFFIC provide reliable and flexible solutions for temporary traffic control. More information can be found here: Traffic Signals.
  • Variable Speed Limit Signs: To enhance speed regulation and safety, OPTRAFFIC’s variable speed limit signs, including speed limit signs with radar and solar speed limit signs, offer precise and adaptable speed control measures. Discover our products at Variable Speed Limit Signs.
  • Boom Gates: For parking management and access control, OPTRAFFIC provides robust solutions such as parking boom gates and portable boom gates, designed to ensure efficient vehicle movement and security. Explore our options at Boom Gate.

Future-Focused Innovation

Looking ahead, OPTRAFFIC is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology and big data analytics to develop smarter, more adaptable, and more durable traffic management equipment. This strategic approach aims to enhance road safety and traffic efficiency significantly. By integrating advanced technologies, OPTRAFFIC envisions a future where traffic management systems are more responsive and efficient, ultimately reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for all road users.

Global Reach and Commitment

While OPTRAFFIC serves a global market, it remains focused on delivering exceptional quality and service to its customers in the United States. The company’s dedication to innovation and excellence ensures that its products meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.

For more information about Optraffic and its range of traffic safety equipment, please visit https://optraffic.com/ or contact Yolanda Chen at [email protected].

About OPTRAFFIC:

Optraffic is a leading manufacturer of traffic safety equipment, established in 2008. The company specializes in the production and supply of high-quality products such as variable message signs, arrow boards, light towers, radar speed signs, and portable traffic signals. With a focus on innovation and technology, Optraffic aims to create smarter, more adaptable, and more durable traffic management solutions. By leveraging big data analytics and advanced technologies, Optraffic is dedicated to improving road safety and traffic efficiency worldwide.

Media Contact

Organization: OPTRAFFIC

Contact Person: Yolanda Chen

Website: https://optraffic.com/

Email: Send Email

Country: China

Release Id: 27072414833

The post OPTRAFFIC: Revolutionizing Traffic Safety Equipment with Technology and Innovation appeared first on King NewsWire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

LATEST POST