Capital Markets · Private Equity · Strategic Advisory
Martin Sumichrast is an entrepreneur, investor, capital markets advisor, and business strategist with more than 35 years of experience helping companies raise capital, execute strategic transactions, and create long-term value.
Investor · Advisor · Operator
About Martin Sumichrast
Martin Sumichrast is an entrepreneur, investor, merchant banker, and capital markets executive who has spent his career helping founders and boards raise capital, execute acquisitions, scale operations, and create long-term shareholder value.
He has advised founders, executives, institutional investors, family offices, public companies, and private businesses on capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, strategic growth, and corporate finance — consistently focused on building durable enterprise value rather than chasing transactions.
Read the full story →Career Timeline
Founded and built Global Capital Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: GCAP) from a startup into a global investment bank with over 500 employees, 27 international offices, and billions in assets under management — spanning equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and international finance.
Co-Founder and CEO of American Capital Partners, Inc., a private investment firm focused on building and growing American businesses. Drawing on decades of experience in public markets, private equity, and investment banking, Martin brings operational expertise and strategic vision to every investment.
Co-founded and led cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD) as Chairman, CEO, and President from April 2015 to June 2023. Secured over $100 million in equity and debt financings, took the company public via IPO in November 2017, and completed the $135 million acquisition of the cbdMD brand in December 2018. During his tenure, cbdMD achieved a $400 million market capitalization, joined the Russell 3000 Index, generated over $250 million in aggregate sales, and employed more than 200 individuals serving over one million customers.
Co-founded Adara Acquisition Corp. and led its $115 million IPO on the NYSE in February 2022. Adara subsequently completed a $600 million acquisition of Alliance Entertainment in June 2023, delivering significant value to investors.
Appointed Chairman of the Board of Hawkeye Systems, Inc. (OTC: HWKE) in May 2026, guiding the company's transformation into a private equity and merchant banking platform with a focus on crypto, blockchain technology, and cybersecurity.
Areas of Expertise
Structuring and executing equity and debt financings to fund growth, acquisitions, and new initiatives.
Putting capital and operating expertise to work alongside management to build value over time.
Identifying, investing in, and scaling companies with strong long-term fundamentals.
Sourcing, structuring, and executing strategic transactions that strengthen market position.
Guiding founders and boards through financing, governance, and strategic decisions.
Aligning strategy, capital, and operations around durable, long-term value.
Public Markets
Featured Leadership
American Capital Partners is Martin's flagship advisory platform — helping businesses raise capital, secure private investment, structure financing, execute acquisitions, and develop long-term strategic growth plans.
As Chairman of Hawkeye Systems, Martin is helping guide the company's transformation into a modern merchant banking, private equity, and strategic advisory platform — one example of his broader work helping organizations create lasting enterprise value.
See current leadership →Success Stories
Led the IPO of cbdMD, Inc. on the NYSE, growing the company from inception to a $400 million market capitalization and inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index — while generating over $250 million in aggregate sales and serving more than one million customers.
Read more →Secured over $100 million in equity and debt financings for cbdMD, Inc., enabling the company to scale operations, build a national brand, and execute a $135 million strategic acquisition — all while maintaining disciplined capital allocation and investor focus.
Read more →
Led Adara Acquisition Corp.'s $115 million NYSE IPO and guided the SPAC to complete a $600 million acquisition of Alliance Entertainment — demonstrating expertise in structuring, executing, and closing complex public-market transactions.
Read more →Leadership Philosophy
Decisions are measured by the durable value they create, not the speed of the close.
Capital is allocated with patience and conviction, toward opportunities that compound.
Lasting partnerships with founders, boards, and investors outlast any single deal.
Strong governance and transparency are the foundation of every enterprise worth building.
Contact
For strategic advisory, capital markets, investor, speaking, and media inquiries.