Denver has emerged as a thriving hub for private equity firms, with powerhouses like KRG Capital Partners, Excellere Partners, and Mt. Kellett Capital Management anchoring the city’s investment landscape. These firms leverage Denver’s strategic location, robust talent pool, and diverse economic sectors to drive innovative investment strategies across technology, healthcare, and energy industries. Investors and entrepreneurs seeking collaborative opportunities can explore this dynamic ecosystem by joining our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
KRG Capital Partners
Investment Style: KRG Capital Partners focuses on private equity investments in middle-market companies across North America. They emphasize partnership with management teams to drive growth through strategic planning, operational improvements, and add-on acquisitions.
Portfolio Companies: KRG’s portfolio includes companies such as Convergint Technologies (security integration), Trafficware (traffic management solutions), and TriMark USA (foodservice equipment and supply).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $4.4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Mark King, Managing Director: Drives the firm’s investment strategy and oversees the portfolio management process.
- Chuck Hamilton, Managing Director: Focuses on identifying new investment opportunities and managing relationships with portfolio company management teams.
Recent Exits:
- Trafficware was acquired by Cubic Corporation to expand their transportation systems business.
- TriMark USA was sold to Centerbridge Partners, highlighting KRG’s successful growth strategy implementation.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Convergint Technologies: Continued growth through strategic add-on acquisitions in the security integration sector.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.krgcapital.com
Quote: “Our deep sector expertise and active management approach allow us to build lasting value in our portfolio companies.” – Mark King, Managing Director
Excellere Partners
Investment Style: Excellere Partners specializes in partnering with middle-market companies in healthcare, industrial technology, and business services. They focus on building enduring partnerships with management teams to achieve strategic growth through operational enhancements and strategic add-on acquisitions.
Portfolio Companies: Excellere Partners’ portfolio includes companies like Conisus (healthcare communications), LucidHealth (radiology services), and SePRO Corporation (aquatic and horticultural management).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Rob Martin, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment activities and strategic direction.
- David Kessenich, Managing Partner: Focuses on fund management and strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- LucidHealth was sold to Radiology Partners, expanding their radiology service offerings.
- Conisus was acquired by a strategic buyer, demonstrating Excellere’s ability to add value through growth initiatives.
Recent Acquisitions:
- SePRO Corporation: Acquired to expand their portfolio in aquatic and horticultural management solutions.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.excellerepartners.com
Quote: “We are committed to building enduring partnerships and driving transformative growth in our portfolio companies.” – Rob Martin, Managing Partner
Mt. Kellett Capital Management
Investment Style: Mt. Kellett Capital Management focuses on investments in distressed, special situations, and opportunistic assets globally. They aim to create value through operational improvements and strategic realignment of underperforming assets.
Portfolio Companies: The firm’s investments span various industries, including energy, real estate, and consumer products, but specific portfolio companies are not publicly disclosed.
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Mark McGoldrick, Co-Founder: Oversees strategic planning and investment decisions.
- Jason Maynard, Partner: Focuses on identifying and executing special situation investments.
Recent Exits:
- Exited various real estate investments after successful repositioning and value creation.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in distressed energy assets, leveraging market dynamics to drive future growth.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: New York, Hong Kong
Website: www.mtkellett.com
Quote: “By focusing on distressed and special situations, we unlock hidden value in underperforming assets.” – Mark McGoldrick, Co-Founder
Altira Group
Investment Style: Altira Group focuses on private equity investments in energy technology and software companies that drive efficiency across the energy value chain. Their approach emphasizes innovation, operational improvements, and strategic partnerships to support growth.
Portfolio Companies: Altira Group’s portfolio includes companies such as EnTouch Controls (energy management systems), Datagration Solutions (oil and gas data management), and Chemical Info (chemical information services).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dave McKenna, Managing Partner: Focuses on investment strategies in energy technology sectors.
- Jan Van Dokkum, Partner: Brings extensive experience in energy management and strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exited investments in several portfolio companies that have achieved significant growth in the energy technology space.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Datagration Solutions: Acquired to enhance their offerings in oil and gas data management solutions.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.altiragroup.com
Quote: “Our focus on energy technology allows us to drive operational efficiency and value across the energy landscape.” – Dave McKenna, Managing Partner
Bow River Capital
Investment Style: Bow River Capital specializes in alternative asset management, focusing on private equity, real estate, and credit investments. They emphasize regional investments in promising growth sectors and aim to create long-term value through strategic partnerships and active management.
Portfolio Companies: Bow River Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Genesis Research (healthcare consulting) and Canyon Title (title and escrow services).
Founding Date: 2003
Number of Investment Professionals: 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $800 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Blair Richardson, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s strategic initiative and investment activities.
