BV-Cornerstone works with executive co-investors in a variety of ways. We opportunistically evaluate companies in relevant industries sectors that are introduced through our existing deal flow sources. Alternatively, we work with executive co-investors to clearly define a specific market opportunity and corresponding industry sectors. Then, we will research all of the companies in the sectors of interest and systematically contact those target companies that may fit our investment criteria. In both situations, the executive co-investor is involved early in the process and plays a critical role in due diligence, deal structure, and the investment decision.

The Fund usually makes minority investments with the executive co-investor in the deal becoming Chairman or a Director as a result of the transaction. However, depending on the respective interests of the executive co-investor and the target Company, the executive co-investor may become a senior executive in or a consultant to the Company. In either situation, the executive co-investor makes some level of investment in the given transaction and commits to an ongoing, value-added role in the Company. The Fund and the target Company work together to make sure the executive co-investor has appropriate incentive, in addition to his or her own investment, to work on ensuring the Company’s success.

Satish Sanan and STI Knowledge

In 2002, approximately one year after selling the Company he founded, IMRglobal, to CGI, Satish decided that he wanted to invest in and become actively involved with another outsourcing company. Specifically, Satish saw market opportunity in outsourcing administrative functions such as claims and loan processing for the financial services and healthcare verticals. His ideal platform company would have a number of large, referenceable customers, scalable management, and top-notch facilities. He began contacting business brokers and evaluating expansion stage outsourcing companies. After a fairly thorough and lengthy process, Satish identified STI Knowledge as a promising investment opportunity.

As this was occurring, Satish contacted BV-Cornerstone, whose Principals backed Satish years earlier by investing in IMRglobal. Satish was looking for an investment partner to help him conduct due diligence on STI and structure and syndicate an investment in the Company. BV-Cornerstone was eager to work with Satish again and, after evaluating STI Knowledge, became enthused by the investment opportunity. BV-Cornerstone worked with Satish in conducting a thorough due diligence effort on the Company. BV-Cornerstone also played a key role in structuring the transaction and took the lead in syndicating the investment, introducing Mellon Ventures to the opportunity during the process.

The process culminated with Satish, BV-Cornerstone and Mellon Ventures investing $14 million in STI Knowledge in March 2003. Since then, the investor syndicate, led by Satish, has been actively involved with the Company, helping to expand its management and Board as well as the breadth and depth of its service offering. With regard to the latter, STI Knowledge recently acquired HPS Paradigm, an administrator of employee benefit plans for mid-sized and large companies. BV-Cornerstone sourced this acquisition opportunity for STI Knowledge and participated in the financing associated with the acquisition.