Private Equity Firms in Connecticut

AIP Capital is a global multi-strategy investment manager specializing in asset-based finance. The firm focuses on generating attractive risk-adjusted returns for its clients across various market cycles through its unique investment strategies, relationships, and hands-on approach. Their core investment areas include Real Assets, Private Credit, Strategic Partnerships & Control Investments, and Asset Management, with a significant emphasis on the aviation sector.The firm was founded in 2023 by Mathew Adamo, who previously served as the Chief Investment Officer of Jackson Square Aviation, and Jared Ailstock, a former executive at Goldman Sachs. Since its inception, AIP Capital has rapidly expanded its operations and asset base, establishing a global footprint and forming strategic alliances within the aviation investment landscape.AIP Capital's portfolio and partnerships include several key entities. They exclusively manage Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor with a global fleet. Other strategic partnerships include Sankaty Jet Capital for business aviation lending, BeYoke Capital for originating aircraft and engine investment opportunities for Japanese investors, Harbor Point Equipment Finance for equipment lease and loan portfolios, and Alliant AirFinance for aviation investment and finance solutions. The firm also manages assets through Witt Lake Asset Management and AIP Advisors, focusing on aviation private credit instruments and aviation-related investments, respectively. Notably, AIP Capital has also formed a joint venture partnership to pursue strategic investments in the aviation markets of Korea, Asia, and the broader Asia-Pacific region, and has partnered with Monroe Capital for an aircraft leasing venture.The team at AIP Capital comprises seasoned investment professionals with extensive expertise across asset-based finance. Their diverse backgrounds span investing, structuring, technical analysis, legal, risk management, and underwriting. This collaborative team is dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and executing investment opportunities effectively across various market conditions.

Banner Capital, also known as Banner Capital Management, LLC, is a lower middle market private equity firm that strategically partners with founder-led and family-owned businesses primarily across the Intermountain West and Western United States. The firm's investment focus is on what it terms "Main Street Services" companies, which are essential service-based businesses that underpin the American economy. These businesses typically have an EBITDA ranging from $4 million to $15 million. Banner Capital aims to identify and unlock opportunities within overlooked markets by investing in durable, disciplined, and often underappreciated operators who are solving practical problems in critical industries.The firm was founded in 2020 by Tanner Ainge, who serves as its Chief Executive Officer. Banner Capital was established with a clear vision to provide partnership capital, fostering relationships with business leaders in its target region based on shared vision and values. This approach emphasizes collaborative growth and long-term value creation for the businesses it backs.Banner Capital has built a diverse portfolio of over 13 investments, with its portfolio companies collectively employing more than 3,600 individuals. Key investments include Manscaped, a men's grooming brand; Vision Graphics, a provider of specialized graphic solutions; Western Pavement Services, an asphalt maintenance platform; Beam, a digital-first employee benefits provider; Pura, a smart-home fragrance company; and Route, an e-commerce acceleration platform. Other notable portfolio companies listed are Zerorez, Pattern, Roadrunner, Post, Bates, and Averra.The team at Banner Capital consists of dedicated investment professionals and a network of operating advisors who contribute hands-on expertise to help founders scale their ventures with confidence. Tanner Ainge, the firm's founder, brings a robust background in private equity investing and M&A law, having worked with prominent firms like HGGC and Kirkland & Ellis LLP. The firm's culture is built on core values such as building trust, aligning strategic visions through data-driven analysis, elevating people, embracing entrepreneurial grit, and diligently returning value to its investors.

