Axial’s lower middle market M&A directory includes information on 91 Top Search Funds in Chicago. The Axial Directory can help you identify Top Search Funds in Chicago and other participants active in the lower middle market M&A economy today. Interested in connecting with other Top Search Funds in Chicago like these? Click here to join Axial. Whether you’re looking to sell a business, raise capital, or find your next investment opportunity, Axial can help connect you with the right deal partner at the right time.
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Saga Growth Partners is an operator-led venture focused on lower middle-market opportunities in the U.S. Our founder is a serial entrepreneur who has owned and operated multiple businesses in industries ranging from moving and storage services to real estate. We partner with transitioning owners to continue the saga of their company.
Pivotal Alpha is composed of two founding partners that look to leverage their deep expertise in financial and operational performance improvement, turnaround, M&A, corporate development, and private equity. The partners bring bring nearly 25 years of combined experience in operational and investment experience. Combined, the partners have restructured $30+ billion in debt, prepared a company for a ~$300m sale, performed 10+ deal originations, and improved the operations of several multi-billion-dollar companies across multiple industries.
CGS Capital is a search fund looking to acquire a $1-$2 million EBITDA business in the B2B industrial service space. This closely aligns with my experience managing suppliers for various heavy industry manufacturers.
I am an engineer and management consultant focused on acquiring a company of at least $1M EBITDA, in arenas where I have expertise. My 12+ years of experience in medical devices, wastewater treatment, and industrial automation.As an engineer I focused on product development and operations, and as a consultant I specialized in turnarounds, M&A integration, and growth strategy.My capital (no less than $10M) is primarily from family offices, and we are ready to deploy quickly for the right deal.I have a track record of excellence in operational turnarounds and management, with hands-on…
I am a strategic quality and engineering leader with more than 15 years of experience leading complex technical and professional organizations. My career has focused on building disciplined, scalable systems that support compliance, operational excellence, and consistent client delivery in regulated environments.I combine a strong analytical and technical background with a collaborative leadership approach centered on clarity, trust, and accountability. I have led diverse teams, improved processes, and strengthened organizational capabilities while maintaining continuity for clients and…
Searching for a small manufacturing business in Chicago to own and operate. Interested in stamping, screw machining, or other small metal component manufacturing. Looking for something in the 3-8MM revenue range.
I am an acquisition entrepreneur looking to acquire and operate a B2B product or service business in the Chicagoland area or Northwest Indiana generating $750k - $2M in annual profit. I have experience as a GM, strategist, management consultant, and investment banker, bringing breadth and depth of cross-functional expertise that allows me to serve as a versatile 'utility' team leader and 'player-coach' focused on building exceptional team culture and delivering results. I have a long-term investment horizon, intending to run the business I acquire for the duration of my career. I am a…
BridgeLink Holdings is a small, entrepreneur-led firm dedicated to acquiring and operating small businesses with a focus on long-term growth and legacy preservation. Led by a Navy veteran, the company emphasizes operational discipline and mission-driven leadership. It partners with business owners who are planning retirement or exploring a 100% exit, ensuring a seamless transition and continued success of the business. With a commitment to integrity and growth, BridgeLink Holdings supports America's small businesses by linking capital with leadership, fostering a sustainable and prosperous…
Rowhouse Home Inc. is a family-owned company based in Chicago.We acquire essential service businesses that keep other companies running—quietly, reliably, and profitably.We focus on B2B service companies with strong recurring revenue, high customer retention, and dependable teams already in place. Our ideal sellers are owners who are ready to step back, who care about preserving their legacy, and prioritize the well-being of their employees.We’re not chasing trends — we’re building lasting value through great people, loyal customers, and smart systems.
Declan Kavanagh is a strategic growth leader seeking to acquire and scale a profitable, founder-led business in the lower middle market ($750K–$5M SDE). With a proven track record in high-stakes corporate media partnerships (McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Yum Brands), digital transformation, and entrepreneurial business-building, he brings the insight of an executive and the hunger of a hands-on owner.Backed by a combination of personal/family funds and a team of experienced advisors, Declan is looking to acquire a majority stake in a stable, service-based or recurring-revenue business where…
Liri Capital was founded to provide fair, flexible, and stable succession opportunities to small business owners looking to bring new energy into their business. For business owners looking to begin the next stage, Liri Capital offers a unique transition opportunity that is focused on the future, but grounded in history.
Next Haven Group is a committed capital search fund with a goal to identify, acquire, and operate an existing private company with an enterprise value between $5-$50 million.Our long-term capital allows us to focus on growth, not quick flips, and to build on an owner’s legacy, not change it. We work hands-on with the existing leadership team to operate the business. The Managing Partner, Christine Koval, has started three businesses and been through an IPO. She led 100+ person teams across business development, growth strategy, deal negotiations, new product development, sales, marketing,…
I am actively seeking to invest in the acquisition of a business with up to $10 million in annual revenue. My focus is on opportunities based in the Chicago area or companies with a remote or online-enabled workforce. I am open to a range of industries and intend to bring professional management and strategic resources to support long-term growth.
KNORI Capital is an investment fund focused on acquiring and operating an exceptional business within the United States. The fund, back by a team of world-class investors, is focused on acquiring a business with EBITDA over $2.0mm, and is looking for an owner stepping down or interested in transitioning to an advisory role.
Wagner HC is a funded search fund in partnership with Novastone Capital Advisors ETA program, with the intention of acquiring and operating a lower middle market healthcare services provider.Bob Wagner has spent ~20 years in the LBO space, most recently as MD and healthcare vertical head for Golub Capital (private debt and equity investments in >80 healthcare companies) and before that at GE Capital's Healthcare Sponsor Finance business (now CapitalOne).Wagner HC is focused on $15MM - $40MM of EV, with a particular interest in platforms that are also experiencing a management/ownership…
I am an individual buyer looking to acquire a healthcare company with SDE/ cashflow between $500k to $1M. I will be leveraging debt and personal savings to sponsor the deal. I have been pre approved for $5M in SNA loansIn my previous life, I worked in healthcare companies managing P&L and have managed P&L upto $1B.
Chicago-based traditional search fund focused on business services, consumer services, SaaS, and healthcare services opportunities. We are geographically agnostic but would prefer to acquire a business headquartered in the Midwest or Northeast.
Leadgion Group, LLC is a holding company supporting the owner's search to acquire a company in the behavioral health- substance use disorder and mental health industry. The owner is a fully funded search entrepreneur with an investment team supporting his acquisition of a company in the substance use disorder and mental health industry with a target revenue range: $5.0M - $100.0M andEBITDA range: $1.0M - $50.0MMeet the OwnerNate has over 20 years of leadership experience. He started his career as a Combat Army Infantry Officer. After he completed his service obligation, Nate began…
I’m a full-time searcher focused on acquiring and operating one exceptional business. As a former teacher turned strategy consultant at Deloitte and Bain, I bring a unique combination of strategic rigor and leadership experience.I’m looking to partner with a seller who cares about legacy, employee wellbeing, and long-term growth. I’m not a financial engineer, I’m a hands-on operator committed to continuing what’s been built and growing it with care.I’m especially interested in businesses with $1mm - $5mm of EBITDA in the education and blue-collar services industries, but will…
