FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

 

Businesses

Metropolitan Capital is your committed partner from the beginning. As your business faces new opportunities and challenges, we are there to provide solutions that promote financial growth, diversify financial risk, guide investment and lending decisions, and harvest the value of your business through an exit strategy. Click on the Case Studies below to learn more.

Commercial Banking

Our objective is to provide clients with sound financial advice and create innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. We take the time to understand the near-term needs and long-term vision the business and from there, develop credit and banking solutions that enable the business to grow and achieve its financial potential.

Investment Banking

Metropolitan Capital provides a range of corporate finance and advisory services to support the strategic and financing needs of businesses. Through a large network of capital providers and investors, we can arrange private equity, venture capital, senior debt and subordinated debt. We also advise businesses on buying and selling companies and guide clients through the intricacies of each transaction stage including: deal negotiations, due diligence support and transaction closing.

Corporate Development Solutions

Utilizing the Universal Bank's extensive network and capabilities, we assist clients with specialized services to help manage and grow their businesses. Leveraging a deep network of capital providers, we serve as a marketing agent for entities seeking access to creative debt solutions. We can also perform market and industry evaluations, provide due diligence support, assist with capital planning and enhance marketing and operations functions for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) whose time constraints and limited resources require sophisticated and customized solutions. 


Case Studies

  • Strategic NAV-Backed Financing for Real Estate Acquisition

    Client Background

    The CEO of a rapidly expanding, VC-backed cybersecurity firm sought capital to acquire a prime real estate asset in the San Francisco Bay Area. Metropolitan Capital facilitated the transaction by introducing a capital provider who structured a deal using a diversified basket of collateral, including the targeted property and equity in the CEO’s privately held company. The strategic timing and structure of the financing enabled the CEO to retain ownership of the shares long enough to qualify for favorable Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) treatment, resulting in significant tax savings and enhancing the overall efficiency of the transaction.

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Metropolitan Capital Solutions

    Metropolitan Capital structured an $8 million net asset value (NAV)-backed financing solution, leveraging a combination of privately held company shares and Bay Area real estate as collateral. The capital was sourced through Matterhorn Capital, whose flexible approach enabled a tailored structure aligned with the client’s liquidity and tax optimization goals.

  • MetCap Finds the Right Capital Partner for Tech Company and Founder

    Client Background

    The founder and CEO of an AI-powered customer service provider, seeking personal liquidity, was referred to Metropolitan Capital by their wealth advisor at a large universal bank. MetCap was able to find a venture fund to acquire a portion of the founder’s shares in a secondary market transaction. In addition to buying shares from the founder, the capital provider also purchased primary shares of company stock.

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Successfully identifying the right investment partner led to multiple engagements for MetCap.

    Investment Banking

    The founder was able to obtain personal liquidity to diversify his net wealth. Additionally, the venture firm also saw a compelling opportunity to invest in the preferred capital round of the fast-growing tech company.

  • Early Investors Leverage Credit Solutions to Increase Investment in Fast-Growing CPG Company

    Client Background

    An existing client referred Metropolitan Capital to an early investor in a fast-growing consumer goods company. The investor, wishing to acquire more shares in the company, was on a short timeline to complete a transaction. MetCap was able to identify a party to facilitate the purchase of shares, nearly doubling the investor’s position in the company. The success of the transaction led principals of one of their VC investors to engage MetCap to arrange similar financing. In addition, Metropolitan Capital’s investment bank helped the VC raise equity capital for additional share purchases via a SPV.

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Metropolitan Capital’s ability to provide comprehensive banking solutions led to a successful outcome for multiple parties involved in high growth opportunity.

    Metropolitan Capital Solutions

    A board member, and early investor, leveraged Metropolitan Capital Solutions to obtain a credit facility to buy secondary shares. This board member introduced two additional investors to MetCap, who in turn found debt solutions to acquire secondary shares for them.

    Investment Banking

    One of VC investors utilized MetCap to raise equity for a new SPV fund that purchased additional shares in the company.

    Private Banking

    As a condition to the financing, the lender needed a deposit account control agreement (DACA), which required investors to hold minimum deposits at an FDIC insured bank. The clients were able to utilize MetCap to hold the deposits.

  • $25MM Growth Capital and Senior Debt Solution for a Leading CPG Brand

    Client Background

    A wealth advisor at a large universal bank referred a leading Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brand with over $100 million in annual sales to Metropolitan Capital. The CPG brand, a leader in its segment, was experiencing rapid growth and required additional capital to sustain its momentum. The company had established senior debt but sought junior mezzanine debt for further expansion. The owner, aiming to sell the company within one to two years, was keen to avoid any dilution of ownership to maximize the potential sale value.

