We are growth equity, for good. We combine impact investment and operational experience to boost profitable businesses to their next level of success in a post-Covid world. At UpperStage.Capital, we get excited by companies that are trying to make the world a better place. We look for companies that are impactful in community, sustainability, or wellness.
Ascendis Partners is a dynamic investment platform focused on creating sustainable value by identifying and acquiring high-potential businesses across North America. Our strategy targets companies with strong operational foundations in select industries, including manufacturing, distribution, and services, that are poised for growth through strategic investments, operational improvements, and market expansion.We specialize in partnering with family-owned businesses and closely-held companies where owners are seeking an exit due to retirement or succession challenges. With a dedicated and…
Bluestar Holdings, LLC (“Bluestar”) is a private investment firm founded to identify and invest in private lower middle-market growth-oriented companies and real estate assets. We seek to partner with privately held companies to address capital requirements, succession plans, and liquidity/diversification needs. Our goal is to bring our experience as operators and investment professionals to management teams and provide executive guidance to realize a combined vision. Our founding members have over 70 years of combined management, ownership, and private equity experience.
Forge Equity Partners is a private investment firm founded by two experienced executives who share a common vision for growing companies and complimentary experience investing in and operating businesses. Forge pursues platform investments in companies that range in size from $2-6M of EBITDA, and draws on the partners' operational and leadership experience to grow businesses through investment in people, processes, technology, systems, expanded operations, and strategic acquisitions. Forge takes a long-term view in building businesses with the intent to hold and grow businesses for 10+…
Timoneer Strategic Partners is a private investment firm that makes control and minority investments in profitable, closely held lower- and middle-market businesses. We strategically partner with companies and operators to build exceptional businesses and brands.Timoneer takes pride in being a value-added partner and building enduring relationships with its portfolio companies and management teams. Our team at Timoneer has spent significant time affecting both operational / organic growth initiatives, along with inorganic buy-and-build strategies, for numerous family and entrepreneur owned…
Our essence extends beyond the individual—it’s a celebration of ‘we.’ Our culture places humanity at the forefront, embodying a profound people-centric philosophy. We believe in the collective strength of individuals who not only share our core principles but also exude a shared passion for championing small businesses. This commitment is rooted in humility, accountability, and a clear understanding of both who we are and, perhaps more significantly, who we are not.Our unwavering dedication, relentless drive, and fervent work ethic form the bedrock of our support for business owners,…
We are a Pledge Fund (backed by family offices) that invests in scalable and purpose-driven companies in the United States.The founding partners have each over ten years of private equity experience. Our team, operating partners, and pledge fund investors have substantial experience in investing, creating, growing, operating, and selling businesses.We invest in proven businesses with strong management teams within our core sectors: (i) financial services, (ii) business services, and (iii) specialized services and products.We make, both controlling and non-controlling stakes, investments in…
4C Capital is an investment firm that makes investments in privately held companies for the long term. We deliver Capital, Capacity, Competitiveness and Commitment that aligns with management’s vision to drive the next level of enterprise value. We leverage our operational expertise, investment sources and network of business opportunity contacts to strengthen and grow the lower middle market companies in which we invest.
Karo Ventures, LLC is a private investment firm specializing in the acquisition and growth of small to medium-sized businesses. We focus on manufacturing companies in the Southeast, with a particular interest in the rubber, plastics, and chemicals industries. Our team brings deep expertise, operational experience, and a commitment to creating value for the businesses we acquire and their stakeholders.
Edgehill is a New York-based private investment firm focused on partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams of leading companies in the lower middle market. Edgehill draws on its investing and operational experience, thesis-driven diligence processes, and deep professional networks to source, execute, and manage investments. Over their careers, Edgehill’s founders have operated, invested in, and grown businesses across sectors including technology, business and consumer services, and manufacturing.Team's deal experience…
NoorQuest Capital is a values-driven PE firm that is focused on acquiring and growing small businesses in Texas, Illinois and Louisiana. We partner with small business owners looking to see their business continue to grow while preserving their legacy, ensuring a smooth transition, and doing right by their employees, customers and investors.Our two founders have decades of combined operational and consulting experience. We started out as engineers, and over time expanded our experience across multiple industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, energy, technology, and finance. Others on…
Rannerdale is both an independent sponsor and the private investment vehicle for its founder’s family. As an independent sponsor, Rannerdale identifies, pursues, executes and manages private equity transactions in the lower and middle market. As an investment vehicle, Rannerdale commits a material amount of its founder’s family capital to each transaction. David F. Browne is approaching 20 years of experience in private equity. He has had a lead role in circa 15 completed buyside transactions, investing $1.5 billion of equity capital. Of that equity capital, approximately $1…
Holding company that owns, builds, and purchases businesses with goal of being cash flow positive, around for 10+ years, simple to run, and most importantly that will throw off cash to invest into other businesses and donate to charity.
Fox River Capital is led by Jason Salisbury, Managing Partner and a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of success in engineering sales, industrial services, and business ownership. Jason’s extensive experience includes founding, growing, and successfully exiting a company, as well as managing operations and sales for high-performing industrial businesses. His hands-on approach and strategic vision drive Fox River Capital’s mission to create lasting value for all stakeholders.Backed by a group of established business leaders who own and manage substantial companies, we…
D.K. Smith & Co. is a private equity independent sponsor focused on making control acquisitions and partnering with management teams to grow middle market companies.We seek platform investment targets with $5-$25 million in EBITDA and will go as low as $2 million in EBITDA for bolt-on investments. We work with business owners seeking a meaningful upfront cash payment for their business, an opportunity to rollover and retain a continued ownership position, and potentially remain involved in the management and growth of the business.
Westhaver Partners is an evergreen investment group backed by long-term capital. We focus on companies with strong cash flow profiles, opportunities to scale and defensible competitive positioning. We generally seek to purchase majority stakes and operate companies, together with management teams, but with long-term capital and an entrepreneurial approach, we can be flexible.
Loka Capital is a private investment firm focused on acquiring vertical software companies and investing across venture-backed growth stage companies. 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.
Waypoint Acquisitions is an investment group focused on majority investments in family-owned and founder-led businesses. Our principals and investors are current and former operators of privately-held and long-standing family businesses. We work with existing and/or new management to build upon the long-term success and legacy of enduringly profitable businesses.Target Investment CriteriaCompany Attributes10+ years in businessOwner seeking transitionDifferentiating & defensible qualitiesFinancials$1-$5M EBITDAStrong net operating marginsConsistent, positive cash flowSector FocusNiche…
Dekos Capital Management LLC is a privately held Texas-based investment firm. The firm’s founders have significant experience as private equity, investment banking and operating executives and are partnered with institutional investors to invest in strategically viable middle-market businesses.
Spartina Capital Management is a long-term investment vehicle founded by Matt Taylor to invest in and build an enduring business for the long-term instead vs. maximizing short-term value. We seek to provide founders and owners an attractive alternative to traditional private equity firms that often look to sell after 3-5 years. Matt was shaped growing up working in family businesses in North Carolina and has spent the past decade advising families on operating businesses and investing.Our goal is to be the preferred exit vehicle for a founder or owner/operator who wants to preserve what he or…
