Based in New York, Ed Powers is a managing director and head of the Capital Access Funds team at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Capital Access Funds is an experienced, returns-driven private equity fund-of-funds. He joined Bank of America in Chicago in 1994 in community development banking, where he originated investments in a variety of community development equity products, including affordable housing and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Top 40 Business Leaders under 40” early in his career, Ed currently serves on the Alumni Advisory Council of the Harris School of Public Policy and sits on the advisory boards of various private equity portfolio funds.


Pitch for the Meeting, Not the Money

By Ed Powers |  May 9, 2012

When you pitch a banker or venture capitalist, you may think you're asking for money. That's not really how it works.  Read story

Losing Money, but Making it up on Volume

By Ed Powers |  Apr 25, 2012

Does your company need just a bit more capital to scale and make it to profitability? Or is it just a money pit? How to tell.  Read story

The Real Cost of Capital

By Ed Powers |  Mar 21, 2012

You've got investors lined up. Great! But how much is their help going to cost you, really?  Read story

3 Numbers Your Banker Cares About

By Ed Powers |  Mar 6, 2012

Here's how a banker will cut to the chase -- and decide if your company is worth taking a risk on.  Read story

How to Pitch a Banker

By Ed Powers |  Feb 2, 2012

There's one simple thing entrepreneurs need to do to get a banker on their side. Sadly, most of them miss it.  Read story

Is Private Equity Right For Your Business?

By Ed Powers |  Jan 19, 2012

Private equity's been getting a bad rap recently. But for some business owners, it's the best way to get growth capital.  Read story

5 Ways to Cut Customer Risk

By Ed Powers |  Jan 5, 2012

A big customer win can be exhilarating. Just make sure you don't put all your eggs in one basket.  Read story

The Secret Dealbreaker

By Ed Powers |  Dec 13, 2011

Entrepreneurs are famous for the passion they pour into their businesses. But when it comes to finance and dealmaking, that's not always a good thing.  Read story