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Metropolitan Capital Solutions

    Metropolitan Capital identified an east-coast based private credit fund as a suitable partner to provide the $7.5 million of non-dilutive junior capital. However, the senior lender's reluctance to add another creditor necessitated a more innovative solution. Metropolitan Capital worked collaboratively with the creditor to provide a larger, comprehensive uni-tranche facility that met the company's growth and financial objectives without dilutive effects. The uni-tranche facility was structured to take out the senior lender entirely and consolidate the debt into a single, manageable tranche. This approach ensured that the company received the growth capital it needed while simplifying the debt structure and satisfying all parties involved.

  • Business Owner Taps MetCap to Help Buy Back Shares in Company

    Client Background

    A large, west coast-based RIA introduced MetCap to an e-commerce business owner who needed to satisfy a put obligation to buy back company shares from an investor. After successfully facilitating the transaction, MetCap was then asked to assist the founder in buying back of shares from other early-stage investors and employees of the company who were seeking liquidity for their shares.
     

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Commercial Banking

    Originally introduced to the commercial banking team, the business owner utilized a debt facility from MetCap to satisfy a put obligation that required the business owner to buy back shares from a family office.

    Investment Banking

    MetCap sourced, structured and closed non-recourse, stock secured loans for each of the co-founders, allowing them to use the capital to buy back shares from willing early-stage investors and employees of the company. The buyback enabled the co-founders to regain more equity in the company at a favorable price, and ultimately maximize their upside potential in a promising, high-growth company.

  • Innovative Loan Structure Allows Entrepreneur to Maintain Equity Control and Reach Inflection Point in Growth and Valuation

    Client Background

    Our client, a highly successful entrepreneur and investor, created an online incubator and angel investment platform. Using his experiences as an entrepreneur, he saw value in creating a platform that could connect startups with investors and as well as help entrepreneurs navigate the legal, tax and financial aspects of growing a business.

    In order to scale the business, the company needed additional capital to fund the marketing and operations of the business as well as to build out the technology behind the platform. Because the majority of the founder’s assets were concentrated in numerous private investments and the complex nature of his personal balance sheet, banks were unwilling to lend the necessary growth capital without taking an equity stake in his company. Confident that the platform was close to reaching an inflection point in its growth and valuation, the founder was reluctant to raise outside equity that would dilute his upside potential.

    Drawing on its ability to provide innovative lending solutions for business owners with non-traditional balance sheets and illiquid assets, Metropolitan Capital helped the company bridge the gap from pre-revenue to monetization without diluting the founder’s equity.
     

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Private Banking

    Metcap created two separate loans, one guaranteed by the founder and the other guaranteed by the founder’s venture capital fund, totaling $11 million. Metcap’s willingness to serve as the secondary lender was critical to the success of the transaction.

    Commercial Banking

    Fourteen months after the initial loans were made, the platform has since transitioned to a subscription-based model and the valuation of the company has increased significantly. Because of the trusted relationship that has developed, Metropolitan Capital was asked to be the exclusive banking partner for the platform and is now serving the unique financial needs of the platform’s high-growth startups and their founders.

  • Universal Banking Platform Supports Pet Boarding and Grooming Company’s Growth from $2 Million to $16 Million

    Client Background

    When Metcap was first introduced to a company that provides pet boarding and grooming services in 2010, the company had annual revenues of approximately $2 million and operated four locations. The company also had an ownership team with an ambitious vision for growing the operation, all with varying personal financial resources.

    In order to achieve its vision, the company would need to form a banking relationship that could provide objective advice and creative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid expansion. On the outset, the company would need to raise additional debt and equity capital to fuel growth while accounting for shareholders’ varying financial position and goals. Additionally, the company would need to consider strategic acquisitions that could accelerate growth and expand the company’s footprint. MetCap’s complete suite of universal banking solutions proved to be an ideal fit for the company and its founders.

    In growing from four locations and $2 million in revenue to 14 locations (with a 15th under construction) and more than $16 million in six years, the company has turned to Metropolitan Capital for strategic advice every step of the way.
     

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Private Banking

    The relationship began with Metcap making a relatively small loan to the company’s CEO, so that he could contribute additional capital to the company and receive equity credit.

    Investment Banking

    As the business continued to grow, Metcap helped negotiate and complete an acquisition that tripled the size of its operations. Once the company reached a stage where it made sense to raise additional equity capital, the bank introduced its network of high net-worth individuals and family offices that were eager to invest in the growing company. Since then, Metcap has successfully completed a second equity capital raise for the company.

    Commercial Banking

    Metcap structured a loan facility that has grown from $300,000 to $4.5 million as the company’s capital needs increased. Additionally, the loan facility includes creative terms to account for shareholder’s varying contributions and allows individuals to invest with a personal guarantee rather than writing an additional check.

