The next clear step for your business
Next Step Investors, LLC is a Charlotte-based and self-funded investment firm seeking to acquire an exceptional small business in the Carolinas
Our Edge
LEADERSHIP
We are led by former management consultant, M&A / VC attorney, and 8th-grade history teacher Sean Planchard —a servant leader driven by the values of Faith, Family, and Integrity
BEST-IN-CLASS TEAM
We are ready to move fast because we are supported by a best-in-class SMB acquisition team and robust investor network
PARTNERSHIP SPIRIT
Unlike other buyers, our deal ethos is partnership-based: aligning incentives with no surprises, excuses, or regrets.
Investment Focus
We are searching to acquire an exceptional small business with strong fundamentals in the Carolinas
3 MUST HAVES
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SIZE
EBITDA / SDE of $1 - $2MM with
Demonstrated financial stability / growth over past 3+ years
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LOCATION
Tier 1: Within 1-hour drive of Charlotte, NC
Tier 2: Within 1-hour drive of cities in the Carolinas
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INDUSTRY
Flexible, with a focus on unique, non-cyclical, B2B businesses offering essential niche products / services with a defensible moat
10 NICE-TO-HAVES
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• Motivated to sell
• Committed to responsible transition
• Invested in partnering on sale process
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• “Bankable” revenue
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• Wide margin of safety
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• Product / service offering is unique
• Difficult for new competitors to enter space
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• No history of high capital expenditures
• No balloon expenditures expected in the next 5 years
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• Long-time, blue chip customers
• No significant customer concentration
• Preferably B2B
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• Low licensing, compliance, and / or other regulatory requirements
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• Business has operated successfully for at least 5+ years
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• Plenty of great people, no “key” people
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• Strong, growing industry
Team
SEAN PLANCHARD | President
Sean is a former eighth-grade history teacher, M&A and venture capital attorney, and management consultant searching to invest his own capital to acquire and lead a distinctive small business for the long-term.
A Boulder native, Sean has lived in NC since 2018 and the Queen City specifically for the past three years.
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• McKinsey & Company, 2021 – 2023
• Wyrick Robbins Law Firm, 2018 – 2021
• Fulbright Scholar (Madrid), 2013 – 2014
• Teach For America, 2011 – 2013
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• University of Chicago Law School, 2015 – 2018
• University of Colorado - Boulder, 2007 – 2011
Advisors / Deal Team
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![Headshot of Brendan church]()
Brendan Church
CU - Boulder, Intern / Analyst
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![Picture of Sam Rosati]()
Sam Rosati
Pursuant Capital, SMB Investor and Advisor
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![Picture of Kirby SMith]()
Kirby Smith
Bridgeport Partners, Investor
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![Image of Donnie Hampton]()
Donnie Hampton
McKinsey, Business Transformation
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![Richard Deulofeut Headshot]()
Richard Deulofeut-Manzur
Trust Ventures, Principal
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![Hollywell Partners Logo]()
Hollywell Partners
Deal Team, Quality of Earnings
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SMB Law Group
Deal Team, Legal
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![Symphony Logo]()
Symphony Risk Solutions
Deal Team, Insurance
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![Builders.CPA Logo]()
Builders CPA
Deal Team, Tax
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Bruce Marks
First Bank of the Lake, Preferred Lender
