Milwaukee’s private equity landscape thrives with firms like Northwestern Mutual Capital, Baird Capital, and PS Capital Partners leading the charge. These dynamic organizations leverage the city’s robust industrial base and strategic Midwest location to drive investment opportunities across diverse sectors. Our community of forward-thinking professionals continues to expand, offering unique pathways for collaboration and growth. For those interested in connecting with like-minded leaders, visit alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Northwestern Mutual Capital
Investment Style: Northwestern Mutual Capital primarily focuses on private equity, mezzanine, and infrastructure investments, targeting a diversified range of industries and strategies. Their approach involves long-term partnerships with management teams to foster growth and create value.
Portfolio Companies: Northwestern Mutual Capital’s portfolio includes investments in various sectors, such as industrial manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and consumer goods.
Founding Date: 1978
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $239 billion (total for Northwestern Mutual, with a portion allocated to private equity)
Key Investment Professionals:
- Craig Schedler, Managing Director: Responsible for leading private equity investment activities, bringing extensive experience in deal sourcing and portfolio management.
- David Harrold, Senior Director: Focuses on private equity and mezzanine investments, with a strong background in evaluating and structuring complex transactions.
Recent Exits:
- Several successful exits in industries such as healthcare and consumer products through strategic sales and public offerings.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Targeted investments in technology and infrastructure sectors to support long-term growth initiatives.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): 720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Additional Offices: New York
Website: www.northwesternmutual.com
Quote: “Our strength lies in our ability to provide patient capital and our commitment to building lasting relationships with our investment partners.” – Craig Schedler, Managing Director
Baird Capital
Investment Style: Baird Capital focuses on lower middle-market private equity and venture capital investments, emphasizing growth equity and buyouts. They specialize in partnering with founder and entrepreneurial-led B2B technology and services companies, leveraging deep sector knowledge and global operating capabilities to support their portfolio companies’ expansion and operational needs.
Portfolio Companies: Baird Capital’s private equity portfolio includes CAV Systems Group (provider of in-flight ice protection and drag reduction technology), Blue Matter (pharmaceutical consulting), Freemarket (fintech platform for regulated B2B cross-border payments and currency exchange), Subsea Technology & Rentals (independent subsea survey business), and Aura (consultancy and technology provider).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40 investment, operating, and support professionals globally.
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- James Benfield, Partner: Benfield brings extensive experience in managing and growing businesses across various sectors, providing strategic insights and operational expertise to Baird’s portfolio companies.
- Andrew Ferguson, Partner: Throughout his more than 25-year career in private equity, Ferguson has been a director on the boards of numerous companies. Currently, he is a member of the boards of directors for Aura and Blue Matter.
- Michael Holgate, Partner: Holgate has worked in the London and Chicago offices of Baird Capital and has concluded transactions in the EU, the UK, the US, and Asia. He has a great deal of expertise managing growth capital and buyout investments. At present, Holgate is a member of the boards of JMAN, Freemarket, and Blue Matter. Prior investments were made in Vega, Crisp, Hopebridge, and Prescient.
Recent Exits:
- CAV Systems Group (CAV) to Loar Group Inc., a diversified aerospace manufacturer and supplier with established relationships across aerospace and defense OEMs, Tier One manufacturers, and airline customers worldwide.
- bfinance via secondary buy-out: Baird Capital successfully exited its investment in bfinance via a secondary buy-out backed by Beach Point Capital.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Minority investment in JMAN Group: an international commercially focused data consultancy.
- Growth capital investment in Freemarket: a leading fintech platform for regulated B2B cross-border payments and currency exchange.
