about us

Sandkey Capital is a private equity firm focused on lower middle market companies across a variety of industries.  We provide flexible transaction structures in a wide range of business situations.

Our unique, hands-on approach is designed to help drive sustainable growth and create value for our partner companies. Sandkey Capital, together with our institutional investor base, brings extensive operational knowledge, strategic resources, and transactional experience.

Sandkey Capital pursues both control and minority equity investments, while also providing a range of private debt solutions.

 
 
 
 

equity strategies

Investment criteria:

  • North American Focus

  • Control Equity and Non-Control Minority Equity

  • Platforms: $3-$35 million EBITDA

  • Revenues: $10-$300 million

  • Add-ons: EBITDA of any size

  • Negative EBITDA: Distressed Companies

Industry Focus:

  • Industrial Manufacturing & Services

  • Consumer Products & Retail

  • Food & Beverage

  • Value-Added Distribution

  • Packaging

  • Healthcare Services

  • Business Services

  • Technology-enabled Services

Transaction types:

  • Family/founder & entrepreneur-led businesses

  • Corporate Carve-outs

  • Add-on acquisitions

  • Underperformers

  • Turnarounds

  • Complex & Special Situations

Equity Structures:

  • Traditional Buyouts

  • Owner Operator Recapitalizations

  • Minority Equity

  • Expansion Capital

  • Operational Turnarounds

 
 

Credit strategies

Investment products:

  • Senior Loans

  • Unitranche Loans

  • Out-of-Court Restructurings

  • Debtor-in-Possession Financings

  • Purchase of Distressed Securities

  • Special Situation Lending

  • Transaction Size: $5-$100 million

Industry Focus:

  • Industrial Manufacturing & Services

  • Consumer Products & Retail

  • Food & Beverage

  • Value-Added Distribution

  • Packaging

  • Healthcare

  • Business Services

  • Technology-enabled Services

 
 
 
 
 

Kevin Smith | KSmith@sandkeycapital.com | (305) 467-1120

Kevin founded Sandkey Capital in 2016 and has more than 20 years of experience in private equity and capital markets.

He began his career in private equity at H.I.G. Capital, the largest private investment firm focused exclusively on the middle market. While at H.I.G. for eight years, he concentrated on business development and transaction sourcing for the firm’s various investment funds and strategies. Following H.I.G. Capital, Kevin was Vice President of Business Development at Audax Private Equity, a capital provider for middle and lower middle market companies through its private equity and strategic capital strategies.  Kevin has also led business development efforts for Granite Street Partners, a private equity firm focused on industrial manufacturing companies and co-led business development for a family office.

Kevin began his professional career in equity capital markets at Goldman Sachs and Prudential Securities.

An active member of M&A and business networking organizations, Kevin has served on Membership and Sponsorship Committees for ACG South Florida and the PE/IB Committee for ACG Boston.  He is also involved in several charitable organizations.  

A native and resident of Miami Beach, FL, Kevin earned a B.A. in Finance at the University of Florida.  In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities, including golf, fishing and hiking, and spending time with his family.

We’re Growing — And We’re Hiring in Miami

At Sandkey Capital, our relocation to Miami marks an exciting new chapter — and we’re looking for exceptional talent to grow with us.

We are actively seeking investment professionals who are passionate about private equity and long-term value creation. Whether you’re Miami-based or looking to relocate to South Florida, we want to hear from you.

Join a fast-paced, performance-driven team working at the intersection of opportunity and innovation in one of the nation’s most dynamic financial hubs.

Why Join Our Team in Miami?

  • Direct exposure to high-impact private equity and debt financing deals

  • Collaborative culture with seasoned investors and operators

  • Flexible, growth-oriented work environment with real career advancement

Explore your next move in private equity in Miami — with Sandkey Capital. Send your resumes or reach out to Kevin Smith directly.