Ray Dallavecchia, Jr. is a Partner at Venetian Associates, LLC, a Michigan based family office focused on acquiring lower-middle market consumer products companies in North America. Venetian Associates’ primary investment is Acclaim Lighting, Inc., a designer and importer of decorative indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures headquartered in Acworth, Georgia.
Previously, Ray was the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of POOF-Slinky, Inc. Founded in 1991, the company ultimately acquired nine toy companies including the well-known brands of POOF®, IDEAL®, SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER®, and SLINKY®. With domestic manufacturing operations and product sourcing capability globally, POOF-Slinky was able to successfully cross-merchandise its multiple product lines through a variety of common distribution channels. The business achieved impressive scale and was sold in 2012 to the private equity firm Propel Equity Partners of Greenwich, Connecticut.
Amherst Partners created the Operating Director role in 2016 to help the firm augment its professional experience and industry expertise in key sectors. Ray joins current Operating Directors Jon Cotton, Tom Saeli, and Stu Robbins, who also serves as the firm’s non-executive chairman.
Chas Chandler, a Partner in Amherst's Investment Banking group said
“Ray provides significant experience in the retail/consumer products sector, which is an important industry focus for Amherst. He also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of sourcing products internationally, as well as how to best to integrate the operations of a newly acquired business, which will be useful to our clients. We are pleased that Ray has chosen to support Amherst Partners as an Operating Director.”