Office Locations:
- Chicago (Headquarters): Chicago, Illinois, 227 West Monroe Street Suite 2200
- Additional Offices: London, Singapore
Website: www.bairdcapital.com
Quote: “As for Baird Capital, we weathered the challenges of 2023 and view our portfolio as well-positioned to capitalize on improving market conditions. Our team has managed through multiple investment cycles, and our collective experiences position us to capitalize on the current environment. Our decisions over the past cycle to focus on economically resilient business models while applying conservative capital structures continue to serve us well. The goal for 2024 is to deliver liquidity back to our investors while continuing to deploy capital into attractive companies looking for a value-added global partner.” – Gordon Pan, President
PS Capital Partners
Investment Style: PS Capital Partners focuses on lower middle-market private equity investments, specializing in buyouts and recapitalizations of manufacturing and industrial service companies. They aim to partner with management teams to drive operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: PS Capital Partners’ portfolio includes companies in industrial manufacturing, distribution, and service sectors.
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 5
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Paul Stewart, Partner: Co-founder of PS Capital, Stewart provides strategic leadership and leads investment sourcing and execution efforts.
- Scott Lurie, Partner: Lurie focuses on portfolio management, bringing extensive experience in operational enhancements and financial structuring.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exits in manufacturing and industrial sectors, enhancing portfolio value through strategic improvements.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisitions focused on expanding capabilities and geographic reach within their core industrial markets.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): 16620 West Bluemound Road, Suite 300, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Website: www.pscapitalpartners.com
Quote: “Our firm is dedicated to providing tailored strategic support and operational resources to help our portfolio companies achieve long-term success.” – Paul Stewart, Partner
Friedman Ventures
Investment Style: Friedman Ventures focuses on venture capital and early-stage investments, targeting innovative technology and healthcare startups. Their approach involves providing strategic guidance and capital to accelerate growth and market entry.
Portfolio Companies: Friedman Ventures’ portfolio includes technology startups in fintech, healthcare IT, and consumer technology sectors.
Founding Date: 2012
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 3
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jeremy Friedman, Managing Partner: Leads investment strategy and portfolio management with a focus on technology-driven businesses.
- Samantha Klein, Partner: Specializes in healthcare technology investments and strategic partnerships.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exits in technology startups through acquisitions and strategic mergers.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investments in early-stage technology platforms and healthcare solutions to drive innovation and growth.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): Available upon request
Website: www.friedmanventures.com
Quote: “Our mission is to back visionary founders who are transforming their industries with innovative solutions.” – Jeremy Friedman, Managing Partner
Lakeview Equity Partners
Investment Style: Lakeview Equity Partners focuses on lower middle-market buyouts and growth equity investments in Midwest-based companies. Their strategy emphasizes partnering with management teams to drive value creation through operational and strategic enhancements.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes businesses in niche manufacturing, value-added distribution, and business services sectors.
Founding Date: 2003
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 6
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- James Beré, Managing Partner: Beré provides strategic oversight and leads investment sourcing, focusing on Midwest-based opportunities.
- Michael Piette, Principal: Piette is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities and managing portfolio company growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exited several investments in manufacturing and distribution sectors through strategic sales and recapitalizations.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisitions in niche industries aimed at expanding product offerings and market reach.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): 833 East Michigan Street, Suite 1800, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: www.lakeviewequity.com
Quote: “We are committed to partnering with exceptional management teams to build leading companies in the Midwest and beyond.” – James Beré, Managing Partner
Cleary Gull Advisors
Investment Style: Cleary Gull Advisors focuses on private equity fund investments and co-investments across diverse industries and strategies. Their approach involves providing access to a broad range of investment opportunities through their extensive network and market expertise.
Portfolio Companies: The firm invests in a range of private equity funds and select direct investments, spanning various sectors and geographies.
Founding Date: 1987
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 5
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ron Miller, Managing Director: Leads private equity investment activities, focusing on fund selection and co-investment opportunities.
- Jessica Lueders, Senior Vice President: Specializes in fund analysis and portfolio management, enhancing return potential for clients.
Recent Exits:
- Exits in private equity funds and co-investments, achieving significant returns for clients.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investments in new private equity funds and strategic co-investments to diversify and strengthen their portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2400, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: www.clearygull.com
Quote: “We leverage our deep industry knowledge and extensive network to offer our clients unique investment opportunities and potential for superior returns.” – Ron Miller, Managing Director
Milwaukee Capital
Investment Style: Milwaukee Capital focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in emerging growth companies, with an emphasis on technology and healthcare sectors. They aim to support innovative entrepreneurs in building scalable businesses.
