Private Equity Firms in Pittsburgh

Forest Lane Capital is a private investment firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in control equity investments. The firm is backed by committed family office capital, allowing for a patient, long-term investment horizon free from typical fund life pressures. They focus on partnering with founder-led businesses and second and third-generation family owners within the lower middle market, aiming to accelerate growth through a combination of capital and operational resources.Founded in 2018 by Joel Pokorney, Forest Lane Capital later combined firms with Booth Park Capital in October 2020, with both entities operating under the Forest Lane Capital name. Joel Pokorney, the Founder and Managing Partner, along with Dan Wingard, who was a Managing Partner at Booth Park Capital, have extensive careers in private equity and investing in lower middle market businesses. This strategic partnership was formed to leverage complementary skill sets and accelerate the growth of their family-office based committed fund.The firm targets companies with revenues between $5 million and $50 million, EBITDA between $1 million and $5 million, and EBITDA margins greater than 10%. Their investment criteria primarily include businesses in niche manufacturing, value-added distribution, and business services. Notable portfolio companies include Meritech Systems, a leader in automated hand hygiene technology; HTG Supply, an omni-channel retailer and manufacturer of indoor gardening supplies; and ARS Recycling Systems, a global manufacturer of steel abrasive blasting and dust collection equipment.The Forest Lane Capital team comprises experienced investment professionals and operating partners, including Joel Pokorney, Mike Williamson, Mike Hartley, and Steve Michalski. These team members bring a dynamic mix of pre-close and post-close transaction experience, with operating partners offering specialized domain expertise in areas such as niche manufacturing and sales/revenue growth strategies. Their approach emphasizes active partnership, material personal capital investment, and a commitment to working closely with management teams to drive long-term equity value.

Incline Equity Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in growth equity investments. The firm focuses on partnering with management teams to drive value creation in lower middle-market companies. Incline Equity Partners primarily invests in the business services, healthcare, and software sectors, with a strong emphasis on opportunities within North America.The firm is known for its collaborative approach, working closely with portfolio companies to enhance operational efficiencies and accelerate growth. Incline Equity Partners aims to leverage its extensive industry knowledge and network to support the strategic objectives of its investments.Founded in 2010, Incline Equity Partners has established a reputation for its disciplined investment strategy and commitment to fostering long-term partnerships. The firm is dedicated to creating sustainable value for its stakeholders through a rigorous investment process and a focus on high-potential businesses.

Tecum Capital Management, Inc. (“Tecum”) is a Pittsburgh/Wexford, PA‑based multi‑strategy private investment firm founded in 2006. Originally part of a regional bank, the team spun off in 2013 to become fully independent. Since inception, Tecum has deployed over $1 billion across more than 135 platform and add‑on transactions in the U.S. lower middle market. Tecum deploys flexible capital through two core strategies: a JUNIOR CAPITAL SBIC fund (subordinated debt, minority equity, mezzanine financing) targeting companies with EBITDA of $3–10 million, and a standalone CONTROL EQUITY strategy (Tecum Equity Alpha Management “TEAM”) focusing on control buyouts in businesses with $2–6 million EBITDA. Investment size typically ranges from $5 million to $20 million per deal. The firm focuses geographically on the U.S., with particular emphasis on the Midwest, Mid‑Atlantic, and Southeast. Sector disciplines include manufacturing, value‑added distribution, business services, precision manufacturing, logistics, food & beverage, healthcare services, and capital equipment.

Tecum Equity Alpha Management, Inc. (“TEAM”) is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based private investment firm specializing in deploying capital in lower middle market companies. Founded in 2005, TEAM focuses on controlling investments in businesses characterized by EBITDA between $2 million and $6 million. The firm emphasizes a patient, value-added approach to equity investments.TEAM operates under the umbrella of Tecum Capital Management and has successfully managed multiple Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) licensed funds. Their investment strategy encompasses mezzanine debt, subordinated notes, private equity, growth capital, minority equity, junior capital, buyouts, and recapitalizations.Tecum Equity Alpha Management (“TEAM” or “Tecum Equity”), is a separate equity control strategy and is a multi-family office representing several small to medium-sized family offices and high-net-worth investors primarily with a background in investing, owning, and operating businesses. The firm actively partners with independent sponsors, family offices, and management teams to align with shared goals, while fostering a collaborative management culture. TEAM’s team of seasoned professionals supports their portfolio companies through strategic planning, operational enhancements, and add-on acquisitions.Since its inception, Tecum and the TEAM platform have collectively deployed over $1 billion across more than 100 platform and add-on acquisitions, reflecting a robust commitment to supporting its portfolio companies throughout various stages of growth. The firm particularly targets investments in diverse industries, emphasizing its presence across the United States, with a focus in the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions.