Not many investment bankers start out as physicists but then again, not many bring the layered, real-world perspective Marvin Karlow does.
Before guiding business owners through exits, Marvin navigated a career spanning Fortune 500 companies, startup ventures, private acquisitions, and successful exits of his own. He’s been in the boardroom, the buyer’s seat, the seller’s seat, and the trenches of ownership. Now, he brings that full-spectrum insight to every client he advises at Raincatcher.
“I’ve owned, grown, and sold companies,” Marvin says. “I’ve signed the personal guarantees. I’ve stressed over payroll. I know what it feels like to sit in the ownership seat. I believe that empathy matters immensely to working with business owners.”
Marvin’s path to Raincatcher wasn’t a straight line. He earned a PhD in physics and launched his career at Texas Instruments before moving into enterprise software and eventually becoming COO of a major division at LexisNexis. Along the way, he was repeatedly pulled into the world of M&A, gaining exposure to deal-making from multiple angles.
Eventually, he stepped away from the corporate world and bought a metal finishing business. Over time, he expanded that business through acquisitions, merged with a strategic partner, and ultimately sold to a publicly traded buyer.
That full-circle experience is what drew him to this work at Raincatcher.
“Most founders will only sell a business once. It’s complex, it’s emotional, and it’s easy to underestimate how hard it really is. I’ve been through it, and now I get to help others navigate it with more clarity and confidence.”
At Raincatcher, Marvin is know for his steady presence, sharp intellect, and real-world pragmatism. He’s also a strong believer in doing things the right way and in the best interests of clients. And, he feels at home helping other business owners achieve their goals.
“I love business owners. They’re my kind of people. I could listen to someone talk me through their business all day. I’m endlessly curious about business models and how people make money. Getting to be a part of their journey, especially helping them get the exit they deserve, never gets old.”
Outside of the deal room, Marvin is … well, never still. He’s an endurance athlete, a high-speed powerboating enthusiast, and an experienced multi-week mountain hiker. He lives in Texas with his wife and has a daughter at the University of Texas at Austin.
This is the last job Marvin says he’ll ever have because he genuinely loves every part of the job and is truly honored by the trust his clients place in him.
Looking for an advisor who knows how to get you across the finish line?
Connect with Marvin today to start mapping a process that’s built around your goals.
