In this episode, Bob Carlson, Operating Partner at Shore Capital, and Michael Burcham, Chief of Strategy, Research, and Talent Development, reflect on their experience serving on the board of Point C, a Shore portfolio company that completed a successful recapitalization. They share how the early investment thesis came together, how the founding partner was identified, and how the executive team, board, and M&A strategy evolved over time. Bob and Michael offer insights for first-time board members, including how to engage between meetings and why sharing experience rather than advice matters most. They close by discussing their personal passion for entrepreneurship and how investing in startups sharpens their perspective and fuels innovation across Shore.

Key Takeaways:

• Platform companies succeed when strategy, culture, and execution evolve together through each stage of growth
• Board members drive value by engaging between meetings and sharing hard-earned experience, not just advice
• The best partnerships are built on values alignment, shared purpose, and a clear vision for growth
• Staying close to early-stage entrepreneurship sharpens perspective and drives innovation across the portfolio

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:20 - Why the TPA Space Made Strategic Sense
• 08:28 - Launching and Scaling the Point C Platform
• 12:13 - Evolving the M&A Strategy and Partner Fit
• 17:00 - Lessons for First-Time Board Members
• 22:13 - Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Staying Sharp

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.