Bluff Point Associates

Bluff Point Associates is a private equity firm based in Westport, Connecticut, specializing in investments within the lower middle market. The firm primarily targets growth technology companies operating in the financial services and healthcare industries. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying businesses with recurring revenue models, a strong technological core, and robust senior management teams. Bluff Point Associates seeks to acquire control positions in companies with revenues ranging from $3 million to $30 million, or those demonstrating a clear path to profitability.

The firm was co-founded in 2004 by Thomas E. McInerney and Paula G. McInerney. Thomas McInerney previously served as a General Partner at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, a New York City-based private equity firm, where he focused on investments in the information and business services sector. Paula McInerney's background includes serving as Chief Operating Officer for OppenheimerFunds, overseeing strategy, technology, transfer agency, human resources, and facilities.

Bluff Point Associates' portfolio includes notable investments such as Visory, formed through the combination of True North Networks and RightSize Solutions, which provides technology management, cybersecurity, and hosting solutions for independent registered investment advisors. Other key investments include IPX Retirement, serving the retirement planning industry; Intraprise Health, offering a GRC platform and cybersecurity solutions; PEX Card, a commercial prepaid debit card program for expense management; and Netgain, providing managed IT services to the accounting, legal, and healthcare sectors. Past exits include companies like Matrix Financial Solutions, Innovest Systems, and Health Savings Administrators.

The team at Bluff Point Associates brings a blend of operating and investing experience to their deals and portfolio companies. Managing Directors Neil Q. Gabriele, John P. Gilliam, and John L. McInerney contribute diverse expertise from management consulting, financial services, and securities law, respectively. Tyler Condello serves as Vice President, with prior experience in private equity and investment banking. This collective experience allows the firm to take a hands-on approach in managing investments while empowering the senior management teams of their portfolio companies to handle day-to-day operations.