Nashville has emerged as a vibrant hub for private equity firms, attracting top-tier investment groups like Gen Cap America, Northstar Capital, and Petra Capital Partners. These firms leverage Nashville’s strategic location, robust business ecosystem, and diverse industry landscape to drive innovative investment strategies. The city’s dynamic economic environment provides fertile ground for private equity growth across sectors like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Join our thriving community of like-minded business leaders at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Gen Cap America
Investment Style: Gen Cap America specializes in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments in lower middle-market companies. They generally target profitable businesses with solid growth potential across diverse industries, including manufacturing, distribution, and business services.
Portfolio Companies: Gen Cap America’s portfolio consists of companies such as Aeroflow Healthcare (healthcare equipment distribution), AIM Aerospace (aerospace manufacturing), and Winzer Corporation (industrial fasteners and supplies).
Founding Date: 1985
Number of Investment Professionals: 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Barney Byrd, President: Oversees the strategic direction and investment decisions of the firm, emphasizing long-term value creation through operational improvements.
- Matt Lane, Managing Director: Focuses on sourcing investments and managing portfolio companies, offering operational insights and strategic guidance.
Recent Exits: AIM Aerospace was sold to a strategic buyer to capitalize on synergies in the aerospace sector.
Recent Investments: Invested in Aeroflow Healthcare to support expansion efforts and product diversification.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Headquarters): 40 Burton Hills Blvd, Suite 420, Nashville, TN 37215
Website: www.gencapamerica.com
Quote: “Our approach is tailored to align with the unique needs of lower middle-market companies, ensuring sustainable growth and value creation.” – Barney Byrd, President
Northstar Capital
Investment Style: Northstar Capital provides junior capital in the form of subordinated debt and equity co-investments to support buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth financings. They focus on lower middle-market companies in sectors such as manufacturing, business services, and healthcare.
Portfolio Companies: Northstar Capital’s portfolio includes entities like Air Waves (apparel printing and distribution), Liberty Technologies (industrial machine components), and Waste Harmonics (waste management solutions).
Founding Date: 1993
Number of Investment Professionals: 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Richard Jensen, Managing Partner: Leads Northstar’s investment strategy and oversees portfolio management, with a focus on value creation and risk management.
- Michael Miller, Partner: Specializes in sourcing investment opportunities and managing business relationships with portfolio companies.
Recent Exits: Successfully exited Liberty Technologies through a strategic sale to an industrial firm.
Recent Investments: Participated in a recapitalization of Waste Harmonics to support their growth and service expansion.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Office): 3102 West End Avenue, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: www.northstarcapital.com
Quote: “By providing flexible capital solutions, we empower lower middle-market companies to reach their potential and drive substantial growth.” – Richard Jensen, Managing Partner
Petra Capital Partners
Investment Style: Petra Capital Partners specializes in providing growth capital and equity to middle-market companies. They typically invest in healthcare, business services, and technology-enabled services sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Petra’s portfolio features companies like Physicians Immediate Care (urgent care clinics), Professional Chats (customer engagement services), and Supply Source (distribution services).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $700 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Fitzgerald, Managing Partner: Responsible for leading the firm’s investment strategies and portfolio company growth initiatives.
- Mike Blackburn, Partner: Focuses on sourcing new investment opportunities and overseeing portfolio company performance.
Recent Exits: Exited from Physicians Immediate Care through a strategic acquisition by a healthcare network.
Recent Investments: Invested in Professional Chats to enhance their digital engagement platform and market reach.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Headquarters): 3815 Cleghorn Avenue, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37215
Website: www.petracapital.com
Quote: “Our focus on industry niches allows us to provide tailored capital solutions that drive substantial value for our portfolio companies.” – David Fitzgerald, Managing Partner
Harbert Management Corporation
Investment Style: Harbert Management Corporation manages private equity funds focused on growth equity investments in the healthcare, technology, and industrial sectors. They emphasize long-term partnerships and creating value through strategic and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Companies in their portfolio include Veran Medical Technologies (medical device development), Connexin Software (healthcare IT solutions), and Continental Building Products (construction materials).
Founding Date: 1993
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40
Assets Under Management: Approximately $7 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ray Harbert, Chairman & CEO: Guides the overall strategic direction of the firm and its investment activities.
- Brian Carney, Managing Director: Leads the private equity team and is instrumental in sourcing and executing investments.
Recent Exits: Sold Veran Medical Technologies to a strategic acquirer, enhancing their market position in the medical device space.
Recent Investments: Committed capital to Connexin Software to support their expansion in healthcare IT services.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Office): 511 Union Street, Suite 2700, Nashville, TN 37219
- Additional Offices: Birmingham, Atlanta, Dallas, Richmond
Website: www.harbert.net
Quote: “Our commitment to partnership and value creation drives our investment philosophy, setting us apart in the private equity landscape.” – Ray Harbert, Chairman & CEO
SSM Partners
Investment Style: SSM Partners focuses on growth equity investments in software, healthcare, and tech-enabled services companies. They partner with high-growth companies to provide strategic guidance and capital for expansion.
Portfolio Companies: SSM Partners’ portfolio includes companies like Datix (CRM software solutions), Streamline Health (healthcare IT solutions), and Trinisys (data integration software).
