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, strategic advisor, 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 capital markets advisory 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Martin Sumichrast is an entrepreneur, investor, strategic advisor, and capital markets advisor with more than 35 years of experience. He is the Founder and CEO of American Capital Partners and Chairman of Hawkeye Systems. Previously, he founded Global Capital Partners (NASDAQ: GCAP), co-founded and led cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD) as Chairman and CEO, and co-founded Adara Acquisition Corp., which completed a $600 million acquisition of Alliance Entertainment.
Martin Sumichrast specializes in capital raising, capital markets advisory, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate advisory. He helps founders, boards, and institutional investors structure equity and debt financings, execute strategic acquisitions, and build long-term enterprise value across public and private markets.
Martin Sumichrast founded Global Capital Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: GCAP), a global investment bank with over 500 employees and 27 international offices. He co-founded and served as Chairman, CEO, and President of cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD), co-founded Adara Acquisition Corp. (NYSE IPO, 2022), and is currently Founder and CEO of American Capital Partners and Chairman of Hawkeye Systems, Inc. (OTC: HWKE).
Martin Sumichrast works directly with founders and boards to structure and execute equity and debt financings — from private placements and institutional raises to public market transactions including IPOs and SPACs. Through American Capital Partners, he brings both capital and operating expertise to help businesses access the right financing at the right stage of growth.
Martin Sumichrast has extensive public markets experience spanning three decades. He took cbdMD public via IPO in 2017 and grew it to a $400 million market capitalization. He led Adara Acquisition Corp.’s $115 million NYSE IPO in 2022. His investment banking firm Global Capital Partners executed billions in capital markets transactions across 27 international offices.
You can reach Martin Sumichrast directly through the contact form or by emailing [email protected]. He accepts inquiries related to strategic advisory, capital markets mandates, private equity co-investments, board roles, and speaking engagements.
Contact
For strategic advisory, capital markets, investor, speaking, and media inquiries.