Top Private Equity Firms in Houston

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Houston stands as a powerhouse for private equity firms, particularly in the energy sector. EnCap Investments, Quantum Energy Partners, and SCF Partners exemplify the city’s robust investment landscape, leveraging its strategic location and deep energy industry connections. These firms have consistently demonstrated expertise in backing transformative energy ventures. Investors and entrepreneurs seeking to connect with like-minded professionals can explore opportunities in our thriving private equity community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.

EnCap Investments

Investment Style: EnCap Investments specializes in providing growth capital to the upstream and midstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. They focus on management teams with significant operating expertise and proven track records in exploration and production.

Portfolio Companies: EnCap’s portfolio includes oil and gas companies such as Earthstone Energy, Forge Energy, and Sabalo Energy.

Founding Date: 1988

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately over $40 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • L. Jon Marshall, Managing Partner: Focuses on strategy and transaction execution, bringing extensive industry experience.
  • Jason M. DeLorenzo, Managing Partner: Responsible for overseeing investments and working closely with management teams to drive company growth.

Recent Exits: The firm has successfully exited investments in companies like Felix Energy to WPX Energy and Sabalo Energy to Laredo Petroleum.

Recent Investments: EnCap has invested in companies such as Advance Energy Partners and Luxe Energy.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 1100 Louisiana St, Suite 4900, Houston, TX 77002
  • Additional Offices: Oklahoma City, Dallas

Website: www.encapinvestments.com

Quote: “Our approach is distinguished by our deep sector expertise and our strong partnerships with exceptional management teams.” – L. Jon Marshall, Managing Partner

Quantum Energy Partners

Investment Style: Quantum Energy Partners focuses on equity investments in the energy and power sectors. Their strategy involves partnering with seasoned entrepreneurs to buy and build companies in the upstream, midstream, oilfield services, energy technology, and renewables sectors.

Portfolio Companies: Quantum’s portfolio includes Xplorer Midstream, Montage Resources, and Airswift Holdings.

Founding Date: 1998

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately over $20 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Wil VanLoh, Founder and CEO: Leads the firm’s strategy and partnership development.
  • Gabriel G. Ellisor, Managing Director: Focuses on the upstream and midstream sector investments.

Recent Exits: Successful exits include Earthstone Energy and Diamondback Energy.

Recent Investments: Their recent investments include Renovo Resources and Caerus Oil and Gas.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 1401 McKinney St, Suite 2700, Houston, TX 77010

Website: www.quantumep.com

Quote: “Our differentiation lies in our ability to work alongside entrepreneurs to create long-lasting value.” – Wil VanLoh, Founder and CEO

SCF Partners

Investment Style: SCF Partners invests in energy services and equipment companies, providing capital and strategic guidance to build high-growth businesses globally.

Portfolio Companies: SCF’s portfolio includes Forum Energy Technologies, Nine Energy Service, and Petrofac.

Founding Date: 1989

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $2 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • David Baldwin, Managing Director: Focuses on strategic partnerships and portfolio development.
  • Colin Welsh, Managing Director: Provides expertise in international investments and growth strategies.

Recent Exits: Exits include the sale of Red Bone Services to Superior Energy Services.

Recent Investments: Recent investments include Innovex Downhole Solutions and Rubicon Oilfield International.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 600 Travis St, Suite 6600, Houston, TX 77002
  • Additional Offices: Calgary, Aberdeen

Website: www.scfpartners.com

Quote: “Our success stems from our long-term partnerships with talented entrepreneurs and management teams.” – David Baldwin, Managing Director

Post Oak Energy Capital

Investment Style: Post Oak Energy Capital focuses on providing private equity capital to the energy sector, with an emphasis on the upstream and oilfield services sectors.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Admiral Permian Resources, Bluejack Energy Solutions, and Juno Energy.

Founding Date: 2006

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $600 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Floyd Wilson, Partner: Provides strategic leadership and operational expertise.
  • Daniel C. Tutcher, Managing Director: Focuses on investment strategies and portfolio management.

Recent Exits: Includes the exit of Admiral Permian Resources through its sale to Diamondback Energy.

Recent Investments: Investments include XCL Resources and Luxe Energy.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 1000 Louisiana St, Suite 1450, Houston, TX 77002

Website: www.postoakenergy.com

Quote: “We are committed to creating value by supporting innovative strategies in the energy sector.” – Floyd Wilson, Partner

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Lime Rock Partners

Investment Style: Lime Rock Partners is dedicated to making growth equity investments in the energy sector, particularly in the oilfield services, exploration and production, and energy technology sectors.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Drilling Info, GEODynamics, and Archer Ltd.

Founding Date: 1998

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $8.9 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Jonathan Farber, Managing Director: Specializes in strategic planning and investment management.
  • Eric Mullins, Managing Director: Focuses on fostering growth through operational improvements and strategic alignments.

Recent Exits: Exits include the sale of GEODynamics to Oil States International.

Recent Investments: Recent investments include Shelf Drilling and Crown Oil Partners.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 1111 Bagby St, Suite 4600, Houston, TX 77002
  • Additional Offices: Westport, Calgary, Aberdeen

Website: www.lrpartners.com

Quote: “Our strength lies in our deep industry expertise and collaborative approach to investment partnerships.” – Jonathan Farber, Managing Director

NGP Energy Capital Management

Investment Style: NGP Energy Capital Management focuses on investments in the natural resources sector, particularly upstream oil and gas, oilfield services, and renewable energy companies.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Admiral Permian Resources, Ascent Resources, and Encino Energy.