Cat Trail Capital is a single-family office established in 2004, dedicated to managing and growing the capital of the Dekker family. The firm operates as a private investment company, engaging in a diverse range of investment activities. Its strategy includes taking strategic positions in publicly traded securities, making placements with specialized fund managers, and actively managing a portfolio of real assets. Additionally, Cat Trail Capital occasionally invests in small private companies, demonstrating a flexible approach across various asset classes.The firm's origins trace back to the acquisition of Marcel Dekker, Inc. at the end of 2003. Marcel Dekker, Inc. was a prominent scientific, technological, and medical (STM) publishing company founded in 1964 by Marcel Dekker, the father of David and Russell Dekker. Following the sale of the publishing business, David Dekker founded Cat Trail Capital in 2004 to serve as a full-service investment boutique for the family's wealth.Cat Trail Capital's investment mandate is broad, encompassing both fund commitments and direct investments. The firm shows an appetite for private equity, real estate, venture capital, secondaries, private credit, and hedge funds. On the direct investment side, Cat Trail Capital targets venture capital opportunities at the seed stage, with investments potentially reaching up to $10 million, and private equity deals ranging from $10 million to $50 million. The firm also supports emerging managers and impact investments.The leadership team includes David Dekker, who serves as Managing Partner and founded the firm. Russell Dekker is a Partner and sits on the investment committee. Andrew Budinoff is the Director of Portfolio Management and Trading, responsible for developing and executing internal trading strategies, managing asset allocation models, and overseeing portfolio risk and performance analytics.

Cross Creek is an independently owned venture capital firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in bridging the gap between private and public markets. The firm focuses on late-stage growth equity investments and also employs a fund-of-funds strategy, targeting companies poised for transition from private to public ownership. With a significant track record, Cross Creek aims to identify and support innovative companies with sustainable growth prospects, leveraging its expertise to guide them through the complexities of public offerings and acquisitions.Founded in 2006 by Karey Barker, Cross Creek initially operated within Wasatch Advisors before becoming an independent entity in 2012. Barker, who previously managed small-cap public growth funds at Wasatch, recognized the increasing trend of private companies going public later in their life cycles. She established Cross Creek to capture value creation earlier in this process, building a firm dedicated to late-stage venture-backed companies and top-tier venture funds.The firm's diverse portfolio includes notable investments across various sectors. Key portfolio companies have included HubSpot, DocuSign, Angi (formerly Angie's List), Gusto, and Scopely. Cross Creek's investment focus spans healthcare technology, marketplaces and consumer internet, enterprise software, cybersecurity, and manufacturing and supply chain. They target Series C and later funding rounds, seeking businesses with proven models, exceptional management teams, and potential for near-term liquidity.Cross Creek's senior investment team, which has been working together since 2010, brings diverse public and private sector expertise. The team includes founding and managing partners like Karey Barker, Tyler Christenson, and Peter Jarman, alongside a dedicated group of investment professionals, investor relations specialists, and operations staff. Their collective experience and strategic guidance are integral to supporting portfolio companies and facilitating their successful transition to public markets.

DESRI (D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments) is a prominent renewable energy company based in the United States. The firm specializes in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects across the country. As a long-term owner, DESRI is actively involved in all stages of a project's lifecycle, encompassing development, construction, financing, and ongoing operations. The company's commitment lies in delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions to communities throughout the U.S.Founded in 2010, DESRI has rapidly grown its portfolio, which now includes over 11 GW of generation capacity across more than 75 projects in 22 states. The firm collaborates with local partners and landowners to tailor projects to specific community needs, emphasizing advanced solar panels, racking, inverters, and battery storage technologies to maximize production and minimize environmental footprint. DESRI is a subsidiary of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm.DESRI's investment strategy extends to providing capital solutions for renewable energy assets, demonstrating its capabilities as a financial investor in the industry. Notable projects include the acquisition of the 300 MW Balko Wind project in Oklahoma, the development of solar-plus-storage facilities in New Mexico and Arizona, and preferred equity investments in Texas solar portfolios and battery energy storage systems. The firm's expertise in securing power purchase agreements (PPAs) and bringing projects to successful operation underscores its leadership in the renewable energy sector.The leadership team at DESRI comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing renewable energy. Key members include David M. Zwillinger as Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas de Swardt as President, Bob Schoenherr as Chief Strategy Officer, Hy Martin as Chief Development Officer, Manhal Aboudi as Chief Technology Officer, R.C. Petrella, Jr. as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, Stan Krutonogiy as Chief Financial Officer, and Stephen Jones as Chief Operating Officer. This team drives DESRI's mission to expand access to renewable energy and strengthen energy infrastructure across the United States.

