My name is Etienne Segal, I’m an operator and investor based in New York, with a background across venture capital, real estate and consumer goods. I currently work at Contrary and write research on technology companies, with a focus on AI and vertical software.
Previously, I founded Monarch Caviar, a DTC and food distribution business in London, and held investing roles at Jefferson Capital and MDPL.
My strengths lie in building scalable systems using technology, designing great customer experiences, and modernizing operations to unlock growth. I’m an AI power user and lifelong learner, constantly exploring new tools and model capabilities.
I’m looking to acquire a profitable, owner-operated business where technology and process excellence can drive growth. My target companies generate $500K-$2M in SDE, are based in New York, Florida, or Texas, and operate in real estate services, specialty construction, IT services, or light manufacturing industries.
I’m backed by personal capital and acquisition financing, with a focus on building a permanent business. Post-acquisition, my goal is to build on what already works – starting by listening to the team and customers, then gradually implementing systems to improve visibility, profitability, and unlock new avenues for growth.
acquisition criteria
Industry | 1. Real estate services
2. Construction
3. IT service providers
4. Light manufacturing |
Size | $500K-$2M of SDE |
Geography | 1. New York Tri-State Area
2. Florida (within a reasonable commute of a major metro area)
3. Texas (within a reasonable commute of a major metro area) |
Profitability | Profitable for 3+ years |
Deal Structure | Majority control, open to owner partnership |
Financing | $500K personal capital + SBA 7(a) loan |
industry flashcards
- Residential and commercial property management firms
- Cleaning and janitorial services
- Inspection and compliance companies
- Restoration contractors
- Roofing, siding, and glazing contractors
- Low voltage and building systems integrators
- ERP/CRM implementation partners
- Managed IT service providers
- Food producers, co-packers and processors
- Component manufacturers for construction and industrial customers
- ADU and modular housing manufacturers
integration
Post-acquisition, my first priority will be to listen and learn. I want to understand how the company truly operates, from the perspective of the owner, the team, and the customers. For the first 1-2 months, I’ll observe closely and document every process in detail: how information moves, how decisions are made, and where bottlenecks appear.
The goal of this process is to preserve what already makes the company great while gradually building a stronger, more organized foundation for growth.
financing
I have committed personal capital of $500K and access to additional investor capital for equity co-investment. I’m also pre-qualified for SBA financing and maintain active relationships with acquisition lenders and equity partners.
My goal is to close efficiently, while ensuring a smooth transition for the seller and employees.
contact me
📨 es@esegal.me
☎️ 917 965 4012
buildouts
- Monarch Caviar — founded a DTC luxury food brand sold online, and through retail and hospitality partners
- AniVC — built brand and operational systems for a venture fund investing across animal health
- PolicyBot — built an AI tool to navigate London’s real estate regulations, adopted by developers
- BirdsEye — building the first AI-enabled PMS for small multifamily portfolios
- Uncle Yoshiro — founded Japanese-inspired healthy snack brand
- esma foods — founded a retail distribution platform for CPG in the UK
deep dives
- The vertical AI playbook
- AI in commercial real estate
- AI in legal services
- Humanoid robotics
company breakdowns
- Stripe
- Ramp
- CloudKitchens
- Flexport
- Anthropic
- Klarna
- Perplexity