Corinthian Partners Research
Advisory Approach
Corinthian Partners, founded in 1996, is a full-service investment bank, broker-dealer, and asset management firm with a distinct focus on capital markets transactions and public company advisory services. Unlike traditional lower-middle-market M&A advisors, Corinthian specializes in PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) transactions, private placements, registered direct offerings, and other capital markets solutions for publicly traded and pre-IPO companies.
The firm operates with an entrepreneurial, boutique environment that emphasizes enduring client relationships and service continuity. Their approach centers on providing innovative financing solutions and capital raising capabilities to growth companies, particularly in the healthcare, technology, and industrial sectors.
Sector Focus
Corinthian Partners maintains particular expertise in healthcare services and products through their relationship with Highline Research Advisors, a healthcare-focused advisory platform. The firm has advised on transactions for medical device companies (Biotricity), biotechnology firms (Brain Scientific), and healthcare infrastructure companies.
They also maintain active practices in manufacturing and industrial sectors, having advised companies like Ossen Innovation Co., Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of pre-stressed steel materials for bridge and highway construction. Their industrial focus extends to companies requiring complex financing solutions for capital-intensive operations.
The firm's wealth management division provides complementary services to high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutions, offering access to alternative investments including hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital funds.
Deal Track Record
Corinthian Partners has been involved in numerous capital markets transactions:
Notable Engagements:
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Ossen Innovation Co., Ltd. (2017): Retained Highline Research Advisors, acting through Corinthian Partners, as financial advisor to a special committee evaluating proposed transactions involving the acquisition of American-Asia Diabetes Research Foundation and a spin-off of current assets. Ossen Innovation is a NASDAQ-listed manufacturer (OSN) of pre-stressed steel materials for infrastructure projects.
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Biotricity Inc.: Corinthian Partners acted as placement agent for private placement offerings, providing capital raising services for this medical technology company.
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Brain Scientific Inc.: Multiple capital raising transactions and advisory engagements, including PIPE transactions and registered direct offerings for this healthcare technology company.
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Jensyn Acquisition Corp.: Advised on reverse merger and recapitalization transactions, demonstrating expertise in complex corporate restructurings and SPAC-related activity.
The firm's transaction history shows a pattern of working with smaller public companies (micro-cap and small-cap) requiring alternative financing solutions beyond traditional institutional equity offerings. Their clients typically include companies listed on NASDAQ, OTC markets, or pre-IPO firms preparing for public market entry.
Process & Fee Structure
Corinthian Partners' engagement model differs from traditional M&A advisors:
Capital Markets Focus:
- Private placements and PIPE transactions
- Registered direct offerings
- Secondary offerings and follow-on offerings
- Debt recapitalizations
- Project financing and restructuring advisory
Fee Model: Given their focus on capital markets transactions, the firm typically charges:
- Placement fees on capital raised (typically percentage of gross proceeds)
- Retainers for ongoing advisory services
- Transaction-based fees for project-specific work
Unlike traditional M&A advisors using Lehman formulas, Corinthian's compensation aligns with capital markets norms—success-based fees tied to financings completed rather than enterprise value percentages.
Buyer Network
Corinthian Partners maintains relationships with:
- Institutional investors participating in PIPE transactions
- Family offices and high-net-worth investors
- Hedge funds and alternative investment managers
- Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs)
- Strategic investors in healthcare and industrial sectors
The firm's hedge fund division specifically identifies emerging managers for institutions and family offices, creating a network of capital sources that can be deployed in client transactions.
Competitive Positioning
Differentiation:
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Capital Markets Specialist: Unlike bulge bracket banks that focus on large-cap issuances, Corinthian specializes in smaller public company transactions often overlooked by larger institutions.
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Healthcare Expertise: Through Highline Research Advisors, the firm has dedicated healthcare sector knowledge with team members from diverse backgrounds including buy-side, bulge bracket banking, consulting, and academia.
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Boutique Service Model: The entrepreneurial environment enables dedicated professionals to build lasting relationships with growth company clients and entrepreneurs.
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Multi-Platform Approach: The firm combines investment banking, institutional trading, and wealth management capabilities to provide comprehensive financial services.
Not a Fit If:
- Traditional private company M&A sell-side assignments (lower middle market)
- Companies seeking institutional buy-side representation
- Transactions requiring extensive auction processes for private companies
- Founder-owned businesses below $50M in enterprise value seeking strategic buyer representation
Corinthian Partners is best suited for publicly traded companies preparing for capital raises, pre-IPO companies structuring financings, and small-cap companies requiring ongoing capital markets advisory.
Team
Key Executives:
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Richard Calabrese – President, Chairman, and Co-Founder. Leads the firm's strategic direction and maintains senior oversight of all client engagements.
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Mitchell Manoff – Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. With 42+ years of experience in finance, Manoff provides executive leadership and oversees the firm's investment banking and capital markets activities.
Additional Team Members:
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Matthew Carlson – Managing Director, Tampa office. Focuses on wealth management and client advisory services.
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Ian M. Deliz – Wealth Management Specialist. Provides investment advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions.
The firm maintains approximately 11-50 employees according to LinkedIn, with professionals spanning investment banking, wealth management, and institutional trading functions. The team's background includes experience at bulge bracket banks, boutique investment firms, and buy-side institutions.
Geographic Coverage
Primary Locations:
- New York, NY: Corporate headquarters at 275 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Phone: (212) 287-1500
- Clearwater, FL: Florida office at 1727 Coachman Plaza Drive, Suite 114, Clearwater, FL 33759. Phone: (813) 570-8354
The firm's bi-coastal presence (Northeast and Southeast) enables service of clients across major U.S. financial markets. Given their focus on public company transactions, geographic coverage is less constrained than traditional regional M&A advisors—capital markets engagements can be executed nationally or internationally without local market dependencies.
Regulatory Standing
Corinthian Partners is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer (CRD #38912) and member of SIPC. This registration enables the firm to execute a full range of securities transactions, including private placements, public offerings, and trading activities. The firm's regulatory status is important for clients requiring broker-dealer capabilities for capital raising and securities trading activities.
Summary
Corinthian Partners occupies a specialized niche in the investment banking landscape—bridging the gap between traditional wealth management and capital markets advisory. For publicly traded companies seeking creative financing solutions, pre-IPO companies structuring capital raises, or small-cap firms requiring ongoing capital markets guidance, Corinthian offers relevant expertise and execution capabilities.
However, for traditional lower-middle-market private company M&A sell-side engagements—business owners seeking to sell companies valued between $5M and $250M to private equity or strategic buyers—Corinthian Partners is not a typical fit. Their expertise, transaction history, and service model are oriented toward capital markets rather than traditional M&A auction processes. Private company owners seeking sell-side representation should consider advisors with demonstrated track records in traditional M&A processes rather than capital markets specialists.