In 2009, Nick Leopard set out to prove that there was a better way to work in finance – and more specifically, a better way to unlock value potential in private equity portfolio companies. He was right. Nick founded Accordion, and in the years since, he has grown the company to serve more than 250 private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Today, Nick continues to drive Accordion’s strategic vision. As CEO of the rapidly expanding company, Nick sees Accordion as the ultimate partner to the private equity community – and he’s passionate about finding new ways to serve the industry’s evolving needs. Before launching Accordion, Nick was part of the investment team of a $200 million mezzanine debt fund, BHC Interim Funding, L.P., which focuses on short-term investments in companies with $50-$500 million of revenue. Prior to BHC, he was a member of the FIG Investment Banking Department of Bear, Stearns & Co. LLC. Nick started his career at CapitalSource Finance (NYSE: CSE), where he focused on securing and analyzing senior and subordinated debt opportunities. During his time at CapitalSource, Nick built and maintained more than 300 relationships with private equity funds, senior lenders, and investment banks. A former lacrosse captain at Saint Joseph’s University, Nick graduated with a B.S. in Finance from the Haub School of Business. While Nick is proud to have been selected as one of M&A Advisor’s “Top 40 Under 40” and recognized as a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, he is most proud to be the father of three boys. On the weekends, he can be found buckling lifejackets or teaching them to golf in Cold Spring Harbor.