Dominion Capital Holdings LLC is a New York-based family office and investment firm established in 2011. The firm operates as a private entity, serving family clients and not accepting outside investors. It focuses on a diversified portfolio across various asset classes, including structured products, venture capital, real estate, private equity, and public capital markets. Through its affiliates, Ascent Partners and RD Advisors, Dominion Capital provides debt and preferred equity corporate investments to exchange-listed and pre-IPO issuers, primarily in North America, and offers competitive financing solutions for both residential and commercial real estate projects.Founded in June 2011 by Mikhail Gurevich, who serves as its Founder and Managing Partner, Dominion Capital specializes in structured finance. Prior to establishing Dominion Capital, Mr. Gurevich held leadership roles in the fintech and security sectors, including President and CTO of ZepInvest and CIO of ClickFacts, a company he co-founded. The firm's team comprises veterans and experts from diverse fields such as technology, cybersecurity, investment banking, proprietary trading, and legal compliance, reflecting a broad range of expertise that supports its varied investment strategies.Dominion Capital's investment interests span sectors such as clean technology, manufacturing, real estate, life sciences, healthcare, and blockchain. The firm targets early-stage companies, with investments ranging from seed rounds to Series A. Notable portfolio companies include InterCloud Systems, Scentbird, Vislink Technologies, Bitfarms, The Crown League, Triplemint, and VeloCom. These investments highlight the firm's engagement in technology, consumer services, and blockchain-related ventures.The firm's investment approach emphasizes supporting entrepreneurs who aim to create positive global change. While primarily focused on North America, including the United States and Canada, Dominion Capital also explores opportunities in other select markets. The firm maintains its main office in New York City, with affiliate offices located in Boston, Westport, Connecticut, and Miami, Florida, further extending its reach and operational capabilities across key regions.

Dorilton Capital is a multi-strategy private investment firm established in 2009, known for its flexible and patient capital approach. The firm focuses on control investments in small to medium-sized businesses across a diverse range of industry sectors. Beyond traditional private equity, Dorilton Capital also actively pursues venture opportunities, particularly in technology companies. Their investment philosophy centers on long-term value creation through operational improvements, strategic capital allocation, and management support, rather than short-term financial engineering.Founded in 2009, Dorilton Capital was established with a vision to provide enduring capital solutions. The firm operates as a family-backed private investment firm, allowing it the unique ability to think with a long-term perspective and without a set investment horizon. This patient capital model enables portfolio companies to execute transformational strategies over extended timeframes, contrasting with the typical shorter private equity fund lifecycles.Dorilton Capital manages a diversified portfolio that spans various sectors, including sports franchises, media properties, and technology platforms. Notable investments include the acquisition of Williams Racing in August 2020, where Dorilton Capital implemented comprehensive organizational restructuring while preserving the team's heritage, leading to significant performance and revenue improvements. The firm has also led funding rounds for technology companies such as JuliaHub, an AI platform for industrial digital twins, and invested in companies like Post Acute Analytics, Blackbird, Oriole Networks, and Noble AI, demonstrating a strong focus on data-centric ventures in IT infrastructure, data science, and cybersecurity.The firm's team comprises experienced professionals in operations, reporting systems, and M&A, who work closely with existing management teams of portfolio companies. Dorilton Capital provides strategic guidance through board representation, facilitates access to capital for growth initiatives, and leverages cross-portfolio synergies. This collaborative approach aims to streamline internal processes, invest in organic growth, and pursue strategic acquisitions, supporting management's goals without imposing undue cultural change.

