Client Testimonials

The big benefit that Lantern provided was I didn't feel the pressure that I had to do a certain transaction because Lantern was getting paid on a success fee or on a commission basis. During the project I had a difficult time deciding the right path forward for me, so I really appreciated the opportunity to have Lantern’s advice with no competition in agendas. This gave me the chance to explore many options that were valuable to me to understand. Lantern’s approach kept us well-aligned. In the end, this project was a big win for me, and Lantern facilitated me accomplishing my objectives in probably the best attainable terms. I don't think I ever could have had that outcome without the work Lantern provided. Jason Davis., President, Turnagain Marine Construction, Anchorage Alaska

"My experience with Lantern Capital, particularly with Chris Risey, has been exceptional. From the very beginning, Chris took the time to understand the unique financial challenges and opportunities facing our organization.  Chris's ability to present a range of financing options, coupled with his knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, made the entire process smooth and stress-free. What stood out most was his commitment to our success; he consistently put our best interests first and went above and beyond to ensure we achieved our goals. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Risey and Lantern Capital to any business seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and results-driven financial partner. Their expertise and support have been invaluable to our continued success." Derek Bullard, CEO/Owner , Already Autism Health, Charlotte NC

Fast. Trusted. Cost-Effective.

“My experience with Lantern Advisors has been long time coming and my expectations were exceeded. I had initially spoken to Chris Risey a few years ago and we ended up going with another firm. While the outcome at the end of the day was achieved, it took much longer than expected, the cost was over 2X more than estimated, and the billing was vague. I came back to speak with Chris after that experience and asked if he could step in and help me out of a real bind where I needed to get my last three years financial package ready for a potential lender with about a week’s notice and Sheryl Lyles knocked out a package that we would never have been able to put together internally in that amount of time and probably not even for the same cost due to the time. The ROI was definitely there. Lantern Capital Advisors 100% delivers on the promises made on the website. We will continue to work with them first on our future projects.” Ivan Madrigal CEO, Purpose First Group

"Lantern took the time to understand our business – which is unique. I felt like we didn’t have to keep going over things.   They were very responsive and explained things and translated our business and growth strategies into a business plan that was understandable by others.  Chris handled the information well and was able to run with things once he got up to speed on our business." Reece Pierce Owner American Medical Seminars

“We value Chris’ expertise, opinion and straightforwardness.  His thoughts and opinions are important to both myself as CFO and our owner/CEO. Chris knows what we are trying to accomplish and what we need to be thinking about strategically and financially – what the key considerations are before its plays out. That is very relevant for me as the CFO because the last thing I want is an issue, like a cash flow or working capital shortage that becomes an issue later. Chris is able to factor in both my perspective as CFO and our owner’s goals and objectives.  Also Lantern Capital’s business model is appealing because there is no bias to make the project bigger or expand the scope.  Other advisors often try to boost the deal size in order to grow the potential advisor fee  – sort of like a real estate agent that keeps showing you houses above your price range.” Mike Kish CFO, ACDI

"Chris treated us like we were his only client.  He took responsibility and really drove the process so we could focus on our day jobs which had no shortage of time commitments.  Lantern acted as an honest broker and I think did good job of building trust very quickly with the different members of management and key stakeholders.  Chris was also a really good coach and did a really good job getting me prepped for calls especially as the conversations with different groups and the things they would want to focus on as the process progressed." Tim Borchert President and Co-Owner  Federal Advisory Partners

“Chris is a very smart and practical experienced business professional.  He played devil’s advocate and had great thoughts around what makes sense, where the value is and what would reasonate with investors and thought about problems that I hadn’t contemplated.  Also, Chris’ network and understanding of the process was key.  I had a few of my own sources but Chris provided additional groups from his network that we ended up selecting. Chris’ consultative side and ability to complete the detailed financial plan by taking my inputs and creating it was key.” Michael Toplisek President, Qology Direct

“Chris’ follow-up and sense of urgency matched mine and was key to our project success. He provided a white glove service and had a great network of capital sources.  Even though I had potential funding sources, I ended up using his network of people. Chris’ guidance was right on point and his knowledge of doing business deals was very helpful and his taking over development of the business plan, combined with his network saved me a lot of time and got our transaction closed sooner.  Chris knew exactly what was needed in our business plan and it obviously came natural to him.” Ari Parlakian Owner, Lab-Pro Inc.

