Follow Merrette Linkedin Twitter
Email Merrette Email
Financial
May 18, 2021

Chicken & Pickle(ball)s: Supply And Demand In Private Company Investing

Sponsored Content provided by Merrette Moore - Managing Partner, Tidewater Investment Company

Perhaps you have heard — the US M&A markets are “overly competitive owing to high valuations." This piece gives a great synopsis of what is going on.
 
Ask pretty much anyone in the game… it is a seller’s market right now. To paraphrase what a local M&A guy (name withheld) wrote in a piece recently, if your company is not getting unsolicited calls about being bought, then you must not have much of a company. To paraphrase what a local private company investor (name rhymes with “carrot core”) proclaimed to some buddies recently when drinking beers at Dockside, company valuations are so high right now that people are going to suffer the proverbial nosebleeds.
 
So, if you’re an investor like me who prefers not to stick twisted paper towels in his nostrils, what do you do? How do you find private company investment opportunities in this market?
 
Well, I am doing a couple of things perhaps of note. For one, I am looking to create ways to make money in existing, stable markets. For another, I am looking to capitalize on opportunities in emerging, fast-growing markets.
 
Let’s look at the former way first. People eat a lot of chicken. They have been eating chicken for a long time and all indications are that considerable consumption will continue well into the future. Like every industry, poultry processing has a supply chain with opportunities for outside financing. The ecosystem is pretty stable, the economics are fairly straightforward, and, most importantly, the demand is there. I have been made aware of an opportunity that has compelling risk-reward parameters, so I have jumped in with both feet… and my checkbook.
 
Now let’s look at the latter way. I love pickles (baby dills for me), but I really, really love pickleball. So do a lot of people, as this article explains. Whether or not it is THE fastest growing sport in America, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that lots of people are picking up this wonderfully weird hybrid of badminton, ping-pong, wiffle ball and tennis. The demand for pickleball equipment, apparel, clinics, tournaments, facilities, etc. is exploding. With exploding demand comes opportunity, so I am — you guessed it — jumping in with both feet… and, yes, my checkbook.
 
Private company investing can seem like a Rubik’s cube. There are complexities that come into play, sure, but it all comes back to finding opportunity where others cannot or will not see it. You have to know how to capitalize, which comes down to people and their ability to execute. If you can find those people to collaborate with and you can find the right spot on the supply-demand vortex, there is money to be made. 

 
About Merrette Moore: Merrette Moore is the Managing Partner of Tidewater Investment Company, overseeing the operations of the firm. Merrette has over 25 years experience working in finance, company management and innovation. He has been involved in over 50 private investments, serving as the lead investment representative for many of these deals. Merrette has participated on the boards of several privately held companies either as the executive chairman, director or an observer.
 
About Tidewater Investment Company: Tidewater Investment Co. is a North Carolina investment firm focusing on small company direct investment as well as healthcare venture capital. Tidewater provides unique access to subordinated debt, small company private equity, growth capital, and venture capital investments for high net worth individuals, family offices, and small institutional investors. The firm’s investment platform allows investors the flexibility to invest on a deal-by-deal basis without any upfront commitment of long-term obligation.

 
For More Information, please visit our website: www.tidewaterinvestco.com.
 
Follow Tidewater Investment Co here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tidewaterinvestco

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Chris 16239425

E32: John Monahan - How I Built a CEO Advisory Group in Wilmington, NC

Chris Capone - Capone & Associates
Untitleddesign7

Effective Social Media Strategies for HOA Boards

Dave Orr - Community Association Management Services
Cfss headshots parker robert webversion 21422121214

Duke Energy Will Pay You Up to $9,000 to Go Solar with a Battery

Robert Parker - Cape Fear Solar Systems

Trending News

Brokers Mark Signs Of Housing Market Slowdown

Emma Dill - Jun 18, 2025

Wilhelm Named UNCW Chief Of Staff

Staff Reports - Jun 17, 2025

Developers, Local Leaders Talk Ongoing Downtown Projects

Emma Dill - Jun 17, 2025

Miller Sworn In To CFPUA Board

Staff Reports - Jun 17, 2025

Dorn Named Managing Broker Of Real Estate Firm's Hampstead Office

Staff Reports - Jun 17, 2025

In The Current Issue

Natural Tendencies: Residents, Developers Look At Bald Head Island’s Future

The master plan includes detailed maps and schematics and addresses the three island locales authorized for commercial development....


Small Business Spotlight: Company Sinks Teeth Into Diving

The company’s primary focus has shifted from salvage, recovery and inspection to recovery and sales of fossils....


Leland Seeks To Draw Tourists

A new strategic plan could help shape the future of tourism in Leland for years to come....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season