Liberty SBF Unveils $100 Million Credit Fund with New Partner

Liberty SBF Launches New Credit Opportunities Fund

Liberty SBF, a prominent alternative lender, has unveiled its Liberty Credit Opportunities Fund I, LP, with plans to raise up to $100 million. This fund is tailored to target small balance commercial real estate credit opportunities, focusing primarily on two key categories: owner-user/SBA loans and multifamily bridge and preferred equity investments. The planned strategy includes making quarterly distributions to investors while seeking to return their capital within a four-year timeframe.

Strategic Timing in a Shifting Market

The launch of this fund comes at a crucial time for the commercial real estate sector. With rising interest rates and tightened lending conditions from traditional banks, Liberty is poised to seize significant opportunities within the small balance lending arena. The fund aims for net returns in the mid to high teens through investments ranging from $1 million to $15 million across various commercial property sectors.

CEO's Insights on Market Opportunities

According to Alex Cohen, CEO and Co-Founder of Liberty, this new fund represents a natural evolution of the firm’s successful strategies over the previous 14 years. "Having been sustained by private equity funding and managing specialized investment vehicles, our extensive expertise in small balance commercial lending, paired with our comprehensive nationwide origination platform and rigorous asset management practices, uniquely position us to leverage the existing market scenarios," he noted.

Capital Deployment and Historical Performance

Since its inception in 2011, Liberty has successfully raised and deployed capital for a wide range of institutions, foundations, and family offices. At its peak, Liberty managed assets under management (AUM) totaling $444 million and serviced over $460 million in loans in a single year.

Presidential Perspective on Current Market Dynamics

Alex Prombaum, Liberty's President and Co-Founder, emphasized the potential that current market dislocations offer, particularly in small balance commercial real estate credit. With transaction volumes reported to be down by as much as 80% this year and traditional lenders holding back, Liberty is noticing numerous attractive prospects, especially in stabilized assets that boast strong demand fundamentals.

Risk Management and Performance Track Record

The firm has a strong track record of success, evidenced by zero credit losses since its inception and historical returns in the high teens, net of fees, derived from its prior investments made through private equity groups and family offices. Liberty's vertically integrated platform proficiently manages all lending aspects internally, including origination, underwriting, servicing, and asset management, ensuring comprehensive oversight.

New Appointment Enhances Investment Management

In a notable move, Liberty has welcomed Zev Nagel as its new Managing Director of Investment Funds. Nagel joins from Decron Properties Corp., a well-regarded real estate investment firm, where he was the Chief Administrative Officer. His extensive expertise in real estate and financial operations is expected to contribute significantly to Liberty's investment management division.

Zev Nagel's Enthusiasm for Joining Liberty

Zev Nagel expressed excitement over his new role at Liberty, highlighting the firm’s strong historical reputation and market relationships. He noted, "The firm’s impressive history and robust connections set an excellent foundation for raising and deploying capital. The timing for this new strategy is exceptional given the prevailing market conditions."

About Liberty SBF

Liberty SBF is a renowned alternative asset manager concentrating on small balance commercial real estate lending. Founded in 2011, the firm has successfully originated more than $2 billion in loans across diverse products. Furthermore, Liberty holds a notable capital markets position, having securitized or sold in excess of $1 billion in loans while retaining servicing rights. The firm has achieved an aggregate commercial real estate originations volume exceeding $525 million. Liberty’s unique platform merges profound credit expertise with exceptional origination and asset management capabilities, supported by a management team with a collective experience of 75 years in the commercial real estate sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Liberty's new credit fund?

The fund aims to raise $100 million to invest in small balance commercial real estate credit opportunities.

Who is Zev Nagel and what is his role at Liberty?

Zev Nagel is the new Managing Director of Investment Funds, bringing substantial experience from his previous position at Decron Properties Corp.

Why is the timing right for this fund launch?

The current market conditions present various opportunities due to reduced transaction volumes and the withdrawal of traditional lenders from the market.

What types of investments will the fund target?

The fund will focus on owner-user/SBA loans and multifamily bridge and preferred equity investments.

What has been Liberty's historical performance?

Liberty has maintained zero credit losses since its inception, with historical returns in the high teens net of fees.

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