Private Equity Firms in Minneapolis

Artesian Partners is a permanent capital investment group dedicated to the long-term ownership of small businesses across the United States. Unlike traditional private equity firms, Artesian operates as a family equity firm, leveraging capital from a single family with over 150 years of business ownership experience. This unique structure allows the firm to invest with a multi-decade horizon, prioritizing stability, employee retention, and consistent growth without the typical pressures of a fund-based model. They focus on acquiring established micro-cap businesses with EBITDA ranging from $1 million to $7 million, aiming to be the preferred buyer for sellers seeking a trustworthy and enduring partner for their life's work.The firm was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area, with additional offices in Minneapolis and Chicago. Artesian Partners emphasizes a values-driven approach, centered on doing the right thing, putting people first, and continuously striving for improvement. Their investment model is characterized by acquiring businesses with equity only, avoiding third-party debt in transactions, which de-risks companies from short-term uncertainties and allows for free reinvestment of cash flow.Artesian Partners is industry-agnostic, seeking great companies across various sectors. Their portfolio includes businesses in areas such as monitoring equipment, consumer non-durables, and business/productivity software. The firm is prepared to either step in and operate acquired businesses, work through a transition period with existing ownership, or back the current management team in a recapitalization, depending on the specific needs of each company.The leadership team at Artesian Partners includes Matt Newill as CEO and Derria Banta as COO, supported by a diverse group of professionals in finance, operations, business development, and technology. The team also features individuals leading portfolio companies, such as Chad Danz (CEO of PMG), Doug Pederson (CEO of Hexagon Machine & MFG), Kyle Brengel (CEO of Trace Fiber Services & CC & E), and Nick Wheeler (CEO of Tra-Cal Calibration Lab), reflecting their hands-on approach to business stewardship.

Proterra Investment Partners LP, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an alternative investment manager specializing in the global food and agriculture value chain—from farmland and sustainable ag operations to branded consumer products and industrial real estate. The firm applies a differentiated investment approach across multiple strategies including credit, farmland, sustainable agriculture, growth equity, net‑lease real estate and the Proterra Asia food platform. Since inception, Proterra has committed capital across North America, Asia and Australia in service of institutional investors with global food sector exposure. Proterra Asia—the firm’s dedicated Asia private equity platform—operates from Singapore and Shanghai, investing across the food value chain in pan‑Asia growth companies. Proterra also maintains teams in the US (Minneapolis), UK/Europe (London affiliate), and Australia (Sydney) to support global operations and deal sourcing.

Thrivent is a comprehensive financial services organization with a legacy spanning over 120 years, operating as a member-owned fraternal benefit society. The firm is dedicated to helping individuals build, grow, and protect their financial well-being through a range of purpose-based advice, investments, insurance, banking, and generosity programs. Thrivent emphasizes a philosophy that views money as a tool for making a positive impact, both personally and within communities, serving clients who share a common Christian bond while offering investment products to all people.Founded in 1902, Thrivent originated from a collective effort where neighbors came together to provide mutual insurance. Over a century, it has evolved into a Fortune 500 company, recognized for its financial strength and ethical practices. The firm reinvests its profits back into the communities it serves, fostering generosity through various programs and mobilizing significant volunteer hours and donations from its clients and itself.Thrivent offers a diverse array of financial products and services, including financial planning, free money coaching, dedicated planning services, managed accounts programs, trust services, banking solutions (including Thrivent Bank and Church Loans), and a wide range of investment vehicles such as annuities, mutual funds, and actively managed ETFs. The firm also provides various insurance products, including life, disability income, and long-term care. Thrivent Private Investments is a dedicated investor in the private equity asset class, focusing on lower middle market and middle market opportunities through fund and equity co-investment platforms.The firm's investment approach is characterized by strategic asset allocation, active management by seasoned professionals, and a commitment to long-term investing. Thrivent Asset Management, a subsidiary, manages mutual funds and managed portfolios, employing extensive quantitative and qualitative research. Their portfolios are broadly diversified across asset classes, geographies, and investing styles, with holdings in major public companies like NVIDIA, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Meta, reflecting a focus on technology and other growth sectors.

Winslow Capital Management, LLC is a growth equity investment firm that focuses on fundamental, long-term investing. The firm aims to achieve successful client outcomes by carefully managing risk and identifying compelling opportunities in both public and private markets. Winslow Capital is dedicated to investing in growth companies that have the potential to transform industries, sectors, customers, and even society.Founded in 1992, Winslow Capital operates as an independent investment affiliate of Nuveen, a leading global investment manager. The firm is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has built its reputation on a disciplined approach and deep fundamental research. Their strategies include U.S. Large Cap Growth, U.S. Large Cap Growth ESG, and Growth Capital, reflecting a broad commitment to various stages of growth-oriented companies.Winslow Capital's portfolio includes investments in both publicly traded and privately held companies. Notable private investments have included Databricks, SmartLabs, Overtime, and Premise. The firm also holds significant positions in large-cap public companies such as NVIDIA Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Apple Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., and Meta Platforms, Inc. These investments highlight their focus on technology, media, and healthcare sectors.The firm prides itself on a team of highly experienced investment professionals with extensive analytical backgrounds, specializing in growth investing. With an average industry tenure of over 20 years for its investment team, Winslow Capital emphasizes a culture of growth and empowerment, guided by principles of integrity and excellence. Justin Kelly, CFA, serves as the Chief Investment Officer, leading the investment strategy and team.