Led · Equity · Mar 2018

Muse Paintbar operates 27 paint bar locations along the U.S. East Coast from Maine to Virginia, where local artists lead two- to three-hour guided painting events and guests take their artwork home. The company offers a full selection of wine, beer and tapas, thousands of painting choices, and a variety of event types including Couples’ Night, Family Day, Paint Your Pet, and private events such as birthdays and bachelorette parties. Muse positions itself as the largest company-owned player in the paint-and-sip space and plans to continue opening new units within its existing footprint and in expansion regions. Management said the company will invest in new product offerings like different art mediums and custom art capabilities to expand its customer options. The business emphasized growth and product investment as priorities tied to its recent financing. Lazard Middle Market served as Muse’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.

Led · Equity · Jun 2017

Pearl Capital Business Funding is a NYC-based provider of direct financing offering alternative financial solutions to underbanked and unbanked small and midsize businesses. Through a national origination platform, the company makes financings available throughout the country to businesses unable to access sufficient traditional financing from banks and non-bank lenders. Led by Chief Executive Officer Solomon Lax, Pearl originates and services financings for underserved businesses nationwide. The firm was acquired in 2015 by Capital Z Partners, a private equity investor focused exclusively on the financial services industry. Pearl closed a $15m financing and will use the proceeds to expand operations. Pearl Capital Business Funding is a US firm that provides direct financing to small and midsize businesses via a national origination platform. The company serves firms that cannot access sufficient traditional financing from banks and non-bank lenders. It is led by Chief Executive Officer Solomon Lax. Pearl Capital plans to use the proceeds from its recent financing to expand operations. The company was acquired in 2015 by Capital Z Partners, a private equity investor focused on financial services. Recent financing activity indicates external investor interest in supporting its growth.