Newton, Massachusetts, has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, with giants like Summit Partners, TA Associates, and Audax Group calling this vibrant city home. These firms leverage Newton’s strategic proximity to Boston’s robust financial ecosystem, attracting top-tier talent and innovative entrepreneurs. The concentration of world-class universities and a thriving tech landscape makes Newton an ideal breeding ground for private equity success. For those interested in joining this dynamic community of business leaders, visit alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Summit Partners
Investment Style: Summit Partners focuses on growth equity investments in rapidly growing companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and other growth industries. They aim to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams to build long-term value.
Portfolio Companies: Summit Partners’ portfolio includes companies such as McAfee (cybersecurity software), A Cloud Guru (cloud computing training), Calypso Technology (capital markets software), and Welltec (robotic well solutions).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Over $37 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Peter Chung, Managing Director: Chung leads the firm’s investment activities in North America and has a significant track record in software and internet investments.
- Greg Avis, Managing Director: Avis has been instrumental in leading numerous investments in the technology and healthcare sectors.
- Michael Anderson, Managing Director: Anderson focuses on the firm’s growth equity investments in technology-enabled services and healthcare sectors.
Recent Exits:
- McAfee’s IPO, marking a significant milestone for the cybersecurity firm, assisted by Summit’s strategic growth initiatives.
- Calypso Technology’s acquisition by Thoma Bravo, demonstrating the firm’s ability to enhance market position and value.
Recent Acquisitions:
- A Cloud Guru, expanding Summit’s presence in the online education and training sector.
- Growth investment in Welltec, supporting innovation in robotic solutions for the energy industry.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 222 Berkeley Street, Boston
- Additional Offices: Menlo Park, London, Luxembourg
Website: www.summitpartners.com
Quote: “We partner with exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams to help them realize their visions, delivering value through strategic guidance and operational expertise.” – Peter Chung, Managing Director
TA Associates
Investment Style: TA Associates specializes in growth private equity investments, targeting profitable growth companies in technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services sectors worldwide. They focus on long-term partnerships with management teams to accelerate business growth.
Portfolio Companies: TA Associates’ portfolio includes The Access Group (business management software), Russell Investments (global asset manager), and List Partners (sales intelligence solutions), among others.
Founding Date: 1968
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $50 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Brian Conway, Chairman: Conway oversees TA’s global investment strategy and operations.
- A.J. Murphy, Managing Director: Murphy focuses on investments in the technology sector, particularly in software and technology-enabled services.
- H. Linwood A. (“Chip”) Lacy, Jr., Managing Director: Lacy has played a key role in TA’s investments across various sectors, adding significant value to the portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- The Access Group sale to Hg, showcasing TA’s ability to enhance growth and scale.
- Russell Investments’ acquisition by private equity firms Hamilton Lane and Reverence Capital Partners.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in List Partners, supporting their expansion in sales intelligence solutions.
- Acquisition of a significant stake in The Access Group, a leader in business management software.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 200 Clarendon Street, Boston
- Additional Offices: Menlo Park, London, Mumbai, Hong Kong
Website: www.ta.com
Quote: “Our deep sector expertise and dedication to growth enable us to work closely with our portfolio companies to achieve their full potential.” – Brian Conway, Chairman
Audax Group
Investment Style: Audax Group focuses on buyouts of lower middle-market companies with the potential for growth. They employ a disciplined approach to acquisition and growth strategies to create value across their portfolio.
Portfolio Companies: Audax Group’s portfolio includes companies like 48forty Solutions (pallet management services), Reedy Industries (commercial HVAC services), and Aspen Surgical (surgical and medical products).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 80
Assets Under Management: Approximately $27 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Geoffrey Rehnert, Co-CEO: Rehnert plays a pivotal role in the firm’s strategic direction and investment decisions.
- Marc Wolpow, Co-CEO: Wolpow focuses on overseeing the firm’s investment strategies and operations.
- David Bard, Managing Director: Bard is integral to deal sourcing and execution in various sectors, contributing to Audax’s success.
Recent Exits:
- Reedy Industries’ strategic sale, demonstrating valuable growth and market expansion under Audax’s ownership.
- Aspen Surgical’s acquisition by a strategic buyer, showcasing Audax’s ability to enhance value significantly.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of 48forty Solutions, a leader in pallet management services.
- Growth acquisition in Reedy Industries, expanding their service offerings in HVAC solutions.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston
- Additional Offices: San Francisco
Website: www.audaxgroup.com
Quote: “We are committed to partnering with strong management teams to build leading companies through acquisitions and organic growth.” – Geoffrey Rehnert, Co-CEO
Charlesbank Capital Partners
Investment Style: Charlesbank Capital Partners targets middle-market companies for equity investments and debt financing. Their focus is on management buyouts and growth capital, with a commitment to operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Tecomet (precision manufacturing), Worldstrides (educational travel), and Hearthside Food Solutions (contract manufacturer).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Approximately $8 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Michael Eisenson, Co-CEO: Eisenson influences the firm’s strategic investment approach and operational improvements.
- Michael Choe, CEO: Choe drives the firm’s strategic initiatives and investment strategies, focusing on creating value across the portfolio.
- Ryan Carroll, Managing Director: Carroll specializes in sourcing and executing investments in the consumer and industrial sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Tecomet’s strategic sale, demonstrating enhanced operational efficiencies and market expansion.
