Artisans not Analysts with Ryan Ochs

What does capital really look for when evaluating a deal?

In this episode of the M&A Source Podcast, host David Dejewski sits down with Ryan Ochs, Founder and Managing Partner of RDP Advisory, to discuss how lenders and investors evaluate middle-market transactions. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in investment banking, private credit, underwriting, and investment committee leadership, Ryan shares practical insights into capital raising, deal preparation, and the realities of modern M&A markets.

From investment committee dynamics to family office capital, this conversation gives M&A advisors and founders a clearer understanding of what separates strong deal opportunities from those that fail to gain traction.

Summary

Ryan Ochs built his career evaluating risk and structuring capital across some of the most active credit and investment platforms in the middle market. After starting at RBC Capital Markets, he moved through roles at American Capital, Brightwood Capital, Star Mountain Advisors, and Lafayette Square, where he led underwriting and origination and served on the investment committee.

Today, through RDP Advisory, Ryan helps companies raise capital and structure transactions across the capital stack.

In this episode, Ryan explains why many businesses struggle to attract capital, how investment committees actually review opportunities, and why preparation and clarity matter more than ever in today’s disciplined market environment.

He also discusses the growing role of family offices in private markets, how advisors can better position deals for investors, and why understanding the fundamentals of how a company makes money is still the most important part of the story.

Along the way, Ryan shares real-world transaction stories—including deals that nearly collapsed at closing—and explains what strong advisors do differently to keep deals on track.

Key Takeaways

Investment committees look for clarity, not complexity

Deals must clearly explain the fundamentals: how the business makes money, what it costs to generate revenue, and how the financial story ties together.

Preparation matters before going to market

Strong transactions begin months before outreach, often with sell-side quality of earnings work, clean financial reporting, and a well-prepared narrative.

Confusion creates doubt in investors’ minds

If financials don’t reconcile or the story isn’t clear, investors begin questioning everything else in the deal.

Family offices are becoming a major capital source

Many family offices now invest directly in deals, offering flexibility and patient capital compared to traditional private equity funds.

The capital stack offers many financing options

From bank debt to private credit, mezzanine financing, structured equity, and common equity, each layer has different costs, risks, and investor expectations.

Experience still matters in dealmaking

Ryan describes M&A as an apprenticeship business where repetition, mentorship, and pattern recognition are critical to developing strong advisors.

About the Guest

Ryan Ochs is the Founder and Managing Partner of RDP Advisory, an independent investment and merchant bank focused on middle-market debt advisory, capital raising, and mergers and acquisitions.

Before launching RDP Advisory, Ryan served as Managing Director at Lafayette Square, where he led underwriting and origination and served on the firm’s investment committee. He previously held senior roles at Brightwood Capital, Star Mountain Advisors, American Capital, and RBC Capital Markets.

Across his career, Ryan has participated in transactions involving more than 100 companies and over $5 billion in capital raised or invested.

Connect with Ryan Ochs

Website: https://rdpadvisory.com

LinkedIn: Ryan Ochs https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancochs/

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