- Kerry Hicks, Partner: Focuses on value creation strategies and portfolio management.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Genesis Research through a strategic sale to a larger healthcare services company.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Canyon Title: Acquired to expand their offerings in title and escrow services.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.bowrivercapital.com
Quote: “Our regional focus and commitment to creating value for our partners and investors is what sets us apart.” – Blair Richardson, Managing Partner
Crestone Capital
Investment Style: Crestone Capital focuses on private wealth management and investment advisory for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Their services include customized portfolio management, alternative investments, and financial planning to align with their clients’ long-term goals.
Portfolio Companies: The firm primarily provides advisory services and does not disclose specific portfolio companies.
Founding Date: 1991
Number of Investment Professionals: 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Eric Kramer, CEO: Leads the firm’s strategic direction and comprehensive wealth management services.
- Jody Clark, Partner: Focuses on client relationship management and investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- No traditional exits as Crestone Capital provides wealth management services, not direct investments in companies.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Engaged in strategic partnerships to enhance their service offerings for clients.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: Boulder, Los Angeles, San Francisco
Website: www.crestonecapital.com
Quote: “We are dedicated to aligning our strategies with our clients’ unique goals, providing a personalized approach to wealth management.” – Eric Kramer, CEO
Peterson Partners
Investment Style: Peterson Partners focuses on growth equity and venture capital investments in consumer, technology, and healthcare sectors. They emphasize partnership with entrepreneurs and management teams to drive long-term strategic growth.
Portfolio Companies: Peterson Partners’ portfolio includes companies like Allbirds (sustainable footwear), Lucid Software (visual collaboration software), and Cotopaxi (outdoor gear).
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $600 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Joel Peterson, Founder: Guides the firm’s strategic initiatives and investment philosophy.
- Dan Peterson, Partner: Focuses on investment sourcing and portfolio management.
Recent Exits:
- Lucid Software was acquired by a strategic buyer, showcasing Peterson Partners’ successful growth strategy.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Cotopaxi: Supported through growth equity to expand their product offerings and market reach.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: Salt Lake City
Website: www.petersonpartners.com
Quote: “We believe in empowering talented entrepreneurs and management teams to achieve their vision and drive growth.” – Joel Peterson, Founder
Lightview Capital
Investment Style: Lightview Capital focuses on lower middle-market private equity investments, primarily in technology and business services sectors. Their investment strategy emphasizes operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Lightview Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Inspect Point (fire inspection software) and QuanticMind (advertising technology).
Founding Date: 2012
Number of Investment Professionals: 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jim Reinhart, Managing Partner: Focuses on portfolio management and value creation strategies.
- Doug Logigian, Partner: Specializes in business development and investment sourcing.
Recent Exits:
- QuanticMind was acquired by a strategic buyer, illustrating Lightview Capital’s successful value creation efforts.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Inspect Point: Acquired to expand their technology and service offerings in fire safety solutions.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.lightviewcapital.com
Quote: “Our focus on operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives sets us apart in the lower middle-market space.” – Jim Reinhart, Managing Partner
Mountaingate Capital
Investment Style: Mountaingate Capital specializes in buy-and-build investments in the lower middle-market, focusing on business services, specialty distribution, and healthcare services. Their approach emphasizes organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Portfolio Companies: Mountaingate Capital’s portfolio includes companies like HS2 Solutions (digital transformation services) and Western Veterinary Partners (veterinary services).
Founding Date: 2016
Number of Investment Professionals: 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $450 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Bruce Rogers, Managing Director: Focuses on driving growth and operational excellence in portfolio companies.
- Bennett Thompson, Partner: Specializes in identifying and executing growth opportunities.
Recent Exits:
- HS2 Solutions was acquired by Bounteous, showcasing Mountaingate Capital’s successful growth strategy.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Western Veterinary Partners: Supported through strategic acquisitions to expand their network of veterinary clinics.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.mountaingate.com
Quote: “Our buy-and-build strategy enables us to partner with talented management teams to drive growth and create value.” – Bruce Rogers, Managing Director
Galvanize Partners
Investment Style: Galvanize Partners focuses on investments in early-stage technology companies, providing capital, strategic guidance, and operational support to drive innovation and growth.
Portfolio Companies: Galvanize Partners’ portfolio includes companies in sectors such as software, digital media, and artificial intelligence.
Founding Date: 2013
Number of Investment Professionals: 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $300 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Sean Ammirati, Managing Partner: Focuses on early-stage investments and portfolio management.
- Jim Deters, Partner: Specializes in strategic planning and operational excellence for technology startups.
Recent Exits:
- Exited several early-stage investments through strategic acquisitions by larger technology firms.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in promising tech startups to drive innovation and market disruption.
Office Locations:
- Denver (Headquarters): Denver, Colorado
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.galvanizepartners.com
Quote: “Our investment in early-stage technology companies allows us to drive innovation and growth in the digital economy.” – Sean Ammirati, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Denver’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities for strategic investors. The city’s robust ecosystem supports sophisticated capital deployment across diverse sectors, creating compelling pathways for value creation. As the market matures, firms are increasingly leveraging local networks and specialized expertise to drive meaningful transactions.
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