Top California Search Funds with Recent Private M&A Activity

277

Active Firms

3,325

TTM Deal Inquiries

$3M-$13M

Core Revenue Range

$700K-$3M

Core EBITDA Range

Top Sectors by Activity

Industrials 44%

Technology 13%

Business Services 11%

Healthcare 8%

Consumer Goods 7%

Key Attributes

Focus: Acquiring One Business | Capital Source: Investor-Backed or Self-Funded | Operating Approach: Stewardship & Growth

Oxygen Equity

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Oxygen Equity focuses exclusively in enterprise software and technology-driven services. We seek to acquire a majority position in a profitable, niche company, and embark on a growth strategy. We bring buy and sell-side experience from small and large software M&A transactions.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Sophia Partners

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Sophia Partners, LLC is an operator led search fund, a vehicle created by the managing partner to acquire a mid-sized growth oriented company. Our team is composed of entrepreneurs, individual investors, institutional investors, and operating executives from all over the world.We seek to invest in and actively manage a growing, profitable, mature, privately-held business with annual revenues of $10 million to $35 million and cash flows of $2 to $5 million.We are very interested in situations where business owners are considering retirement or desire to reduce their day-to-day management…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Francesco Di Stefano

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Hi, I have worked in M&A for my entire career, as an investment banker at Barclays and running corporate development for multiple private equity backed companies across numerous industries and geographies.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Fostered Companies

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Fostered Companies was established in 2021 with the purpose of taking majority ownership in a trades business. To date we operate a singular company ready for an opportune add on.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

GSL Legacy Holdings LLC

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We offer a long-term home for your business.We're in this for the long haul, meaning we are not looking to sell your business again in 5 years to someone else. Rather, we intend on working with you on a smooth transition, conservatively investing for growth, and ultimately owning your business for the decades to come. It's important to us that we continue your legacy and treat your employees as family.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Triple Ace Capital

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Triple Ace Capital was founded in 2023 with the intent of finding a small to medium sized private businesses in an excellent market with room for growth, and a history of strong cash flows to acquire and operate. The founder is a US Military Veteran and is passionate about business and leadership. He was inspired to acquire his own company after attending MBA programs at the University of California at Los Angeles. Triple Ace Capital is focused on acquiring firms in Southwest & Central regions including states such as California, Arizona, Utah, and Texas.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

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Centurion Legacy LLC

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Centurion Legacy LLC is a privately held investment firm that specializes in providing solutions for business owners seeking to transition out of their businesses. The company focuses on private equity investments, targeting growth-oriented companies with an emphasis on value creation and long-term growth.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Renaissance Solutions

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Investment firm led by experienced executive with an extensive track record of rapidly growing e-commerce and technology businesses. Seeking to acquire, own, and operate a lower middle market DTC consumer product or distribution company with significant growth potential, that's currently generating at least $100k of EBITDA in or near Los Angeles.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Luckenbach Ventures LLC

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Luckenbach Ventures LLC is a search fund looking to acquire businesses with $1m to $5m in EBITDA. We seek to be sector-agnostic and look for businesses with durable sources of profitability like recurring/repeat revenue, high customer switching costs, and low/manageable levels of capital intensity.. We intend to finance the transaction through a mixture of SBA debt, seller financing, 3rd party equity investors, and the majority of our personal net worth.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Succession FLE Capital

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Succession FLE Capital LLC is focused on locating and funding the acquisition of an enduringly profitable small business in the San Diego area. Stephen Johnstone, the founder of the fund, is looking for a well established local company with a proven track record in a defensible and/or niche market. We are also looking for specific, purpose-driven investors to provide capital to fund the transaction and participate in the growth and success of the acquired company.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Redwoods Equity

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Redwoods Equity is a self-funded search focused on purchasing a profitable small business to preserve, operate and grow for the long term. Louis Lo, the founder of Redwoods Equity, is advised by entrepreneurs, executives, and investors who have bought, operated, and grown businesses in several industries. ) Louis led teams of software engineers, designers, and data scientists to build and optimize several businesses. At Target Corp he managed the supply chain for the $200m digital camera businesses.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Back Bay Capital Partners

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Back Bay Capital Partners was founded with a single goal in mind: to find and acquire one great business to grow and lead into the future. We’re searching high and low across Southern California for that one opportunity. We’re not your traditional private equity firm. Back Bay Capital Partners is committed to working together to help your company reach the next level. We know selling your business is a high personal, once-in-a-lifetime affair.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Snug Partners