Drum Capital Management LLC is a specialized private equity firm that focuses on value-based investing within the North American lower middle markets. The firm's investment strategy centers on deep value opportunities, turnarounds, special situations, value buyouts, restructurings, and other operationally complex or distressed situations. They achieve this through a diversified approach that includes primary fund investments, co-investments, and direct investments in operating companies.Founded in 2004 by Scott Vollmer, Drum Capital was established with the objective of creating and managing funds dedicated to these specific deep value and special situation investment strategies. Since its inception, the firm has invested more than $1.5 billion on behalf of its global investor base across its four series of funds.The firm's investment team brings over 100 years of combined experience in evaluating deep value investment opportunities across the middle market. Their practitioners leverage operational and financial expertise to build value within underlying portfolio companies and primary fund investments across various industries. Drum Capital emphasizes a strong understanding of capital structures, asset collateral value, and the ability to identify appropriate strategies for different economic cycles, which are considered essential attributes for their value-based investing approach.Drum Capital has experience investing across major industrial segments, including consumer goods and services, manufacturing, home building products, telecommunications, automotive, business services, and other industrial sectors. Their portfolio also includes companies in Aerospace, Maritime and Defense, and Food and Agriculture. Notable investments and exits include the acquisition of Excel Interior Door, LLC, and exits from companies such as Winn Lumber Company, Klaussner Home Furnishings, and West Marine Products.

ECP Growth, previously operating as Emil Capital Partners, is a private equity firm that adopts a thematic approach to investing. The firm targets companies within resilient categories, emphasizing those with attractive growth fundamentals. By focusing on sectors that demonstrate consistent demand and scalability, ECP Growth seeks to build a diversified portfolio that can withstand market fluctuations. The firm's investment strategy involves identifying and partnering with businesses that have a clear path to growth, strong leadership, and a competitive edge in their respective markets. ECP Growth provides not only capital but also strategic support to help these companies achieve their full potential. This hands-on approach ensures alignment of interests and fosters long-term partnerships. With a team of experienced professionals, ECP Growth leverages its industry knowledge and network to source and manage investments effectively. The firm's rebranding from Emil Capital Partners to ECP Growth reflects its renewed commitment to identifying and nurturing growth-oriented businesses in today's dynamic economic landscape.

Gallatin Point Capital LLC is a private investment firm founded in 2017 by Matthew Botein and Lewis A. “Lee” Sachs, headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. The firm focuses on opportunistic investments across financial institutions, services, and assets, leveraging decades of combined experience from its leadership team, which includes former executives from BlackRock, the U.S. Treasury, and other leading financial institutions. Gallatin Point manages over $5.6 billion in assets and maintains a portfolio of more than 30 investments.The firm employs a flexible and collaborative investment approach, investing globally across multiple financial services subsectors such as lending, insurance, asset management, financial technology, real estate finance, and capital markets. Its investment strategies include Equity Strategies, targeting equity-like returns across asset classes and capital structures, and Income Strategies, focusing on income-generating, structured, and non-traditional assets in underserved or complex markets.Gallatin Point Capital emphasizes disciplined, risk-adjusted returns by partnering with market-leading teams and conducting rigorous analysis. The firm actively collaborates with management teams to provide strategic counsel, constructive capital, and access to a broad professional network, aiming to optimize outcomes for all stakeholders. Its strong track record includes significant transactions and strategic exits that highlight the firm’s expertise and capability in navigating the financial landscape.

Gemspring Capital Management, LLC, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, is a private equity firm focused on lower-middle-market companies across the United States and Canada. The firm provides flexible capital solutions—including buyouts, growth equity, recapitalizations, structured equity, and strategic debt—typically investing in companies with $25M–$150M enterprise value. With a team of approximately 69 professionals, Gemspring applies a hands-on, partnership-driven approach to support management teams through operational improvement, growth expansion, and add-on acquisitions. Since inception, the firm has completed nearly 117 investments and maintains a portfolio of over 100 companies as of mid‑2025. Gemspring manages around $3.8 billion in regulatory AUM as of December 31, 2024. The firm targets industries including business services, healthcare, industrials, consumer services, software, and tech-enabled services, and embraces complexity in carve-outs and growth transitions.

