3Wire Partners, a leading independent investment and merchant banking platform focused on the aerospace, defense, and government (ADG) sectors, today announced the appointment of Charles Kim as a Director. He brings seasoned ADG M&A and capital markets experience to 3Wire’s clients and portfolio companies with recent space and defense technology transactions, including Ricardo plc’s divestiture of its U.S. defense business, Parry Labs' growth equity raise, and Stellar Blu Solutions' sale to Gilat Satellite Networks.
Charles was most recently a Senior Vice President in Houlihan Lokey’s Los Angeles office, where he advised ADG clients on a range of M&A and capital markets transactions. He previously held roles with Lazard’s Shareholder Advisory practice, advising clients on shareholder activism, unsolicited takeovers, and key governance matters, as well as with Loews Corporation, sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries. Charles began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst in J.P. Morgan’s Global Chemicals Group.
“I am thrilled to be working with Charles again. Beyond his significant M&A experience, he is a strategic thinker on defense technology innovation and the new sources of capital investment for both new and established participants in this dynamic market. His addition reflects our continued investment in building a market-leading platform to serve this critical sector of the economy,” said Anita Antenucci, Founder and Managing Partner of 3Wire.
“To join 3Wire now is both exciting and timely,” said Charles. “I look forward to bringing my experience to create lasting value for our clients and to help accelerate the continued expansion of the 3Wire platform.”
Charles complements a growing team at 3Wire, including Andrew Aversa (Vice President), Carolyn Dottino (Associate), and Rithan Santhanaraman (Analyst), who all joined the firm in 2025.
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Quantitative Wrap-up of 2023
Since we started 3Wire and for the 2023 calendar year:
Deals, 2021
Deals, 2022
Qualitative Developments in 2023
Armed conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East this past year reinforced the critical roles of both new and old technology in modern conflict.
Investing in 2024
The outlook for 2024 ADG investing is multi-faceted – not limited to the cash-flow-driven buy-out strategies of the 1990s or the high-profile venture investors who have spotlighted successes like Palantir and SpaceX. It is “all of the above,” compounded by the unique mission requirements of its customers (often guarded by government classification), the complexity of contracting regulations, the contradiction of long-term contracts that remain subject to annual Congressional funding actions, and a new phenomenon of ESG concerns imposed on lenders and investors.
The robust diversity of the U.S. capital markets, which underpins the innovative and globally competitive technical sector, remains the most valuable weapon in our government’s arsenal. However, investing in the ADG sector demands a level of industry specialization that is not categorized by short- versus long-term holds, company size, or whether the company employs cutting-edge AI or the cutting tools of a manufacturing floor.
3Wire Update, Looking Ahead
We established 3Wire to address the highly specialized and complex capital needs of the industrial base. Focusing on the aerospace, defense, and government services sectors, we aim to be a crucial partner and catalyst to founders, company owners, and capital sources for companies of national importance. By harnessing our extensive transaction experience, industry network, and partnership-focused approach, we are positioned to improve strategic planning for founders, companies, and investors while helping to ensure a strong national security position through a well-capitalized defense industrial base.
We are happy to share that in our first year of operation, we have seen this approach already gain strong traction in the marketplace –
From partnering with investors in businesses with scalable technology and talent for such customer needs, including:
To advising investors in exiting well-positioned businesses at both ends of the “old” and “new” spectrum described above, including:
As we unpack in our new offices at 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., we reflect on the incredible potential and opportunity awaiting in the new year. 3Wire is uniquely positioned to be a vital conduit of strategic capital and advice within the ADG industrial base and partner to those motivated by the double bottom line of investing in the national security sector. We look forward to connecting with you in the coming months and discussing the many opportunities to invest in this critical industry. More to come.
