Kerry Muse
Director of Business Development
Kerry Muse joined Fort Point Capital in 2023 as Director of Business Development.
Prior to Fort Point, Kerry was Director of Business Development at Windjammer Capital, where she was responsible for intermediary coverage and sourcing/qualification efforts in the middle market. Prior to that, she was a Director with Sherbrooke Capital, where she was responsible for all aspects of deal origination, due diligence, transaction execution and portfolio company management.
Kerry received a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. from Boston University.
Questions & answers
How should management teams evaluate Fort Point Capital or interested private equity firms more broadly?
I would say, really think about the people you are going to be working with – are these people you can count on to help you work through issues? Do you trust them to tell you the truth, even when it can be difficult to hear? I would strongly encourage management teams to do their own due diligence on potential PE partners. Speak with managers from their portfolio companies, past and present, to understand how they work with management, what is their approach to opportunities and challenges within the business, and do they feel their PE partner has their back?
What's the most important thing when it comes to making the private equity firm-management team relationship work?
I think the secret to success for a relationship between a PE firm and management is the same as any other relationship – it has to be grounded in respect, trust, clear communication and honesty. These are long term relationships and there are undoubtedly going to be highs and lows. But if you have a relationship founded on these principles, it is going to make things so much more successful and satisfying when you feel good about the people you are partnered with.
Describe your role and responsibilities at Fort Point Capital.
My primary role is generating attractive investment opportunities for the firm. This involves cultivating relationships with a wide range of people involved in the M&A process, from investment bankers to business advisors and consultants to business owners themselves, to identify companies that could be a good fit for us and clearly communicate who we are as a firm. It also sometimes involves identifying resources that could be beneficial to our portfolio companies.
How did you become interested in private equity? What drew you to it?
I came to private equity from the non-profit sector, where there is no shortage of great ideas, just resources. One of the things I found most appealing about private equity is the ability to equip entrepreneurs and managers with the tools and resources they need to realize their goals and achieve success, not only for themselves, but for their employees as well.
What’s your favorite way to spend some time off?
Spending time with my family, which these days involves a lot of time spent at school sporting events and in cold ice rinks. I also love the performing arts. My first job out of college was working as a company manager for a professional dance company, and I don’t think there is anything that can beat the beauty and unpredictability of live performances.
If you weren't in private equity, what would you be doing?
I have always had a deep interest in different cultures and how history shapes the issues and conflicts in our world today, so I think I would be working as a foreign service officer in some far-off country.