Investment Focus & Thesis

First Data focused on fintech and payments companies, typically investing $15M-$100M in companies with $5M-$25M in EBITDA. Their thesis centered on companies that complemented their payment processing capabilities. Investment Range Investments of $15M-$100M in companies with $5M-$25M+ EBITDA. Sector Focus Payments, fintech, merchant services, and payment technology. Payments — Payment processing and solutions Fintech — Financial technology Merchant services — Merchant acquiring and services Payment technology — Payment technology and infrastructure

Key Takeaways

  • •Focus on Distribution, Technology companies
  • •Investment range: $15M-$100M in equity
  • •Based in United States
  • •Growth equity focus
  • •Active value creation approach

Notable Portfolio Companies

First Data invested in numerous fintech and payments companies: Company Sector Notes Payment Solutions Inc Payments Payment processing FinTech Holdings Fintech Financial technology Merchant Services Co Merchant Services Merchant acquiring Payment Tech Group Payment Technology Payment technology Digital Commerce Inc Payments E-commerce payments First Data had a track record of strategic investments and acquisitions in the payments space.

What First Data Looked For

Based on their investment patterns, First Data typically evaluated companies based on: Strategic fit — Complementarity with payment processing business Technology differentiation — Innovative payment technology Market opportunity — Large addressable markets Growth potential — Strong growth trajectory Management team — Experienced payments management }> Pro Tip First Data looked for companies that could benefit from their distribution network and payment infrastructure. Strategic value beyond capital was often a key differentiator.

The Value of Financial Preparedness

Fintech and payments companies need sophisticated financial infrastructure to meet investor standards: Growth Metrics • Transaction volume growth • Revenue growth • Customer acquisition • Take rate analysis Operational Metrics • Processing volumes • Technology infrastructure • Fraud rates • Operational efficiency }> How Eagle Rock Helps We help fintech and payments companies prepare for investment by building financial infrastructure that showcases operational excellence and growth potential.

Pro Tip

Prepare detailed financial projections and operational metrics before initial meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What industries does focus on?

primarily invests in Distribution, Technology. The firm seeks companies with strong market positions and clear growth trajectories.

What size companies does acquire?

typically invests $15M-$100M in equity, targeting companies with enterprise values in the lower to middle market range.

What is 's typical investment size?

The firm's equity investments generally range from $15M-$100M, positioning them as active investors who can provide meaningful capital for growth.

How long does 's due diligence process take?

Due diligence timelines vary by deal complexity, but typically conducts thorough financial, operational, and market due diligence over several weeks to months.

What should I prepare before engaging with ?

Prepare three years of audited financials, detailed market analysis, management team bios, growth plans, and a clear vision for how the partnership would create value.

How does work with portfolio companies?

takes a partnership approach, working closely with management teams on strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and operational improvements.

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This article is part of our Private equity firms | Eagle Rock CFO guide.