Axial’s lower middle market M&A directory includes information on 116 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.
Ivan Gottberg is an Industrial Sales Executive with extensive experience in managing full P&L ownership, overseeing approximately $125 million in revenue, and leading a team of around 180 colleagues. His responsibilities span across various domains including Sales, Business Development, Service, Operations, Finance, and HR. His leadership and strategic direction have been pivotal in driving growth and operational efficiency within the organization.
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…
Stone Ridge Partners Capital is a holding company focused on acquiring and operating B2B services businesses in the lower middle market. We target founder-owned and family-owned businesses generating $500K–$1.5M in EBITDA, with a preference for companies with recurring revenue, strong customer retention, and durable competitive positioning.Stone Ridge is SDVOSB-certified. This certification unlocks direct access to federal set-aside contracts and sole-source procurement channels, creating a meaningful growth lever for acquired businesses with existing or latent government customer…
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.
B2B Services AcquisitionMission: Seasoned revenue leader and Elmhurst, IL resident seeking to acquire and lead a single B2B/Commerccial services company in the Chicagoland area. I am a local operator (not a fund) focused on a 15+ year stewardship of an established business. I am not looking to "rip and replace", but rather, I want to build on the existing foundation of long-term employees and the customer base to grow the organization. Target Criteria:SDE / EBITDA: $600,000 – $900,000.Industries: Industrial Services, Regulatory Compliance, Technical Managed Services, or Niche…
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,…
Investment Firm: Magpie Migrations Focus: Owner-Operator Acquisition / Modernization PlayBio / Investment Thesis:I am a veteran technology executive and former founder (ex-AWS ProServe, CollabRite) looking to acquire and operate a service-based platform in the $3M – $12M revenue range.My thesis, Magpie Migrations, is centered on acquiring established B2B service businesses—specifically in Managed Services, Specialized Logistics, or Niche Manufacturing—and driving significant margin expansion through technological modernization. I bring 25+ years of experience in technical architecture…
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.
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.
Cowrie Holdings is a diversified holding company with focus on venture, enterprise and advisory services. The firm is committed to accelerating sustainable growth by forming strategic partnerships with visionary founders & seasoned operators. With a focus on addressing infrastructural gaps, Cowrie employs a patient capital approach, investing at both the seed level and growth phase of stable enterprises that have untapped potential.
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…
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