General Atlantic is a prominent global growth equity firm that collaborates with high-growth companies to facilitate their expansion and long-term success. Established in 1980, the firm has built a strong reputation for identifying and partnering with visionary entrepreneurs and management teams. Headquartered in New York City, General Atlantic maintains a significant global presence with offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering a comprehensive international perspective to growth-stage investments.The firm's investment strategy is concentrated across key sectors including Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services, Consumer, Life Sciences, Climate, and Sustainable Infrastructure. General Atlantic provides not only patient capital but also strategic guidance, operational expertise, and deep industry insights. This hands-on approach enables the firm to support market-leading businesses worldwide, fostering their development and helping them achieve their ambitious goals.General Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Chuck Feeney in 1980 as the direct investment entity for Atlantic Philanthropies, with the audacious vision to "improve the human condition." Feeney's long-term thinking and entrepreneurial spirit laid the groundwork for the firm's unique approach to patient capital and purposeful partnerships. Over the decades, General Atlantic expanded its funding sources beyond Feeney to include global institutional investors, endowments, and foundations, while maintaining its core values of innovation, integrity, and collaboration.The firm boasts a diverse portfolio of notable investments across its various strategies. Key examples include backing Royalty Pharma ahead of its 2020 IPO, a significant investment in India's digital services platform Jio Platforms, and the acquisition of a majority stake in Joe & The Juice. General Atlantic has also invested in innovative companies such as Anthropic, an AI research company, and acquired Actis, a leading global investor in sustainable infrastructure, to further its commitment to climate solutions. The firm's team comprises over 900 professionals globally, bringing extensive experience and a collaborative spirit to empower its capital partners and portfolio companies.

Greenbriar Equity Group, founded in 1999, is a private equity firm headquartered in Rye, New York, with additional offices in Greenwich, Connecticut. The firm specializes in investing in market-leading companies primarily within advanced manufacturing, transportation, and business services sectors. Greenbriar focuses on partnering with passionate, well-aligned management teams to execute specific value creation plans that accelerate growth. Greenbriar is a risk-sensitive investor that targets companies capitalizing on large growth opportunities where its deep industry experience and extensive network can add significant value. The firm’s investment approach emphasizes building strong businesses through hands-on support and collaboration with management teams, leveraging decades of expertise in sectors such as aerospace & defense, logistics, specialty distribution, transportation, vehicle aftermarket support, industrial, and rail. With over $10 billion in committed capital raised across six funds and a current fund size of approximately $3.5 billion, Greenbriar has completed more than 275 platform and add-on acquisitions. The firm’s portfolio includes notable companies such as Ryder System, World Freight Company, Genesis Rail Services, Towne Park, Align Aerospace, and The Whitcraft Group. Greenbriar’s team includes experienced executives and senior advisors who provide strategic guidance and operational support across its portfolio.

H.I.G. Growth Partners is the dedicated growth capital platform of H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm. The firm specializes in making both majority and minority investments in growing, technology-oriented businesses across North America, Europe, and Latin America. They focus on providing substantial resources to middle-market growth companies, acting as value-add partners in the development and implementation of transformational digital and technology-centric strategies to drive superior performance.Founded in 1993, H.I.G. Growth Partners operates as a growth equity firm based in Miami, Florida. The firm leverages the extensive resources and experience of the broader H.I.G. Capital platform, which includes over 500 investment professionals across 18 global offices. This integrated approach allows H.I.G. Growth Partners to offer deep operational, digital, and technology expertise to its portfolio companies.H.I.G. Growth Partners has a successful track record of investing in companies capable of causing significant disruption within their markets. Notable investments include companies like AgileBlue, Avi-spl Iberia, Carebox, Mobile Health, and Worksuite, spanning industries such as network management software, IT consulting, medical records systems, and business/productivity software. The firm also has a history of successful exits, with its latest being from Pyramid Analytics.The team at H.I.G. Growth Partners brings substantial operating, strategic, and financial management experience. Key leadership includes Ross Hiatt, Managing Director & Head of H.I.G. Growth, alongside other managing directors such as Mark Fiske, Evan Karp, Hans Sherman, and Eric Tencer. The firm emphasizes a collaborative, partnership-based approach, working closely with founders and management teams to drive impactful operational improvements and establish market-leading positions.

