Stonybrook Capital Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2012, Stonybrook Capital is a specialized investment banking and reinsurance broking firm headquartered in New York City. The firm is dedicated exclusively to the insurance and reinsurance sectors, offering strategic advisory services to senior management, boards of directors, and company ownership. Stonybrook Capital's mission is to be the preferred strategic advisor and thought partner, leveraging deep industry knowledge, extensive relationships, and a commitment to delivering advantageous outcomes for clients.

Key Strategic Focus

Stonybrook Capital's strategic focus encompasses:

Investment Banking: Providing services such as mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, divestitures, and valuation analyses.

Reinsurance Brokerage: Operating as a licensed reinsurance intermediary through its subsidiary, Stonybrook Risk Management, offering treaty reinsurance, carrier partnerships, and legacy liability solutions.

Alternative Investments: Advising clients on strategic alternatives to achieve both short-term profit objectives and long-term business goals, including placement services for insurance-related funds.

The firm targets insurers, reinsurers, agents, brokers, managing general underwriters, asset managers, private equity firms, hedge funds, and alternative asset managers.

Financials and Funding

Stonybrook Capital has been involved in various financial transactions, including advising on mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and debt financing. For instance, in August 2023, the firm served as the exclusive financial advisor to DryStone Capital Corporation in securing a senior secured revolving line of credit. Additionally, in January 2021, Stonybrook advised Cypress Group Holdings, Inc. on its proposed majority sale to an investment group led by Milestone Partners.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Stonybrook Capital has developed innovative platforms to enhance its service offerings. Notably, in March 2021, the firm introduced a platform to support the pricing of industry loss warranty (ILW) contracts, aiming to provide transparency and improved market intelligence for underwriters and buyers.

Leadership Team

Stonybrook Capital's leadership comprises experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in the insurance and financial sectors:

Joseph M. Scheerer: Founder, Managing Director, Principal, and CEO. Established Stonybrook Capital in 2012, bringing over 20 years of experience in (re)insurance, investment banking, and capital markets.

Ian Winchester: Chairman of the Board. With over 50 years in the insurance industry, he has served on the boards of several companies, including Endurance Specialty and Montpelier Reinsurance.

Gregory E.A. Morrison: Partner and Board Member. Joined Stonybrook in 2020, previously serving as CEO at Trisura Group, Imagine Group, and London Reinsurance Group.

Paul Kneuer: Partner and Board Member. Appointed to the board in January 2025, he has over 40 years of experience as an underwriter, broker, actuary, and corporate director.

Kendel Bell: Chief Operating Officer. Oversees the firm's operations, ensuring efficient delivery of services.

Adam Clay: Partner. Plays a key role in client advisory and strategic initiatives.

Leadership Changes

In January 2025, Stonybrook Capital appointed Paul Kneuer to its board of directors. Kneuer joined the firm in 2020 as a Managing Director and brings over four decades of experience in the insurance industry.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics: The investment banking and reinsurance brokerage industry is characterized by a competitive landscape with firms offering specialized services to the insurance sector. Key trends include increased consolidation, technological advancements, and a focus on alternative investments.

Competitor Analysis:

Trefethen Advisors: A boutique investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic advisory services.

Gemini Partners: Provides M&A advisory services with a focus on middle-market companies across various industries.

Jane Capital Partners: Focuses on strategic advisory and investment services, particularly in the technology and energy sectors.

Veber Partners: Offers investment banking services, including M&A advisory and capital raising, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest region.

AMA Capital Partners: Specializes in maritime and transportation investment banking, providing M&A advisory and restructuring services.

These competitors offer a range of services that overlap with Stonybrook Capital's offerings, highlighting the need for differentiation through specialized expertise and innovative solutions.