Skyview Capital Research
Investment Thesis
Skyview Capital is a specialized private equity firm focused on corporate carve-outs and special situation buyouts. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and management teams to unlock value from corporate spin-offs, divestitures, and distressed situations. Their investment philosophy emphasizes identifying overlooked assets within larger corporate structures that can be transformed into standalone, high-growth companies through operational excellence and strategic management.
The firm specializes in identifying and supporting businesses led by outstanding management teams aligned with their core values of entrepreneurial spirit, collaboration, hard work, intellectual curiosity, transparency, and integrity. Their approach is hands-on and operationally focused, with a commitment to follow-through and speed to closure.
Stage Focus and Check Size
Skyview Capital targets special situations across multiple entry points:
- Primary Focus: Sub-$100M carve-outs and special situations
- Target Investment Size: $5M-$75M+ of equity per transaction
- Check Size Range: $100K-$75M (typical deals in the $5M-$50M range based on portfolio)
- Deal Frequency: Historically completes 3-4 transactions per year
The firm operates as a "replacement" for larger funds' sub-$100M carve-out strategy, specifically targeting overlooked corporate cast-offs that larger PE firms consider too small or operationally complex.
Investment Sectors
Skyview has developed deep expertise across multiple sectors:
- Software and Technology - Interactive learning platforms, edtech, business software
- Manufacturing and Industrial - Equipment and component manufacturing
- Business Services - Consulting, operations, professional services
- Consumer Products - Food and beverage, consumer goods
- Telecom and Communications - Business communications infrastructure
- Aerospace and Defense - Specialized aerospace components and services
The firm is open to distressed, stressed, healthy, and special situation acquisitions across these verticals. Across portfolio holdings, Skyview targets opportunities in enterprise software, manufacturing, aerospace, food and beverage, consumer products, and edtech sectors.
Lead Tendency and Decision Process
Skyview Capital functions as a lead investor in its transactions. The firm acquires full or majority control positions in most deals, acts as the primary source of growth capital and operational expertise, takes board seats, and places operational executives in portfolio companies. The decision process is partnership-oriented with committed quick decision-making and rapid closure. The firm is investment committee-driven with executive and operational oversight, relying on experienced operational professionals and M&A specialists for deep due diligence.
Recent Activity and Track Record
Notable historical exits include MeliBio (acquired by FoodYoung, May 2025), Headsprout (sold to Learning A-Z/Cambium Learning, 2013), and UTStar. The firm is actively deploying capital across multiple fund vehicles (Pre-Fund, Fund I, Fund II) with over 25 current and exited portfolio companies and a track record of successful investments developed over 20 years.
Team and Operational Capabilities
Leadership: Alex Soltani (Founder, Chairman & CEO - serial entrepreneur, UCLA graduate) and Naeem Arastu (Managing Director, President and COO - 15+ years special situations, Harvard MBA). The Operations team has expanded staff across the US, Europe, and Asia with functional expertise in Finance, Accounting, Capital Markets, Supply Chain, Sales & Marketing, IT, DevOps, R&D, Manufacturing, Legal, and Human Resources.
Geographic Focus
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with primary investment focus across the United States (particularly West Coast but nationwide), secondary markets in Europe and Asia for specialized opportunities.
Founder Preferences
Skyview Capital partners with management teams and entrepreneurs with proven operating track records, founder-led businesses seeking growth capital and operational support, teams aligned with core values of integrity and transparency, and operators who have successfully scaled businesses.
Core Competencies
Operational Excellence: Deep operational team with professionals who have served in interim and full-time board roles. Corporate Carve-Out Expertise: Specializes in structuring customized carve-outs while transforming divisions into standalone entities. Deal Execution Speed: Streamlined decision-making and integration processes. Long-term Value Creation: Focus on sustainable organic growth combined with strategic acquisitions.