In this episode of Accessing the Pipeline, a podcast from McGuireWoods featuring the voices of Black professionals in private equity and finance, host Rubin Pusha III welcomes Austin Smoak to the show.

Austin is the founder of the private equity firm Grove Oaks Capital (GOC), an investment partnership focused on acquiring privately owned businesses in the lower middle market space. GOC is backed by various investors, including CEOs, entrepreneurs, and institutional investors.

Austin and Rubin talk in detail about how Austin closed his first deal after opening GOC.

From the length of the deal from its inception to its closing, Austin doesn’t hold back on giving advice to other aspiring Black professionals in private equity. Austin also provides insight to what he sees as attractive verticals in the marketplace, as well as influential books that helped shape his own business practices.

“I know for a lot of independent sponsors, even for a lot of search funds, people are 12, 18, sometimes even 24 months into this thing where maybe they've had a deal or two under LOI, or almost got them under LOI and couldn't get it done. So, it’s no small feat that [Austin] was able to get that first deal done,” applauds Rubin of the work being done by Austin Smoak at Grove Oaks Capital.

Tune in to learn all about getting that first deal off the ground and forging professional relationships in the private equity sector.

Featured Guest

Name: Austin Smoak

What he does: Austin is the founder of Grove Oaks Capital, where he serves as managing principal and spearheads acquisitions and asset management, alongside his advisors and equity partners.

Company: Grove Oaks Capital

Where to find Austin: LinkedIn

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This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.