Jacmel Partners Launches Infrastructure Investing Platform
Infrastructure investor and developer Mike Salzman joins as Operating Partner
Jacmel Partners, a minority-owned alternative investment firm, has officially launched a new platform dedicated to infrastructure investments known as Jacmel Infrastructure. This platform aims to target vital infrastructure projects and operational platforms primarily in sectors such as transportation, energy, social, and digital. The firm has brought on Mike Salzman, an industry veteran, to serve as Operating Partner. With extensive experience in infrastructure, he was previously a Senior Advisor to Jacmel Partners when this platform was being created.
Focus on Critical Infrastructure Projects
Jacmel Infrastructure is dedicated to providing capital and support for projects by collaborating with developers, investors, and local governments. The mission is to become the strategic partner of choice in the rapidly growing infrastructure sector. With a specialized focus on North American investments, Jacmel utilizes diversified investment structures, such as public-private partnerships (P3s), to fuel its growth.
Leadership with Expertise
The leadership at Jacmel consists of Co-Managing Partners Nick Jean-Baptiste and Jorge Mora, both seasoned professionals with impressive backgrounds in private transactions and leveraged finance. Their extensive experience includes significant roles at Macquarie Group, further enhancing the firm's strategic capabilities. Jacmel's team of investment professionals typically boasts around 25 years of experience within asset ownership, operations, development, and advice across the expansive private markets.
Building Operational Platforms for Growth
Recently, Jacmel has emphasized the creation of operating platforms that offer infrastructure and information technology solutions. A pivotal move in their expansion was the acquisition of Arora Engineers, a respected leader in infrastructure engineering services, which has facilitated over $23 billion in infrastructure projects. With this groundwork, Jacmel Infrastructure has completed its first transaction and anticipates announcing several significant developments in upcoming months.
Successful Partnerships and Future Prospects
According to Jean-Baptiste, Co-Managing Partner, collaborating with Mike and the rest of the team to develop Jacmel Infrastructure has been an incredibly fulfilling aspect of their journey. They believe that their firm’s genesis in 2015 was the start of an intention to deliver value, capital, and an actionable impact plan to privately-held businesses. Their careful due diligence and fostered long-term relationships with municipalities and infrastructure authorities position them uniquely to leverage the noticeable opportunities within the infrastructure market. This includes addressing the existing shortfall of private firms that can relate to and understand local government dynamics and its constituents.
Expertise in Large-scale Developments
Mike Salzman brings more than 20 years of experience as an infrastructure investor, significantly influencing how large-scale developments are structured and financed. Previously, as Global Head of Airports for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Salzman was instrumental in securing commercial development rights at JFK International Airport and in executing two major redevelopments at LAX. His career also includes roles like Chief Development Officer for Brightline Trains, where he led projects valued over $4 billion while at Caesars Entertainment.
A Vision for Responsible Investment
As co-Managing Partner Mora remarks, their partnership with Mike has enabled the team to integrate their investment and operational expertise across infrastructure and tech-enabled services, creating systematic and value-driven approaches for large-scale infrastructure projects. As the landscape for infrastructure investing thrives on bipartisan support and the increasing necessity for diverse representation, Jacmel is excited to embark on this promising new chapter.
Reflecting on his collaboration with Jacmel, Salzman emphasized how the firm’s unique approach focuses on building serious partnerships and making meaningful differences in local communities. He adds that investing in infrastructure requires empathy and deep industry insights, components Jacmel has effectively leveraged to navigate opportunities and create a holistic risk management strategy. As they embark on this new venture, Salzman anticipates delivering substantial value to investors, employees, travelers, and the communities they serve.
About Jacmel Partners
Jacmel Partners is a minority-owned alternative investment firm committed to partnering with private companies and investing in initiatives that reinforce essential infrastructure. The firm forms long-standing relationships with management teams, developers, and government entities to provide flexible capital and significant operational insights that generate a strong impact framework. Since 2021, Jacmel has invested $250 million in its growth, employing over 700 individuals across its controlled investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jacmel Partners' new platform about?
Jacmel Partners has launched Jacmel Infrastructure, a platform focusing on investments in critical infrastructure projects across transportation, energy, and social sectors.
Who is the Operating Partner of Jacmel Infrastructure?
Mike Salzman has been appointed as the Operating Partner, bringing over two decades of experience in the infrastructure sector.
What investments does Jacmel Infrastructure aim to target?
The platform will target investments primarily in North America through various structures, including public-private partnerships.
What experience does Jacmel's leadership team have?
Co-Managing Partners Nick Jean-Baptiste and Jorge Mora possess extensive backgrounds in private transactions and leveraged finance, bolstered by significant tenures at Macquarie Group.
How much capital has Jacmel Partners invested since 2021?
Since 2021, Jacmel Partners has invested a total of $250 million across its initiatives, focusing on fostering infrastructure projects and partnerships.