Heartwood Partners is a middle-market private equity firm that employs a distinctive investment strategy centered on higher equity capitalization and lower debt. The firm partners with founder, family, and management-held businesses, aiming to foster growth and enhance performance. Their approach prioritizes stability and confidence for management teams, enabling them to execute strategic plans effectively while also allowing for periodic cash flow distributions to investors and managers.The firm traces its origins back to 1982 with its predecessor, Capital Partners, and officially rebranded as Heartwood Partners in September 2020. As of December 31, 2025, Heartwood Partners manages $1.4 billion in assets, having completed 31 platform investments and 61 add-on acquisitions. This history reflects a consistent focus on long-term value creation across various economic cycles.Heartwood Partners actively seeks investment opportunities across a diverse range of industries, including Building Products, Commercial & Industrial Services, Distribution, Food/Agriculture, Niche Manufacturing, Packaging, and Specialty Chemicals/Materials. They target U.S.-headquartered companies with revenues between $30 million and $400 million and EBITDA between $5 million and $30 million, with flexibility for lower EBITDA in add-on investments. The firm engages in both control and minority investments, preferring pass-through entities.The firm's value creation strategy is supported by a dedicated team with deep operating experience and skilled resources. Notable investments and portfolio companies include Breen Color Concentrates, Twitchell Technical Products, Roll-Rite, Somafina, and Royal Products. Heartwood Partners emphasizes a genuine partnership, aligning incentives with business owners and management teams to drive sustainable growth through organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions.

Hudson Bay Capital Management LP is a multi-billion dollar global investment management firm that employs multiple absolute return strategies designed to be uncorrelated to market indices. The firm focuses on generating skill-based returns through rigorous fundamental analysis, identifying market inefficiencies, and capitalizing on undervalued investment opportunities. Their approach is opportunistic, collaborative, insightful, disciplined, and committed, emphasizing risk management and capital preservation across their diverse portfolio.The firm's roots trace back to 1997 when Sander Gerber, an equity options trader, established Gerber Asset Management LLC. In 2005, Gerber co-founded Hudson Bay Capital with Yoav Roth, absorbing the resources and employees of Gerber Asset Management. This transition marked the formal inception of Hudson Bay Capital, which has since grown to manage assets for a wide range of institutional investors, including pension funds, endowments, and family offices. The firm's investment philosophy is deeply ingrained with Gerber's proprietary "Deal Code" System, a rigorous investment process developed over years of trading.Hudson Bay Capital has a diverse investment history, engaging in various strategies including multi-strategy funds, distressed debt, and shareholder activism. Notable investments include stakes in New York Community Bank, Plug Power, and Transocean. The firm has also been involved in significant financing deals, such as a $155 million loan for the Lexington Hotel and a special situations fund that invested in New York Community Bank during a challenging period. Their investment activities span across different stages, from seed and early-stage venture capital to later-stage growth equity and private investments in public equity (PIPEs).The leadership team at Hudson Bay Capital comprises experienced professionals with diverse expertise. Key figures include Sander R. Gerber, the Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer, and Yoav Roth, a Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager. Other notable team members include Charles Winkler (Senior Partner | Advisor), Roy Astrachan (Managing Partner | Portfolio Manager), George Antonopoulos (Managing Partner | Portfolio Manager), and functional leaders such as Paul Sargen (Chief Risk Officer) and Brendan Albee (Chief Operating Officer). The firm fosters a collaborative environment among its portfolio management teams to encourage cross-pollination of ideas and enhance investment outcomes.