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At Snug Partners, Drew and Torey Bublitz are combining their experience in financial ledership, transaction execution, and project management to acquire and grow a business in California. As a finance executive at Uber and Opemdoor, Drew has acquired and managed numerous businesses. As a operations leader at Google, Torey has led key strategic projects across sales, customer engagement, and organizational design. They’re targeting a Southern California based business for acquisition in the next 12 months.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Hempstead Capital Partners, LLC

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Hempstead Capital Partners, LLC is a value-oriented, private investment firm seeking to acquire businesses and commercial real estate in the middle market space. Target business sectors: home services, industrials, manufacturing, business services. Target real estate sectors: industrial, outdoor storage, residential, self-storage.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Software Legacy Partners

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I started my career buying and selling software companies for Cisco Systems. I then moved into the venture group where I spent several years investing in software companies. Across those two groups I did roughly ten billion dollars worth of buy side transactional work before leaving to build a SaaS company. After spending fifteen years investing in and building saas companies, I raised a fund from a very experienced group of ceo's to acquire one. I'm looking for an exceptional vertically focused saas company which I intend to acquire then actively manage as the ceo. Unlike other searchers I…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Cypress Family Partners

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We're a search fund targeting service-oriented businesses in California and Oregon with $1-2M in EBITDA, specifically focusing on infrastructure buildout, energy modernization services, and landscaping operations.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

24By7Live

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24By7Live is a managed IT and cybersecurity services provider with over 30 years in the industry. We are actively seeking to acquire a profitable IT services or MSP business with strong recurring revenue and a diversified client base. Our operational expertise, and proven track record in the IT solutions space make us a great partner for owners looking for a transition and legacy preservation.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Thornhill Partners

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Thornhill Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in acquiring and operating high-quality B2B service businesses. With a focus on long-term ownership, Thornhill Partners targets sectors characterized by stable demand and repeat customers, particularly those driven by regulatory, contractual, or safety requirements. The firm is committed to providing a thoughtful home for exceptional small businesses, ensuring their growth and success over time. Through its strategic acquisitions, Thornhill Partners aims to build a robust portfolio of businesses that benefit from consistent market…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Filbert Street Capital

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Was founded by Miles Mamon for the sole purpose of acquiring and operating one great business. Miles will be responsible for managing the acquisition process and subsequently operating the business as CEO. Miles has robust experience leading and managing complex projects during four years as an officer in the United States Army. After serving in the Army, Miles developed his analytical skillset by completing the JD-MBA program at Northwestern University. He further honed his business acumen over four years at Morgan Stanley, most recently as a Vice President of Acquisitions in the real estate…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Ellara LLC

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Ellara LLC is a private investment firm focused on small to medium sized acquisitions. We partner with exceptional companies seeking the next stage of growth. Post acquisition, we work closely with our portfolio companies to drive measurable value for all stakeholders.Emir Elleuch, the founder of Ellara, is interested in making an acquisition in the manufacturing or wholesale space. His background includes financial consulting and equity trading.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Firms in the California Search Funds directory are ordered based on recent deal activity on Axial. The default order reflects observed market signals rather than a subjective ranking of firm quality.

Each profile provides information about the firm’s areas of focus, transaction criteria, and relevant activity on Axial’s M&A platform. Together, these details provide a clearer view of where a firm is active and the types of companies and opportunities most relevant for it.

Based on activity on Axial’s M&A platform, the core revenue range for California Search Funds is $3M-$13M, with a core EBITDA range of $700K-$3M. Company size can be an important indicator of fit, as firms often concentrate their experience, resources, and transaction activity within particular segments of the market.

Location can be an important consideration, but it does not necessarily define where a firm is active. Firms based in California may bring regional knowledge, local relationships, and experience with businesses in the area, while many also pursue opportunities across a broader geographic footprint. Geography is best considered alongside sector focus, company size, and relevant transaction activity.

Not necessarily. A firm’s location does not always define its geographic reach. Many Search Funds based in California are active across multiple regions, while firms based elsewhere may also participate in the California market. Location can provide useful context, but it should not be interpreted as a firm’s geographic boundary.

When comparing Search Funds in California, consider factors such as sector focus, size range, and recent transaction activity. These characteristics vary across the 277 firms included in the directory and can help identify firms that align with your needs.

Axial can help you identify and connect with firms based on your objectives and what you are looking to accomplish. The process varies depending on your role and transaction needs. If you are interested in connecting with firms in the California Search Funds directory, you can request information here.

Top California Search Funds

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