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Star Mountain Hires Anne Yang as Partner, Portfolio Manager

Star Mountain Hires Anne Yang as Partner, Portfolio Manager

Middle-market lender Star Mountain Capital has tapped Anne Yang as partner and strategic portfolio manager while it looks to expand its footprint.

Yang said in an interview she will work directly with portfolio companies on their growth and strategic initiatives. She will also work to connect those borrowers with other potential business partners as well as help steer diversity initiatives at Star Mountain, including helping portfolio companies diversify their boards and governance structures.

“We’re at a very exciting time in terms of the economy and recovery, and there will be opportunities for people who are nimble and smart,” Yang said.

Yang stepped into her new role earlier this month. She has more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance, and previously worked as a managing director at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in mergers and acquisitions, according to New York-based Star Mountain’s website. Prior to being hired for her new role, Yang had been a senior adviser and investor at the firm, she said.

The hire comes as opportunities in lower-middle market lending, which involves financing for companies with $10 million or less in annual revenue, picks up, according to Chief Executive Officer Brett Hickey.

“Our deal flow is higher than it’s ever been,” Hickey said. The firm is likely to make around 30 direct investments this year, a 25% increase over last year, he said.

As an increasing number of people in the U.S. approach retirement some private business owners are looking to offload their firms, paving the way for strategic acquisitions and capital needs, Hickey said. Additionally, as valuations for larger private companies have remained elevated and the market for financing smaller firms has remained inefficient, business has increased for lower middle-market lenders, Hickey said.

The firm has recently opened offices in Denver and Dallas, and may look to expand further with additional hires as needed in the near term, Hickey said.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.