Imperial Capital, LLC is a full-service investment bank that provides a comprehensive and integrated platform of services to institutional investors and middle-market companies. The firm offers a wide array of sophisticated services, including investment banking advisory, capital markets, and restructuring services to corporate clients, alongside institutional sales and trading services for investors. Imperial Capital's approach is characterized by research-driven insights, superior advisory capabilities, and efficient trade execution, leveraging its expertise across global capital structures and deep industry sector knowledge.Established in 1997, Imperial Capital, LLC is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The firm was founded with the objective of delivering proprietary solutions and unique investment opportunities to its diverse client base. Over two decades, Imperial Capital has built a reputation for successfully guiding corporate issuers, institutional investors, banking institutions, and private equity organizations worldwide towards their financial objectives.As an investment bank, Imperial Capital's primary role involves advising on a wide range of transactions rather than holding a direct investment portfolio. Their services encompass debt and equity financing, sell-side and buy-side merger and acquisition advisory, and financial restructuring and recapitalization advisory. The firm's professionals are adept at navigating complex transactions and various market cycles, providing strategic counsel and facilitating capital raising across the capital structure.Imperial Capital employs a team of over 150 professionals, fostering an entrepreneurial and team-oriented culture that values creativity, teamwork, and integrity. The firm's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of its various disciplines, integrating investment banking, institutional sales and trading, trading desk analysis, and equity research operations. This collaborative environment and the team's extensive experience in complex capital structures and special situations enable Imperial Capital to deliver valuable analysis and proprietary solutions to its clients.

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.

Founded in 1989 in Greenwich, Connecticut by J. Michael Chu, Frank Vest, and William E. Simon, L Catterton has grown into the world’s leading consumer‑focused private equity firm. In 2016 it merged with L Capital and the family office of Bernard Arnault (LVMH), forming a global platform with around US $33 billion in assets under management as of 2023. The firm has completed over 275 investments across private equity and growth strategies. L Catterton operates across multiple investment verticals—Flagship Buyouts, North America Growth, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Real Estate and Private Credit—targeting middle‑market consumer businesses via control buyouts and growth equity. It has supported brands such as Birkenstock, Peloton, Nature’s Variety, and Equinox, deploying capital typically between US $10 million and $500 million depending on region and strategy. With a presence in 17 offices worldwide—including Greenwich (HQ), London, Paris, Milan, New York, Singapore, São Paulo, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Miami and Mauritius—L Catterton brings deep regional insight to its consumer investments. The firm maintains close ties to LVMH and Groupe Arnault, leveraging their luxury-consumer expertise to drive brand value and operational excellence.

Level Equity, founded in 2009, is a leading middle-market growth capital firm specializing in rapidly growing, capital-efficient software and technology-enabled businesses. The firm provides flexible long-term capital through minority and majority growth equity, full acquisitions, recaps, and structured equity/credit solutions, targeting B2B software companies in non-cyclical industries with durable models and typically $5M+ recurring revenue. With over 125 investments and 60+ liquidity events, Level Equity emphasizes bespoke partnerships, leveraging its NextLevel Operations team for value creation in management, M&A, and scaling.Headquartered in New York with offices in Greenwich, CT, and a global footprint, Level Equity invests across North America, Europe (including Israel), Australia, and New Zealand. The firm has raised over $5B in committed capital across core growth funds (e.g., LEGP VI at $1.4B), opportunistic funds, and structured capital vehicles (e.g., Level Structured Capital III). It sources proprietary deals via proactive outreach and supports portfolio growth through expert networks, achieving recognition like Inc.’s Founder-Friendly Investor list.Level Equity's founder-friendly approach is praised by CEOs for its high-integrity, low-ego partnership style that balances support with autonomy. Key investments include CloudCheckr (exited to NetApp), Planet DDS, simPro, Instaclustr, and recent deals like Upshop, Ninth Wave, and Legato Security. Committed to ESG integration, the firm manages 17 pooled vehicles with a 50-employee team (88% investors).