Company Profile: FALCON

Background

Overview

FALCON, established in 2011 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is a specialized talent platform dedicated exclusively to private equity-backed companies. The firm focuses on recruiting transformational C-suite leaders, particularly CEOs, CFOs, and Heads of Revenue, as well as fund-level Operating Partners and Executives. Since its inception, FALCON has successfully completed over 500 assignments for more than 50 private equity sponsors.

Mission and Vision

FALCON's mission is to drive top-quartile performance for CEOs, CFOs, General Partners (GPs), and Limited Partners (LPs) participating in the private equity-backed middle market. The firm's vision is to be the premier talent platform that empowers private equity firms and their portfolio companies to achieve exceptional growth and value creation through strategic leadership placements.

Primary Area of Focus

FALCON specializes in executive search services tailored for private equity-backed companies, emphasizing the recruitment of senior leadership roles that are critical to the success of portfolio companies.

Industry Significance

In the competitive landscape of private equity, the ability to attract and retain top-tier executive talent is crucial. FALCON's exclusive focus on this niche positions it as a valuable partner for private equity firms seeking to enhance the performance of their portfolio companies through strategic leadership appointments.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Talent Acquisition: Identify and recruit high-caliber executives for portfolio companies.

• Value Creation: Enhance the operational and financial performance of portfolio companies through effective leadership.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate closely with private equity sponsors to align leadership placements with investment strategies.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Executive Search: Conduct retained searches for C-suite positions, including CEO, CFO, and Head of Revenue roles.

• Operating Partners: Recruit fund-level Operating Partners and Executives to drive value creation initiatives.

• Human Capital Diligence: Provide assessments and insights into the human capital aspects of potential investments.

Key Technologies Utilized

FALCON leverages advanced data analytics and a proprietary network to identify and assess executive talent, ensuring a strategic fit for portfolio companies.

Primary Markets Targeted

The firm's services are tailored for private equity firms and their portfolio companies operating in the middle market across various industries.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a privately held firm, FALCON has not publicly disclosed detailed funding information.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly available.

Recent Funding Rounds

No recent funding rounds have been publicly reported.

Notable Investors

Information about individual investors is not publicly disclosed.

Intended Utilization of Capital

While specific utilization details are not available, capital is likely allocated towards expanding the firm's talent network, enhancing technological capabilities, and supporting strategic growth initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

FALCON's pipeline includes a diverse range of executive candidates with expertise across various industries, ready to be matched with portfolio companies seeking leadership.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a talent platform, FALCON does not engage in clinical trials or product development.

Target Conditions

The firm focuses on leadership roles within private equity-backed companies, aiming to address the strategic and operational needs of these organizations.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

FALCON operates on a project basis, with timelines varying depending on the specific requirements of each search assignment.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

FALCON utilizes a proprietary network and data analytics tools to identify and assess executive talent, ensuring a strategic fit for portfolio companies.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm employs data-driven methodologies to evaluate candidates, focusing on aligning leadership capabilities with the strategic goals of portfolio companies.

Leadership Team

Rob Huxtable – Partner

Rob Huxtable is a Partner at FALCON, focusing on leading high-impact portfolio company CEO searches across North America. With over 15 years in retained search, he has successfully led more than 250 assignments for over three dozen private equity firms.

Lindsay Guzowski – Partner

Lindsay Guzowski leads C-suite searches for several leading middle-market private equity firms and plays a key role in guiding FALCON’s strategic direction. Prior to joining FALCON, she provided in-depth analysis on potential private equity investments at the Chaifetz Group.

Brandon Mihalo – Principal

Brandon Mihalo leads execution on private equity-backed C-Level searches across North America, with a particular focus on portfolio company CFO searches. Before joining FALCON, he interned at Blackmore Partners and KPMG, leveraging his financial background to conduct due diligence and source lower middle-market companies.

Joe Gravino – Principal

Joe Gravino leads the execution of executive searches for middle-market private equity firms, focusing on the Go-to-Market practice, including CRO/VP Sales and CMO/VP Marketing searches across North America. He has successfully led more than 100 assignments for over 20 private equity firms.

Christy Smith – Vice President, Search

Christy Smith supports FALCON’s candidate identification, recruitment, and development, specializing in industry research, sourcing strategies, and data management. Before joining FALCON, she ran a full recruitment desk at a contingent technology staffing firm.

Morgan Seay – Vice President, Search

Morgan Seay supports FALCON’s candidate identification, recruitment, and development, with expertise in industry research, sourcing strategies, and data management. During her undergraduate studies, she was a research lead on the Racial Geography Project at Rice University.