Joining SeaFort Capital has been an incredible journey that is filled with learning, growth, and invaluable experiences. Looking back at my first nine months as an Analyst, they have been exciting, challenging, and very rewarding.
Working at SeaFort is not just a job for me; it’s a dream and a passion. The fast-paced environment, the ability to analyze new opportunities, and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful investment decisions make every day different and exciting. SeaFort’s collaborative culture has made this experience even more enjoyable. I view everyone at SeaFort not just as colleagues, but as mentors and friends who really prioritize my learning and provide incredible support for not just my work life, but my personal life. While there may be several private equity firms across Canada, I think the inclusive culture at SeaFort and our emphasis on having Maritime values at the very core of our operations are what make us stand apart.
Reviewing CIMs
One of the primary tasks I undertook was reviewing confidential information memorandums (CIMs) sent to us by brokers. Each CIM provided a wealth of information about potential investment opportunities, and I commonly took the role of evaluating the CIM, analyzing the key points, and assessing whether the business and industry are a good fit for SeaFort.
Engaging With the Deal Team and Investor Presentations
Working closely with our deal team has perhaps been my favorite part of my first nine months looking back. I’ve had the chance to collaborate on numerous presentations and reports, both for the SeaFort team and for our Limited Partners (LPs). Working on these presentations and reports are a critical part of the deal process as it highlights to the team and LPs what we have been working on thus far, and why we think it is an actionable investment we should undertake. Ultimately, we need to be able to illustrate and justify how and why this investment will yield a great return on investment.
Conducting Industry Research
SeaFort is currently looking to deploy capital from our Fund II, meaning, we are actively on the lookout for promising new industries. I’ve spent a significant amount of time conducting industry research, identifying trends, and evaluating the potential of various markets. This research is crucial for guiding our investment strategies and ensuring we remain ahead of the curve. It has also been an excellent opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge and stay informed about different market trends.
Building Financial Models
Another critical component of my role has been building leveraged buyout (LBO) financial models. These models are essential for evaluating potential investments and determining their profitability. The process involves using high-level calculations and a deep dive into the financials of target companies. Moreover, our industry research commonly ties into our models as we use our findings to create realistic assumptions for a target company’s LBO model. After the preliminary model, the team starts to collectively work on a much more detailed financial model that further breaks down a company’s key financial metrics and value drivers.
Ultimately, every day at SeaFort brings a new learning experience. Whether it’s learning new modeling techniques and shortcuts, insights into a different industry, or a strategic discussion with senior team members, I am constantly learning and growing. The support and resources available at SeaFort have been instrumental in my professional development so far, and I am incredibly grateful to SeaFort. As I reflect on what my first nine months at SeaFort were like, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. The experiences and skills I’ve gained so far have laid a strong foundation for my career in private equity. I look forward to continuing this journey, taking on new challenges, and contributing to SeaFort’s success.
Abdel-Rahman Selim
Analyst
About The Author
Abdel joined SeaFort in 2023. He has previous work experiences at RBC and Grant Thornton and is the winner of the 2023 Atlantic Canada CFA Research Challenge. Abdel is a graduate of the Bachelor of Commerce program at Dalhousie University, majoring in Finance.