Founding Date: 1988

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $20 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Ken Hersh, Co-Founder and Advisory Partner: Offers strategic guidance leveraging his extensive industry experience.
  • Tony Weber, Managing Partner: Focuses on investment strategies and strategic partnerships within the portfolio.

Recent Exits: Successful exits include the sale of Admiral Permian Resources to Diamondback Energy.

Recent Investments: Recent investments include Ascent Resources and Crown Rock.

Office Locations:

  • Headquarters: 2850 N Harwood St, Suite 1800, Dallas, TX 75201

Website: www.ngpenergycapital.com

Quote: “Our firm’s success is built on a deep understanding of the energy sector and our ability to form lasting partnerships with industry-leading companies.” – Ken Hersh, Co-Founder and Advisory Partner

Cadent Energy Partners

Investment Style: Cadent Energy Partners focuses on investments in the midstream, upstream, and oilfield service sectors, providing capital and strategic support to help companies grow sustainably.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Sequel Energy Group and Cobra Oil & Gas Corporation.

Founding Date: 2003

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $700 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Ernie Danner, Managing Partner: Provides leadership in investment strategies and operational improvements.
  • Chris Heller, Managing Partner: Specializes in growth strategies and long-term planning for portfolio companies.

Recent Exits: Exits include Sequel Energy Group’s assets being acquired by other industry players.

Recent Investments: Recent investments include Cobra Oil & Gas Corporation.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 1800 West Loop South, Suite 1110, Houston, TX 77027

Website: www.cadentenergy.com

Quote: “Our firm stands out by fostering partnerships that are built on mutual success and sustainable growth.” – Ernie Danner, Managing Partner

Rock Hill Capital Group

Investment Style: Rock Hill Capital Group specializes in investments in the lower middle-market companies in the industrial products and services sector, providing equity capital for growth, recapitalizations, and buyouts.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Custom Air Products & Services and InterCoastal Marine.

Founding Date: 2007

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $200 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Randy Hale, Founder and Managing Partner: Focuses on strategic planning and investment decision-making.
  • Jeff Eaton, Managing Director: Provides insights into operational enhancements and growth strategies.

Recent Exits: Successful exits include the sale of Axis Crane to a strategic buyer.

Recent Investments: Recent investments include ATS Logistics and Ace Gathering Holdings.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 1330 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1550, Houston, TX 77056

Website: www.rockhillcap.com

Quote: “We excel at building value through partnerships with dynamic management teams in the industrial sector.” – Randy Hale, Founder and Managing Partner

Turnbridge Capital

Investment Style: Turnbridge Capital focuses on buyouts, growth equity, and recapitalizations in the energy services and equipment sector. They provide strategic support to enhance company growth and operational efficiencies.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Axis Crane, Allied Oil & Gas Services, and Pipe Pros.

Founding Date: 2008

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $400 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Robert G. Brodrick, Managing Partner: Specializes in growth strategies and operational improvements for portfolio companies.
  • Quinn J. Burchfield, Managing Director: Focuses on investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Recent Exits: Recent exits include the sale of Allied Wireline Services to Superior Energy Services.

Recent Investments: Recent investments include the acquisition of Pipe Pros and expanded investments in energy infrastructure.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 712 Main St, Suite 2500, Houston, TX 77002

Website: www.turnbridgecapital.com

Quote: “Our commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth sets us apart in the energy investment landscape.” – Robert G. Brodrick, Managing Partner

White Deer Energy

Investment Style: White Deer Energy focuses on investments in oilfield services, equipment manufacturing, and midstream infrastructure. They provide capital to support growth, acquisitions, and recapitalizations.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Corsicana Technologies, Crescent Drilling, and Expro Group.

Founding Date: 2008

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20 professionals

Assets Under Management: Approximately $2.2 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Jonathan Cohen, Co-Managing Partner: Provides expertise in investment strategies and portfolio management.
  • Jared Offenbach, Co-Managing Partner: Focuses on strategic partnerships and market expansions.

Recent Exits: Successful exits include the sale of Expro International to Frank’s International.

Recent Investments: Recent investments include Corsicana Technologies and Crescent Energy Specialist.

Office Locations:

  • Houston (Headquarters): 1001 McKinney St, Suite 470, Houston, TX 77002
  • Additional Offices: New York

Website: www.whitedeerenergy.com

Quote: “We distinguish ourselves through our deep industry knowledge and strong network, enabling us to drive significant value for our portfolio companies.” – Jonathan Cohen, Co-Managing Partner

Conclusion

Houston’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s dynamic economic environment. As these firms navigate complex investment terrains, they remain crucial drivers of regional economic growth and transformation. Their strategic insights and capital deployment mechanisms are reshaping industries and creating value across multiple sectors.

Want to dive deeper into the world of business exits and acquisitions? Follow my YouTube channel at @alexejpikovsky for weekly insights that unpack the nuances of successful exit strategies.

Alexej Pikovsky

started his career in investment banking at NOMURA in London. After completing $7bn+ M&A and financing deals, Alexej became an investor at a family office and subsequently at a multi-billion private equity fund where he gained board experience and exited a portfolio company to a listed chemicals business in Poland. End of 2019, Alexej started his founder journey, raising $4m+ from family offices and angels. Alexej is the founder of NUOPTIMA, a growth agency and also acquired, 96NORTH, a consumer brand in the USA.