Associate

Kava Equity Partners is the direct private equity investment arm of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund, which is the business arm of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Kava Equity Partners mission is to create enduring value and enhance tribal member equity by diversifying and expanding the earnings base of the Growth Fund.

The firm pursues a diversified approach to private markets investing, combining a core strategy of lower middle market control buyouts with opportunistic minority, secondary, and private credit investments. Kava Equity Partners operates as a lean team leveraging a unique set of skills and experiences to identify and invest in areas where tribal ownership creates value. The firm prioritizes partnership with management teams and seeks opportunities aligned with environmental stewardship, community development, and economic empowerment.

Kava Equity Partners is seeking an Associate who will report to the Managing Director and actively participate in sourcing, underwriting, structuring, and closing lower middle market private equity investments. As part of a lean investment team, the Associate will have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the investment process including acquisitions, portfolio management, and divestments.

Key Responsibilities:

- Source and evaluate lower middle market private equity investment opportunities

- Lead financial modeling, valuation analysis, and comprehensive due diligence

- Support deal structuring and transaction execution from initial screening to closing

- Assist with portfolio company management and value creation initiatives

- Prepare investment memos and materials for the Managing Director and investment committee

- Operate independently with autonomy on assigned projects

This is a unique opportunity to join a distinctive lower middle market PE firm with mission-aligned values.