Savannah Search Capital
At Savannah Search Capital, we have an experienced team of founders, investors, and operators dedicated to driving business growth and operational excellence. Our leadership includes professionals with expertise in military leadership, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, finance, M&A integration, and transformational growth. The team has held multiple CEO roles, supported portfolio companies, and led companies in industries such as construction, specialty trade contractors, manufacturing, property management.
Alyssa’s background in building and leading sales teams, rooted in her family’s small business experience, complements Ali’s expertise in finance and M&A integration. Their combined strengths, along with the broader team's experience in business development and business operations, create a powerful synergy. The team has successfully scaled companies in multiple sectors, executed turnaround plans that significantly improved financial performance, and applied strategic insights from investment banking, M&A, and corporate growth initiatives.
Ali and Alyssa met during their Yale MBA program, bonding over shared perspectives on leadership, business, and economic outlooks. Their connection deepened in an entrepreneurship class, where they recognized that business success is built on relationships and fostering a sense of community among contributors.
Together, Savannah Search Capital leverages this collective experience to identify, acquire, and grow businesses. Our collaborative approach ensures sustainable growth and long-term success for the companies we support.
Ali Platon - Co-Founder Savannah Search Capital
Ali brings experience in Finance, M&A and Private Equity paired with outstanding leadership skills.
Alyssa Strasser - Co-Founder Savannah Search Capital
Alyssa brings experience in Sales, Risk Management, and Financial Markets.
Investor- Operators
Stephen M. Goddard- Kamylon
Mike Smerklo- Next Coast Ventures
Mike Smerklo- Next Coast Ventures
A former military officer and Lean Six Sigma Master Blackbelt, Stephen helps companies scale through transformational stages. At Kamylon since 2008, he has held various roles, including three CEO positions. He was previously Executive Director and VP of Operations at 3D Systems Inc. Stephen holds a BA from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an MBA from London Business School.
Mike Smerklo- Next Coast Ventures
Mike Smerklo- Next Coast Ventures
Mike Smerklo- Next Coast Ventures
Co-Founder & Managing Director at Next Coast Ventures, Mike is an entrepreneur, investor, and author of Mr. Monkey and Me: A Real Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs.
Previously, he was CEO of ServiceSource (SREV) and Director of Business Development at Opsware. He holds an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a BS from Miami University of Ohio.
Badge Stone- WSC & Company
Mike Smerklo- Next Coast Ventures
Macon Carroll- WSC & Company
At WSC, Mr. Stone acquired and operated Perimeter Security Systems, later sold to Electric Guard Dog in 2016. Before WSC, he was President of Stone Pump & Trench, leading a turnaround that boosted EBITDA by 71%. He holds a Business Administration degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Macon Carroll- WSC & Company
Mike Smerklo- Next Coast Ventures
Macon Carroll- WSC & Company
Macon Carroll is a Partner and co-founder of WSC & Company. He previously served as VP of Operations at Griffin Brothers Companies, focusing on construction and demolition landfilling, real estate, and hospitality, where he led operational efficiencies and business development. Macon holds a B.A. in Global Studies (Economics) and an M.B.A. from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
OUR PARTNERS