  • Tailored Capital Solutions Provide Coffee Roaster and Retailer with Needed Flexibility to Grow and Expand Business

    Client Background

    Rich in flavor and history, Bridgeport Coffee Company has been serving exceptional roasted coffees in the iconic Bridgeport neighborhood located in the south side of Chicago since 2004. The company provides its fair trade and organic roasted coffees to the food & beverage and hospitality industries. Seeing an opportunity to serve its local community and provide an alternative to the mass market coffee shops, the company opened its first retail location in 2012.

    Building on the success of the first location and its wholesale operations, the company sought to expand its footprint into other neighborhoods and retail channels. The company looked to its existing lender at the time to provide the additional growth capital necessary to build out the new stores and roastery. The company quickly discovered that its lender and most other banks were unwilling to lend to the client based on its size and the economic geography of its operations.

    MetCap was very fortunate to be introduced to the owner of Bridgeport Coffee during this time. By taking the time to understand the company and its ownership, MetCap felt comfortable providing a tailored capital solution that was flexible enough to provide room to expand and grow the business.

    Now operating 4 shop locations, a roastery and selling products in several retail channels throughout the country, Bridgeport Coffee has turned to MetCap for financing solutions and strategic advice every step of the way.
     

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Commercial Banking

    Metcap initially refinanced the company’s existing line of credit, leveraging the personal guarantees of the founders as collateral for the loan. Since then, MetCap has provided loans for each of the 4 retail location expansions and continues to serve as a trusted advisor and partner to the company on various company matters.

  • Unexpected Union Liability Poses Grave Threat to Company; MetCap’s National Footprint and Suite of Universal Banking Services Enable Company to Settle Liability and Plan for Future

    Client Background

    A fast growing construction services company in California experienced an almost detrimental event when a union audit uncovered a significant unfunded fringe benefit liability. The company’s capital was tied up in expanding promising lines of business. The founder, a hard-working entrepreneur, was faced with a difficult dilemma. He needed an immediate capital solution for the union liability that would also allow the company to continue operating. Further adding to the situation, a competitor in the industry was offering to buy the company from the owner at a low valuation. The transaction was not appealing to the owner; however, it would provide the necessary capital to satisfy the union liability and existing debtholders.

    It was at this time that MetCap was introduced to the founder through a mutual relationship and became engaged as the company’s financial advisor. The MetCap team went to work to find a capital provider who could understand the story, handle challenging negotiations with the union, and be creative with the investment terms and structure.

    The company also looked to MetCap to help evaluate the existing offer from the strategic player. Given the low valuation of the existing offer, MetCap encouraged the owner to pursue alternative options that maximized the value of the company and allowed the owner to participate in the upside potential of the company.

    Because of the Universal Banking platform of MetCap, the owner was able to rely on MetCap to help solve for near term and long term challenges and allow the owner to focus on running the business and positioning himself and the company for success in the future.
     

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Corporate Development

    MetCap, through its national footprint, was able to identify a lender in the Midwest who could understand the situation and solve for the immediate capital need. This lender was also successful in navigating union negotiations and worked hand in hand with MetCap and the company to create a flexible and timely investment structure.

    Investment Banking

    MetCap was engaged to run a process on behalf of the company to solicit the interest of majority and minority equity investors as well as debt providers for the company. The company received multiple indications of interests and MetCap assisted the client in analyzing the merits and ramifications of each option, ultimately selecting the option that best served the interests of both the founder and the company.

  • Family-Owned Business Harnesses World-Class Banking Capabilities with Small Town Feel to Compete on a National Scale

    Client Background

    A third generation, family-owned construction services business successfully built a highly profitable and reputable enterprise over the years. As the business grew, the family found it increasingly difficult to compete against large conglomerates bidding for the same projects. Due to the specialized nature of its services and the significant upfront capital required to bid, staff and complete projects, the company couldn’t move as swiftly as its larger competitors on the bidding process and was at risk of losing market share.It was at this time that MetCap was introduced to the founder through a mutual relationship and became engaged as the company’s financial advisor. The MetCap team went to work to find a capital provider who could understand the story, handle challenging negotiations with the union, and be creative with the investment terms and structure.

    To proactively address this risk, the company sought access to a credit facility that could be used to scale operations quickly but on an as-needed basis. Finding a willing lender, however, proved to be challenging due to the unpredictable revenue streams within the business model and the reluctance of the family members to personally guarantee the loan. In an effort to find a solution, the family’s wealth advisor referred the owners to Metropolitan Capital.

    Metropolitan Capital’s experience as both a lender and financial advisor helped guide the family members through the selection, due diligence and closing of a credit facility that was tailored to the client’s needs and heritage.

    SOLUTIONS DELIVERED

    Corporate Development

    Fully understanding the family’s ties and commitment to its community, Metropolitan Capital introduced the client to a large, regional financial institution with sophisticated, world-class banking capabilities which also had a physical presence in the company’s hometown. The financial institution structured a multi-million dollar credit facility that has enabled the company to bid, compete and execute on large-scale, national projects, ultimately helping a family-owned business continue its growth trajectory and legacy.