Jim Freedman

"As an entrepreneur and founder of two highly successful investment banks over the past 42 years, I am constantly inspired by the enthusiasm, perseverance and success of entrepreneurs. Helping them realize and monetize the significant enterprise value they have built through many years of hard work and risk-taking is the greatest honor anyone could have. Their stories are endless and their contributions to society are unsurpassed."

Jim Freedman

Managing Director and Chairman

Education

  • Cornell University, B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations
  • University of California, Los Angeles, MBA in Finance

Professional Credentials

  • FINRA-registered General Securities Principal
  • Member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO)
  • Member of Chief Executive Organization (CEO)
  • Chairman of YPO Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Transactions Seminar (2015 and 2016)
  • Co-Chair of the ACG LA Business Conference (2000-2020)
  • Lecturer at UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management

Jim Freedman is Managing Director, Chairman, and Founding Principal of Intrepid Investment Bankers. He has over 40 years of investment banking and corporate finance experience, and he is an expert in the financial aspects of corporate strategy. He founded Barrington Associates in 1982, the predecessor firm to Intrepid, which was subsequently sold to Wells Fargo Securities in 2006.

Jim has advised more than 500 middle-market companies in the areas of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate valuation, and strategic decisions. In addition, he has acted as the principal financial advisor in hundreds of capital raisings and mergers and acquisitions transactions ranging in value from $20 million to more than $1 billion.

Jim was featured as a “Visionary” by the LA Times Banking & Finance Magazine in 2021. Over the years Jim has profiled as one of the most influential people in Los Angeles finance in the Money Book edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) for his many contributions to the local business community. He also appeared on the cover of LABJ’s Power Players, a special issue that highlights the top five dealmakers that keep LA’s middle market bustling. Further, he has been consistently listed in “Who’s Who in Banking and Finance” –  LABJ’s annual poll of the 100 most influential individuals in the Los Angeles financial service community.

In 2023, Jim was named one of thirteen recipients of the highly-prestigious Horatio Alger Award. This recognition is a testament to Jim’s illustrious career, his service to the community, and his commitment to helping youth pursue their dreams through education.

Jim is active in community affairs and serves on the Board of Directors of the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center, the Board of Advisors of the UCLA Anderson School, the Board of Directors of the Yosemite Conservancy, the Board of Governors of Cedars-Sinai Hospital, the Board of Directors of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Board of Directors of the Ronald M. Simon Foundation.

Jim enjoys boating, fitness, travel, and technology. Above all, he believes that everyone can and should try to make a positive difference in the world.

Featured Transactions

RSI (rsionex.jpg)
Mercury Air Cargo and Maytag
Bubbies Fine Foods, LLC

*Represents transactions executed by principals of Intrepid while at prior firms.