Private Credit Fundraising

I recently came across a niche opportunity with a small but high-performing lending platform that focuses primarily on real-estate-backed credit. The firm has generated strong double-digit net returns with impressive downside protection and no realized losses for over ten years. It’s led by a highly experienced principal who has been in real estate for several decades and built a strong track record through disciplined origination and underwriting. While the investment side is very well managed, the platform has done little in terms of structured fundraising or investor relations. Also the founder is very wealthy and this is a bit more of a hobby so fundraising has not been a priority. The founder’s existing investor base is largely high-net-worth individuals who’ve invested with him for years, but there’s been almost no institutional outreach or brand development. Once I learned this, I quickly pushed to become the head of fundraising knowing the strategy is strong and LPs would be interested. I've been working in investing for the past five years and need to learn more about licensing, G2M strategy and how to meet new investors. I'm also thinking a hybrid capital structure (a large LP commitment, some senior debt, and a rev share) might be the best route for raising substantial capital and creating a preferred lender relationship. I have several years of investing experience but limited IR and marketing exposure, and I’m also unlicensed at the moment. I’d really value guidance or mentorship from someone who’s worked in investor relationships and/or headed up IR for an emerging manager.