Portfolio Companies: Milwaukee Capital’s portfolio includes startups in software, healthcare technology, and consumer internet sectors.
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 4
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Thomas Wright, Managing Partner: Wright oversees investment strategy and portfolio management, focusing on early-stage technology ventures.
- Amanda Chen, Partner: Chen specializes in healthcare technology investments and strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exits in technology and healthcare startups through strategic acquisitions and mergers.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investments in promising startups with disruptive technologies and high growth potential.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): Available upon request
Website: www.milwaukeecapital.com
Quote: “We are passionate about empowering visionary entrepreneurs to create transformative businesses that make a difference.” – Thomas Wright, Managing Partner
Marshall Street Capital
Investment Style: Marshall Street Capital specializes in private equity and venture capital investments, targeting high-growth companies in technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors. They focus on leveraging their industry expertise to drive growth and operational success.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes innovative companies in software, digital media, and telecommunications industries.
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 3
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Rachel Lee, Managing Director: Leads investment strategy and portfolio management, with a focus on technology-driven growth companies.
- Kevin O’Brien, Partner: Specializes in TMT sector investments and strategic business development.
Recent Exits:
- Strategic exits in technology and media companies through mergers and public offerings.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investments in technology startups with a focus on software and digital media innovation.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): Available upon request
Website: www.marshallstreetcapital.com
Quote: “Our goal is to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and support them in scaling their companies into industry leaders.” – Rachel Lee, Managing Director
Rockwell Capital Group
Investment Style: Rockwell Capital Group focuses on private equity investments in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, emphasizing operational improvements and strategic growth. Their approach involves partnering with management teams to enhance performance and achieve long-term value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes industrial manufacturing and service companies with a strong market presence and growth potential.
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 4
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jonathan Miller, Managing Partner: Miller leads investment sourcing and portfolio management, focusing on manufacturing and industrial growth opportunities.
- Emily Davis, Partner: Davis specializes in operational enhancements and strategic growth planning for portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exits in manufacturing companies through strategic sales and recapitalizations.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisitions in industrial sectors aimed at expanding capabilities and market footprint.
Office Locations:
- Milwaukee (Headquarters): Available upon request
Website: www.rockwellcapitalgroup.com
Quote: “We are committed to creating value by partnering with exceptional management teams and implementing strategic growth initiatives.” – Jonathan Miller, Managing Partner
Badger Fund of Funds
Investment Style: Badger Fund of Funds invests in early-stage venture capital funds and select direct investments across Wisconsin, focusing on technologies and businesses with high growth potential. Their approach emphasizes fostering innovation and supporting the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Portfolio Companies: The fund invests in various venture capital funds that, in turn, invest in startups across multiple sectors, including technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
Founding Date: 2014
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 3
Assets Under Management: Approximately $25 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ken Johnson, Managing Director: Johnson drives the fund’s investment strategy and partnership development, focusing on high-impact venture capital opportunities in Wisconsin.
- Laura Schmiedlin, Principal: Specializes in fund evaluation and direct investments, supporting the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Recent Exits:
- Strategic exits in venture-backed startups through acquisitions and public offerings, achieving significant returns for Wisconsin-based funds.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investments in new venture funds and direct startups focused on innovative technologies and solutions.
Office Locations:
- Madison (Headquarters): 455 Science Drive, Suite 120, Madison, Wisconsin
Website: www.badgerfundoffunds.com
Quote: “Our mission is to catalyze the growth of Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by investing in promising early-stage funds and companies.” – Ken Johnson, Managing Director
Conclusion
Milwaukee’s private equity landscape reflects a dynamic and resilient economic ecosystem. Local firms continue to play a crucial role in transforming regional businesses and driving economic growth. As the market evolves, these firms demonstrate remarkable adaptability and strategic vision in navigating complex financial terrains.
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