Private Equity Firms in Colorado

Bow River Capital is a Denver, Colorado-based alternative investment firm that focuses on the lower middle market. The firm offers differentiated strategies across several investment platforms, including private equity, private credit, real estate, and software growth equity. They are known for their hands-on operational approach, partnering with management teams to build and support enduring businesses, primarily within what they term the "Rodeo Region™" – encompassing the Rocky Mountains and surrounding states.Founded in 2003, Bow River Capital was established with a commitment to delivering strong outcomes for its investors, partners, and their employees. The firm is employee-owned, with its team making substantial investments in their funds, thereby aligning their interests with those of their partners. Blair E. Richardson serves as the Chief Executive Officer, leading a team that leverages deep expertise across various platforms.Bow River Capital's investment activities span a diverse range of industries. Recent investments include a majority buyout of TrackVia, a cloud platform for compliance lifecycle management, and the acquisition of Spur Capital Partners, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage technology and life sciences funds. Other notable investments and areas of focus for their private equity arm include companies in infrastructure and engineering services, industrial services, healthcare services, and tech-enabled business services. Their real estate investments target light industrial and opportunistic residential properties within the Rodeo Region™, while their private credit and asset-based finance teams provide flexible solutions to the underserved lower-middle market across sectors like Fintech, Consumer, and Small Business.The firm's team brings diverse talent and backgrounds, with expertise in institutionalizing operations, evolving financial processes, and identifying and integrating complementary add-on entities. They emphasize a collaborative approach, working closely with portfolio company management to develop strategic plans and drive growth. With 76 employees and $5.7 billion in managed capital as of September 30, 2025, Bow River Capital continues to expand its offerings and geographic reach within its target markets.

Janus Henderson Investors is a prominent global active asset manager dedicated to assisting clients in achieving their financial objectives through a combination of differentiated insights, disciplined investment strategies, and world-class service. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of investment solutions across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternatives. Their approach is rooted in extensive research, with investment teams engaging with thousands of companies annually to generate original perspectives that inform their investment positioning.The firm's rich heritage dates back to 1934 with the founding of Henderson Administration in the UK to manage the estate of Alexander Henderson. Separately, Janus Capital was established in 1969 in Denver, Colorado, by Tom Bailey, who aimed to create an independent asset management service in the western United States. Janus Henderson Investors was officially formed in May 2017 through an all-stock merger of Janus Capital Group and Henderson Group, bringing together over 90 years of combined experience in the investment management industry.As a global asset manager, Janus Henderson Investors focuses on delivering long-term risk-adjusted returns across a broad spectrum of investment opportunities. While not a traditional venture capital firm, they engage in strategic partnerships and acquisitions that expand their capabilities, such as their joint venture with Privacore Capital for alternative assets and the acquisition of Victory Park Capital Advisors, a private credit manager. They also manage a diverse range of funds, including those focused on global life sciences and multi-sector income, catering to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors.With over 350 investment professionals and more than 2,000 employees globally, Janus Henderson Investors leverages its extensive network and expertise to innovate in ideas, products, and solutions. Their teams are committed to rigorous analysis, structured processes, and robust risk management, aiming to anticipate and adapt to market changes. The firm emphasizes a client-first philosophy, accountability, and a collaborative culture to deliver on its commitments and invest in a brighter future together.

Liftout Capital is a Denver-based investment holding company founded in 2023 that specializes in lower-middle-market, founder-owned service businesses. Unlike a traditional private equity fund, Liftout operates as a permanent capital platform, allowing flexible investment horizons aligned with founder goals. The firm targets control investments in industrial and business services companies with approximately $4–$15 million EBITDA, forging deep partnerships with management to drive value creation. Liftout’s co-founders, Eric Wolf and Bo Sutton, are industry veterans with decades of private equity experience; they previously built and managed multibillion-dollar funds before launching Liftout. With ~$8 billion of capital under management across various vehicles (including co-investments), Liftout leverages its sector expertise in industrial services and business services to scale companies sustainably. The firm emphasizes core values like legacy preservation, transparency, alignment, and grit in partnering with founders. Liftout’s growing portfolio includes Franchise Creator, Pay4Leads, and AG&E among others. Based in Colorado, Liftout Capital positions itself as a “true partner” for entrepreneurs, providing patient capital, operational know-how, and a commitment to building enduring businesses beyond the typical 5–7 year PE timeframe.