Private equity investor, lecturer at the University of Miami, and one of the leading voices on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition. From Goldman Sachs to Main Street — bringing Wall Street insight to real-world audiences.
Darien K. Smith, Esq. is a private equity investor, lecturer, and first-generation attorney from Chicago's South Side. He brings a rare combination of institutional training and entrepreneurial grit to every stage.
After working in Goldman Sachs' Investment Management Division, practicing corporate law, and consulting at Boston Consulting Group, Darien left to found D.K. Smith & Co. and DKS Capital Partners, where he acquires and operates businesses in the US lower middle market.
He holds a J.D. from NYU School of Law and a B.S. in Finance & Mathematics from the University of Miami, where he now serves as a lecturer in entrepreneurship — teaching engineers, attorneys, and MBAs how to buy, build, and invest in American businesses.
Why buying a business is the most underrated path to wealth. The frameworks, the math, and the mindset behind acquiring instead of building from scratch.
The $1–10M deal sweet spot. How to source, evaluate, and invest in the most underserved yet most resilient segment of the American economy.
Bridging Wall Street and small business. How institutional training applies to acquiring and operating Main Street companies — and why the biggest opportunity isn't at the top.
Deal-by-deal private equity without a traditional fund. How to structure, syndicate, and close transactions as an independent sponsor.
10 million Baby Boomer businesses need new owners. Preserving small business communities, protecting jobs, and creating generational wealth through thoughtful succession.
30–60 min main stage presentations
Moderated discussions with industry peers
Hands-on, interactive sessions
University & academic programs
Long-form conversations & interviews
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