Investing in your future.
change capital starting at $3 million
learn more

about

Asset-based lending for challenged companies

At Academia Business Capital, we specialize in asset-based lending for challenged companies to help them grow. Asset-based lending is a type of financing where the loan is backed by a company’s physical assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, or real estate. It is on-balance-sheet for the borrower.

Academia deploys loans of $3 million and up to middle-market companies in the United States and Canada, across numerous industries. We offer accelerated approval and reliable financing outside of traditional structures.

learn more

partner with us

Why partner with Academia Business Capital?

During uncertain times, asset-based private credit is an attractive option for diversifying an investment portfolio. Our loans are secured with assets, underwritten to liquidation value, which reduces investor risk.

Unmet Need

We have identified robust demand from asset-rich but challenged businesses that lack credit profile or cash flow for traditional bank loans. Investors who partner with Academia get priority access to this pipeline.

Solutions

To maximize returns during up and down cycles, we leverage data and our deep industry experience to act with agility and flexibility. Academia’s creative financing solutions turn today’s disruptions into tomorrow’s returns.

Management Team Experience in Direct Lending

55+ years
Management
Experience
200+
Transactions
$5 billion
Loans Originated
$25 million
Average Commitment
Investors and borrowers who partner with Academia always work directly with our dedicated Managing Partners.
We offer accelerated decision-making and certainty of execution on engaged proposals.
Direct Lending
The Academia Team has a proven track record in direct lending at institutions such as:
  • Ares Managment
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Capital One
  • Fleet Financial
  • Transamerica
  • Keltic Financial
  • Bank Leumi
  • Valley Bank
Barry was instrumental in the start-up/lift-out effort of North Fork/Capital One Business Capital’s business unit from Transamerica Business Capital. Within the first two years, Barry actively participated in the originating, structuring, and underwriting of over $1.8 billion in new loans, on both a direct and syndicated basis. His career spans senior management positions in portfolio management, underwriting management, sales management, and special/workout assets.
Jason was a foundational member of the asset-based lending team at Bank Leumi USA. After Valley Bank (formerly Leumi Business Credit) was established in 2018, Jason was instrumental in growing its loan book to over $650 million in committed facilities through December 2024. Jason was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Award Recipient by the Secured Finance Network in 2020.
managing partner
Barry Fein
Barry brings more than 35 years experience to Academia, including senior positions in secured direct lending at institutions such as Nippon Credit Bank, Fleet Capital, Transamerica Business Capital, Capital One Business Capital, Leumi Business Credit (asset-based lending team at Bank Leumi USA), and Valley Bank (formerly Leumi Business Credit).
managing partner
Jason Schumacher
Jason brings more than 20 years experience in middle-market direct lending at institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Ares Management, Keltic Financial Services LLC, Laurus Capital Management, Leumi Business Credit, Valley Bank, and The Berkshire Bank.
He was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Award Recipient by the Secured Finance Network in 2020.
senior advisor
Mark Fagnani
Mark is a senior managing director at Clear Thinking Group, a boutique advisory firm focused on turnarounds and restructuring, process and performance improvement, and creditors’ rights.
He has more than 30 years of hands-on experience. Mark was also formerly a managing director and the chief credit officer of Wachovia Capital Finance.
After Wachovia, he helped form HVB Capital, Everbank Business Credit, and Leumi Business Credit.
Secured Finance Network Hall of Fame Inductee in 2022. Named an Icon by the ABF Journal in their 2025 edition of Leaders & Legends.
senior advisor
John P. Reilly
Jack founded Keltic Financial Services LLC. He was on the board of ScanSource, Inc., and Chimera Investment Corp.
Jack previously held the positions of partner at Ares Management LLC; president, CEO & managing partner at Keltic Financial Services LLC; and global product head-capital markets at Citicorp Banking Corp.

investment criteria

Tear Sheet

Transaction Hold

+

$3 to $75 million (tailored to targeted market).

Tenor

+

Up to five years.

Borrowing Base Formula Accounts Receivable Advance Rates

+

Eligible Receivables Advance Rate up to 90%
Eligible unbilled Receivables Advance Rate up to 75%
Eligible Credit Card Receivables up to 95%

Borrowing Base Formula Inventory Advance Rates

+

Eligible Inventory Advance Rate at up to 75% of the lower of Cost or Market Value, or, up to 90% of the appraised Net Orderly Liquidation Value. Including Raw Material, WIP, and Finished Goods.

Borrowing Base Formula M&E Sublimit and Advance Rates

+

Advances up to 90% of appraised Net Orderly Liquidation Value of Eligible Machinery and Equipment.

Cash Dominion

+

Full or Springing Dominion.

Term Loan – M&E

+

Advances at the lesser of 90% of the appraised value of existing Eligible Machinery and Equipment typically not to exceed 80% of Forced Liquidation Value.

Term Loan – CapEx

+

Advances at up to 80% of hard costs of newly purchased Eligible Machinery and Equipment.

Mortgage – Real Property

+

Advances up to 75% of fair market value (“FMV”) of Real Property.

Intellectual Property

+

Advances up to 70% of fair market value (“FMV”) of Intellectual Property.

Geography

+

USA, Canada or UK based entity (investment in USD).

Transaction Types

+

Leveraged buyouts, Refinancing, DIP/Exit Financing, Acquisitions, Working Capital, Bridge Financing, Special Situations, Growth and Restructurings.

Targeted Opportunities

Academia Business Capital provides asset-based loans ($3 million and up) for the following financing solutions:

  • Working Capital
  • Acquisitions
  • Growth
  • Seasonality
  • Cyclicality
  • Bridge Financing
  • DIP / Exit Financing
  • Refinancing
  • Recapitalization
  • Turnaround
  • Leveraged Buyout
  • Expansion Projects
  • Restructuring

Key Areas

We partner with borrowers in these key areas:

  • Commercial
  • Industrial
  • Distribution
  • Manufacturing
  • Metals
  • Retail
  • Service Companies
  • Growth
  • Transportation
  • Technology

contact

Let’s start your financial journey together.

For more information about partnering with Academia Business Capital as an investor or borrower — call or email us.
Academia Business Capital
50 Main Street, Suite 1000
White Plains, NY 10606
347-247–4320
info@academiabusiness.com