Founding Date: 1993
Number of Investment Professionals: 8
Assets Under Management: Approximately $400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Casey West, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment efforts and provides strategic oversight to portfolio companies.
- Steve Vassallo, Partner: Engages in sourcing investments and managing portfolio company growth initiatives.
Recent Exits: Exited Streamline Health through a strategic acquisition to strengthen their market position.
Recent Investments: Invested in Trinisys to expand their data integration capabilities across new sectors.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Headquarters): 6077 Primacy Parkway, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 38119
Website: www.ssmpartners.com
Quote: “Our industry focus and strategic partnerships enable us to drive meaningful growth and success for our portfolio companies.” – Casey West, Managing Partner
Rondure Global Advisors
Investment Style: Rondure Global Advisors focuses on international equity investments, utilizing a disciplined value-oriented approach. They target companies with sustainable growth prospects and strong financial health.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes names like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (semiconductor manufacturer), Novo Nordisk (pharmaceuticals), and Nestlé (consumer goods).
Founding Date: 2016
Number of Investment Professionals: 5
Assets Under Management: Approximately $800 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Laura Geritz, CEO & Founder: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and oversees the portfolio management process, focusing on global equity opportunities.
- Bradley Randall, Portfolio Manager: Responsible for the identification and management of investment opportunities in global markets.
Recent Exits: Sold holdings in Nestlé to rebalance portfolio exposure.
Recent Investments: Increased positions in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to capture growth in the semiconductor industry.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Office): 222 2nd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Website: www.rondureglobal.com
Quote: “Our rigorous approach to global investing allows us to identify and seize opportunities in dynamic markets worldwide.” – Laura Geritz, CEO & Founder
Altaris Capital Partners
Investment Style: Altaris Capital Partners invests in middle-market healthcare companies, focusing on businesses that contribute to the value-based care transformation. They leverage deep industry expertise to drive operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Altaris’ portfolio includes companies like Analogic Corporation (medical imaging and security technology), HealthTronics (urology products and services), and Trean Corporation (insurance services).
Founding Date: 2002
Number of Investment Professionals: 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- George Aitken-Davies, Managing Director: Spearheads investment strategies and oversees portfolio company development with a focus on healthcare innovation.
- Gregory Lomax, Partner: Engages in deal sourcing and execution, offering healthcare industry insights and operational expertise.
Recent Exits: Divested Analogic Corporation to a strategic buyer to enhance industry positioning.
Recent Investments: Invested in Trean Corporation to expand their insurance service offerings.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Office): 411 Union Street, Suite 2000, Nashville, TN 37219
Website: www.altariscap.com
Quote: “Our focus on healthcare enables us to drive innovation and operational efficiencies in a critical industry, setting us apart from other investment firms.” – George Aitken-Davies, Managing Director
Covenant Capital Group
Investment Style: Covenant Capital Group focuses on value-added investments in multifamily properties, employing a hands-on approach to property management and enhancement. They seek to reposition properties to maximize investment returns.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes a range of multifamily residential properties across the southeastern United States.
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: 12
Assets Under Management: Approximately $600 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- G. Kimberley Lazarus, CEO & Co-Founder: Provides strategic oversight and leadership in executing the firm’s investment and management strategies.
- Doug MacGregor, Partner: Responsible for acquisitions and asset management, focusing on enhancing property values and returns.
Recent Exits: Sold a portfolio of multifamily properties in Georgia to a real estate investment trust.
Recent Investments: Acquired several residential properties in Tennessee with plans for substantial renovations and repositioning.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Headquarters): 4117 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 204, Nashville, TN 37215
Website: www.covenantcapgroup.com
Quote: “By focusing on value creation through strategic property enhancements, we deliver superior returns for our investors.” – G. Kimberley Lazarus, CEO & Co-Founder
TVC Capital
Investment Style: TVC Capital specializes in growth equity for software companies, providing capital and operational support to drive growth and scale. They target enterprise software companies poised for expansion and market leadership.
Portfolio Companies: TVC Capital’s portfolio includes software firms like Celigo (integration platform as a service), Perspectium (data integration solutions), and LiquidPlanner (project management software).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: 7
Assets Under Management: Approximately $350 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jeb Spencer, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment strategy, focusing on driving growth in enterprise software solutions.
- Steve Hamerslag, Managing Director: Provides strategic guidance and operational support to portfolio companies, enhancing their market positions.
Recent Exits: Exited Perspectium through a strategic acquisition to a major tech firm.
Recent Investments: Invested in Celigo to expand their platform capabilities and accelerate market growth.
Office Locations:
- Nashville (Office): 424 Church Street, Suite 2000, Nashville, TN 37219
- Additional Offices: San Diego, San Francisco
Website: www.tvccapital.com
Quote: “Our deep industry expertise and commitment to operational excellence allow us to transform software companies into market leaders.” – Jeb Spencer, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Nashville’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting exciting opportunities for strategic investors and entrepreneurs. The city’s dynamic ecosystem reflects a robust environment where capital meets innovation. As the market matures, firms are increasingly focusing on targeted sectors and value creation strategies that distinguish Nashville’s investment community.
Want to dive deeper into the world of business exits and acquisitions? Follow my YouTube channel at @alexejpikovsky for weekly insights that will help you understand how to optimize your exit strategy and maximize your potential.
