Harken Capital hires 2 execs for fundraising and secondaries

Harken Capital Securities hired two managing directors to help expand its efforts as a placement agent for lower-middle-market firms as well as secondary and restructuring transactions.

Don Nelson, co-founder and managing director of the Boston firm, said Harken now has the staff in place to raise three to six lower-middle-market funds a year, as it sifts for GPs and LPs to work with.

The firm said Peter Landauer joined after 12 years at University of Florida Investment Corp, where he oversaw a $1.2 billion portfolio as director of private investments. Landauer handled a 125-fund portfolio of private equity, natural resources and real estate holdings.

Harken Capital also brought in Jeffrey Moy. He most recently was head of PE for Central Park Group. Moy managed more than $5 billion in commitments in more than 300 funds in the primary and secondary markets.

“Peter and Jeff have been evaluated managers for their entire careers,” Nelson said in a phone call. Their skillsets and contacts in the GP and LP world will help with fundraising and with the firm’s role in the secondary and restructuring market, he said.

Harken seeks out both emerging and experienced managers in the lower middle market.

Along with Nelson, Landauer and Moy, Harken’s team includes Fred Malloy, co-founder and managing director; Nick Hatch, managing director, and Derek Larson, associate.

Among funds raised by Harken Capital, the firm worked with Long Ridge Equity Partners to raise its second growth capital fund with $227 million in commitments. Long Ridge announced the closing early in March.

Action Item: Contact Peter Landauer, peter@harkencapital.com, or Jeffrey Moy, jeff@harkencapital.com.

Photo of Peter Landauer courtesy of the firm.