“As an early second stage company, we needed growth capital and planning advice and counsel.  A fellow business operator and trusted advisor recommended Lantern Capital Advisors.  Lantern learned our unique business, helped us structure a growth strategy and  wrote and marketed our plan.  We obtained the funding in a short order with the benefit several varied proposals.  I am delighted to include Chris a very small group trusted confidants and advisors!” Richard Milam CEO EnableSoft Inc, Orlando FL

“We have worked with Lantern Advisors and Chris, specifically, on multiple occasions.  We like working with him because he’s knowledgeable on the topic of planning, valuation and financing options, he is easy to work with and understands our business and finally, he’s objective and doesn’t have an agenda or sales agenda other than what is best for our business and goals.” Theo den Bieman CEO Proteus On Demand, Austell GA

"Chris approaches our needs as a partner and stakeholder.  He has helped me on several occasions to creatively  structure and finance different deals.  He was instrumental in our successful acquisition of a company a few years back.  His hourly based consulting approach to raise capital works well for us and he is enjoyable to work with and I know he has our best interests in mind.”  Adolfo Montenegro CEO Bluesky Communications, US Territory

"I have worked with Chris and Lantern on several different projects with multiple companies. His past work has included some financial planning as well as securing financing options to fund faster growth, possible acquisitions and additional working capital. Funding needs have ranged from less than $5 million to over $20 million.  Chris' work product, advice and hourly based approached has worked well for us in many different ways.” Aric Ackerman COO Motion Theory, Los Angeles CA

"Lantern helped us secure creative financing to fund new product development.  Lantern introduced several different options and did a good job of helping us analyze each." Don Beck CEO Delta Data Software, Columbus GA

"Chris and his team helped helped me understand how much capital we needed to fund growth and very quickly attract both bank and non-bank financing alternatives.  Along the way, they also put together a quality business plan that was well received by sophisticated investors. Chris was also enjoyable and easy to work which was really helpful given the demands of managing my growing business." Howard Petty Crosby Corporation, Washington DC

“I’ve known Chris on a professional and personal front now for over 10 years. I have used and would use Chris’s skills, contacts, and analysis-recommendations again and again. I would refer Chris to anyone in need of assistance of raising capital, valuations, M&A, strategic planning, etc.. Super guy, honest, and also fun to work with…” Dave Hickson Owner, DataOceans, ThreeRiversGroup, Tampa FL

“I spoke with multiple financial firms about the possibility of conducting a management buyout of a division of a company.   Most of them seemed more interested in developing a long term relationship with the parent company than they were in securing the best possible deal for me.   I was then referred to Lantern Capital and things just clicked.   Chris listened carefully  to my vision for the business and patiently explained every step of the acquisition process.   He met every expedited timeline and used his extensive network to find me the best possible investment group.   I don’t know that a deal would have been completed without his guidance.   I would recommend him to anyone contemplating a similar transaction!” John Rogowski CEO, Spoke Custom Products LLC, Atlanta GA

“Chris is a very intelligent out of the box thinker. He presented us with financing options far exceeding the traditional bank proposals in the past. He spent enough time to understand the issues surrounding our need so he concentrated on the options that would be pertinent to us, significantly reducing our work on the project. The next time we have a need, I am confident we will discuss it with Chris first.” Shannon Strunk Owner, Baber's Inc. , Pascagoula MS

“I spent years doing research and speaking to advisors, investors and banks. I could find no support for the kind of transaction I wanted to do and believed could be done. That is, until I stumbled upon Lantern Capital. Just one phone call to Chris Risey and I heard the words “it absolutely can be done”. He then helped make it happen. I will be forever grateful to Chris for his counsel, expertise and hard work in leading us to our goal.”

Dan Florenzo

CFO at One Call Concepts, Inc., Baltimore, MD

  “Chris helped us look at many different types of financing alternatives and helped us find a new capital provider that increased our funding limits and released some of my personal collateral.  As our business began to grow rapidly, Chris also helped us modify our financing terms with our new capital provider.  Since that time, Chris has helped us evaluate acquisitions, set long term and short term financial goals and serve as an on-going financial advisor.  I enjoy working with Chris and I trust that he and his team have my best interests at heart.” Doug McReaken COO, Media Riders, Houston TX