Suma Kulkarni
ACON Investments
Suma Kulkarni
Partner
ACON Investments
What led you to a career in the deal-making industry?
I have always been drawn to business and transaction and what it all means. Assisting in the process of building a business whether it was capital raising, M&A or through principal investing was always interesting to me. It’s being a part of a story that is being created and having a meaningful role in the process.
How does diversity add value in the deal-making process?
Diversity plays a very important role in investing. Diverse backgrounds and experience provide different points of view that help shape the investment decision process.
The most memorable deal I worked on....
Refining deal carved out of Marathon Petroleum in the middle of the recession. New industry, proprietary deal, carve out, creative financing and exited through first ever variable rate MLP.
Advice for achieving success in the industry....
Look beneath the headlines to find value.
Profile:
Prior to joining ACON in 2008, Ms. Kulkarni was a Senior Associate with the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Investment Banking Group at Friedman Billings Ramsey focusing on Business Services and Financial Technology sectors, where she was responsible for executing the firm’s underwriting and M&A advisory activities. Ms. Kulkarni serves on the Board of Directors of the following ACON fund portfolio companies: Goody Products, Igloo Products and SUZOHAPP.
Location: ACON Investments, Washington, District of Columbia, United States.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance, Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park.
