Business Details
Trusted Real Estate Investment Banking Services
GEM Equity Markets is a specialized real estate investment banking firm dedicated to delivering tailored capital markets solutions. Our multidisciplinary team combines Wall Street expertise with boutique agility to prioritize client needs through transparency, honesty, and integrity. With over 25 years of industry experience, we leverage deep relationships with institutional and private investors to optimize value and ensure seamless execution. Our collaborative approach addresses complex challenges through creative problem-solving while maintaining an unwavering commitment to client objectives. We specialize in equity placement, debt financing, and co-investment strategies across diverse property types and transaction structures.Our national network of alliance partners enhances geographic reach and technical expertise when required. Decisions are driven by real-time market intelligence and a philosophy centered on long-term relationships over short-term gains. We serve family offices, institutional investors, developers, and owners seeking yield optimization and strategic capital solutions. Our founder-led structure ensures direct access to decision-makers throughout every engagement. This client-first ethos has enabled successful execution of transactions exceeding $127 million in recent projects.
Services
Equity Placement
Debt Structuring
Co-Investment Programs
Capital Advisory
Market Intelligence
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of real estate finance expertise with institutional relationships
- Conflict-free advisory model prioritizing client objectives over proprietary interests
- National network of alliance partners for expanded geographic reach
- Tailored solutions combining debt, equity, and structured finance options
- Commitment to transparent communication throughout transaction lifecycle
Services
Equity Placement
We connect real estate developers and owners with institutional and private equity investors through targeted placement strategies. Our team leverages 25+ years of relationships to identify optimal partners matching specific project requirements. This service includes market analysis, investor matching, and transaction structuring for equity capital needs.
Debt Structuring
Our debt financing solutions combine deep lender relationships with customized capital stack structuring. We access diverse funding sources including commercial banks, agency lenders, and debt funds to secure favorable terms. The service covers loan negotiation, documentation, and execution across multiple property types and transaction sizes.
Co-Investment Programs
We facilitate strategic co-investment partnerships through principal capital commitments alongside sponsors. This service provides access to institutional-grade opportunities with established developers. Our approach combines direct investment capabilities with third-party capital sourcing for balanced risk-return profiles in select projects.
Capital Advisory
Our advisory services focus on optimizing capital structures through independent market analysis and transaction strategy development. We provide objective guidance on financing alternatives, investor selection, and deal structuring. This includes opportunity zone capital strategies and recapitalization planning for commercial real estate assets.
Market Intelligence
We deliver real-time market data and trend analysis to inform investment decisions. This service includes property-specific valuations, competitive positioning assessments, and capital markets forecasting. Our insights combine proprietary deal experience with broader industry trends to support strategic decision-making for real estate stakeholders.
People
Matthew Schwartz
Founder
Matthew Schwartz founded GEM Equity Markets with 25+ years of real estate finance experience. He previously served as CEO of a real estate brokerage and law firm partner, developing institutional investor relationships. His expertise spans transaction structuring, equity placement, and capital markets strategy.
Questions
What real estate sectors do you specialize in?
We work across all major property types including multifamily, retail, affordable housing, and commercial developments. Our recent transactions include apartment communities and shopping centers.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, we operate nationally with recent projects in Florida, Ohio, and through a network of alliance partners across additional markets.
What financing options are available?
We offer debt financing through commercial banks, agency lenders, and debt funds, plus equity placement with institutional investors and family offices. Structured finance options include mezzanine, preferred equity, and hybrid instruments.
How do you ensure best execution for clients?
Our conflict-free model prioritizes client goals through transparent market comparisons, competitive lender/buyer sourcing, and independent capital stack structuring tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Can you handle complex transactions?
Yes, our team specializes in complex structures including opportunity zone capital, ground lease financing, and recapitalizations, with experience in transactions exceeding $50 million.
