Periscope Equity

Periscope Equity is a Chicago-based private equity firm established in 2012, specializing in partnering with founder-owned, technology-enabled business services companies. The firm focuses on businesses that offer mission-critical services, demonstrate a history of sustainable profitability, and have clear avenues for accelerated growth. Periscope Equity aims to provide strategic, operational, and commercial support to its portfolio companies to drive superior investment returns.

The firm's origins trace back to 2007 when Steve Jarmel started a precursor, officially founding Periscope Equity in 2012. He was joined by John Findlay the following year. Both partners brought backgrounds in investment banking and larger private equity firms, ultimately choosing to focus on the lower-middle market to foster a culture-centric approach and build durable, sustainable portfolio companies.

Periscope Equity invests across various verticals, including Commerce Enablement, Cloud, IT & Security, Healthcare IT, and Talent, Risk & Operations. Their portfolio includes companies such as Corvid Technologies, CyberSafe Solutions, and onShore Security, focusing on IT consulting, network management, and information management. Other notable investments include Praecipio, CyberMaxx, Sentrics, eHouse, and Mobile Solutions, demonstrating a focus on areas like cybersecurity, senior living technology, digital commerce, and mobility management.

The Periscope Equity team comprises experienced investment professionals, including partners Steve Jarmel and John Findlay, who leverage their extensive backgrounds in finance and private equity. The firm also has a dedicated operations team and a network of operating partners and board members who provide crucial operational due diligence, transactional support, and post-closing strategic guidance to portfolio companies. This collaborative approach underscores their commitment to hands-on partnership with management teams.