Josh Mallamud

CEO & M&A Executive | Leading Platform Companies Through Growth, Acquisition & Value Creation

Executive Profile

Track Record in Private Equity-Backed Growth

CEO with extensive experience leading platform companies through M&A integration, operational scaling, and strategic positioning for successful exits. Currently leading the combined Foundant+SmartSimple organization under L Squared Capital Partners, focusing on scaling technology platforms and executing add-on acquisition strategies that maximize enterprise value for investors.

Current Role

  • CEO, Foundant+SmartSimple (Dec 2024-Present)
  • Also oversees GivingData (acquired platform)
  • Reporting to L Squared Capital Partners board

Career History

2024-Present
CEO, Foundant+SmartSimple | L Squared Capital Partners

Leading merged organization following L Squared's growth investment in Foundant Technologies and subsequent merger with SmartSimple Software. Responsible for integration, scaling operations, and positioning the combined platform for continued growth and eventual exit. Also overseeing GivingData acquisition integration.

2018-2023
CEO, Cartegraph

Led infrastructure management software company through period of significant growth, establishing market leadership in govtech/infrastructure software sector. Positioned company for acquisition by OpenGov (July 2022); combined entity valued at approximately $1.25 billion according to Bloomberg reporting.

Pre-2018
Executive Leadership Roles

COO at CityBase (govtech), hired to drive growth and accelerate innovation. SVP at DialogTech (marketing analytics), playing a key role in the company's transition into Martech and enterprise SaaS; previously VP of Strategic Partnerships at Ifbyphone, responsible for developing partnership models and evaluating acquisition opportunities.

Earlier
Co-founded Jigocity

Shanghai-based social commerce business, scaled to $20M revenue and nearly 200 employees within 15 months of launch. Operated across eight countries in the Asia Pacific region.

2013
COO, Wavetable Labs

Responsible for developing strategic partnership models, integration strategy, and evaluating/negotiating acquisition opportunities.

2002-2004
Attorney, Munger Tolles & Olson

Partner-track corporate practice focused on distressed asset and company investments. Client work included Berkshire Hathaway portfolio companies (See's Candies, Dairy Queen, BNSF). Built foundation in deal structuring and corporate transactions.

L Squared Capital Partners | Investment Philosophy

Partnering with Growth-Focused PE Leadership

L Squared Capital Partners manages $5.3 billion in cumulative commitments across five funds, targeting tech-enabled services and software companies with $20-125M revenue and 15%+ growth. The firm's approach combines operational improvements with strategic acquisitions to build market-leading platforms positioned for premium exits.

Investment Criteria

  • Revenue: $20-125 million
  • EBITDA: $5-30 million
  • Growth: 15%+ annually
  • Majority ownership positions
  • Founder-led companies

Education

JD

Northwestern University School of Law

MBA

Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)

Undergraduate

Duke University