- Worldstrides’ acquisition, showcasing Charlesbank’s ability to achieve growth through strategic partnerships.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Hearthside Food Solutions, expanding their presence in the contract manufacturing industry.
- Acquisition of a stake in Tecomet, supporting precision manufacturing capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 200 Clarendon Street, Boston
- Additional Offices: New York
Website: www.charlesbank.com
Quote: “Our focus is on strategic partnerships that drive operational excellence and long-term growth.” – Michael Eisenson, Co-CEO
Great Hill Partners
Investment Style: Great Hill Partners specializes in growth equity investments in mid-market companies across sectors like technology, digital media, eCommerce, and financial technology. They aim to partner with management teams to drive growth and long-term value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies like Wayfair (online home goods), ZoomInfo (business intelligence), and Evolve Vacation Rental (vacation rental management).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40
Assets Under Management: Approximately $12 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Christopher Gaffney, Managing Director: Gaffney leads the firm’s strategic direction, with a focus on technology and digital media sectors.
- Mark Taber, Managing Director: Taber has been instrumental in investments in the financial technology and business information services sectors.
- Michael Kumin, Managing Director: Kumin focuses on eCommerce and consumer services investments, contributing to growth across these sectors.
Recent Exits:
- ZoomInfo’s successful IPO, marking a milestone in business intelligence growth.
- Sale of Evolve Vacation Rental, enhancing market presence in the vacation rental industry.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Wayfair, expanding their eCommerce and online retail capabilities.
- Growth investment in Evolve Vacation Rental, supporting expansion in vacation rental management services.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 200 Clarendon Street, Boston
Website: www.greathillpartners.com
Quote: “Our goal is to partner with innovative companies and exceptional management teams to drive transformational growth.” – Christopher Gaffney, Managing Director
Providence Equity Partners
Investment Style: Providence Equity Partners focuses on media, communications, education, and information industries. They invest in growth equity and buyouts, leveraging their deep sector expertise to create value and build industry leaders.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Grupo TorreSur (wireless infrastructure), Ironman (endurance sports), and University of Phoenix (higher education).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 70
Assets Under Management: Approximately $45 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Jonathan Nelson, Executive Chairman: Nelson oversees the firm’s strategic direction and long-term growth strategies.
- David Phillips, Managing Director: Phillips focuses on investments in the media and communications sectors, driving growth across these industries.
- Julie Richardson, Senior Advisor: Richardson provides strategic guidance across Providence’s investment portfolio, particularly in communications and education sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Ironman’s acquisition, showcasing growth in the endurance sports market under Providence’s ownership.
- Grupo TorreSur’s strategic sale, exemplifying value creation in the wireless infrastructure industry.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in University of Phoenix, supporting growth in higher education offerings.
- Acquisition of Ironman, expanding their endurance sports portfolio.
Office Locations:
- New York (Headquarters): 9 West 57th Street, New York
- Additional Offices: Providence, London, Hong Kong
Website: www.provequity.com
Quote: “Our expertise in media and communications enables us to identify transformational opportunities and create lasting value.” – Jonathan Nelson, Executive Chairman
HarbourVest Partners
Investment Style: HarbourVest Partners is a global private equity firm specializing in primary investments, secondary investments, and direct co-investments in private equity. Their strategy involves partnering with leading managers and investing in attractive companies worldwide.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes diverse companies across sectors, benefiting from their secondary market expertise and co-investment opportunities.
Founding Date: 1982
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 400 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $106 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Peter Wilson, Managing Director: Wilson is responsible for leading HarbourVest’s secondary investments and driving strategic growth initiatives.
- Brooke N. de Boucaud, Managing Director: de Boucaud focuses on primary investments across various regions, contributing to the firm’s diversified portfolio strategy.
- John Toomey, Managing Director: Toomey specializes in direct co-investments, enhancing HarbourVest’s presence in the private equity market.
Recent Exits:
- Secondary sale of diverse portfolio holdings, demonstrating HarbourVest’s ability to realize value through strategic exits.
- Successful co-investment exit in a leading global company, showcasing their market expertise.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Primary investment in a high-growth technology firm, expanding their portfolio in the tech sector.
- Co-investment in a major healthcare company, enhancing their position in healthcare investments.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): One Financial Center, Boston
- Additional Offices: London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo
Website: www.harbourvest.com
Quote: “We provide access to the world’s leading private equity managers and direct investment opportunities, offering our clients diversified exposure to the private markets.” – Peter Wilson, Managing Director
Battery Ventures
Investment Style: Battery Ventures is a global technology-focused investment firm that backs companies at every stage, from seed to buyout. Their investment strategy involves identifying innovative technology companies and supporting their growth through expertise and capital.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies like Glassdoor (employment website), Sprinklr (customer experience management), and Brightree (healthcare IT).
Founding Date: 1983
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $9 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Neeraj Agrawal, General Partner: Agrawal leads investments in software, cloud services, and digital media.
- Michael Brown, General Partner: Brown focuses on investments in industrial technology and enterprise software markets.
- Roger Lee, General Partner: Lee is involved in identifying and supporting growth-stage technology companies.
Recent Exits:
- Glassdoor’s acquisition by Recruit Holdings, highlighting their ability to transform technology companies.
- Brightree’s sale to ResMed, showcasing Battery Ventures’ skill in enhancing value in the healthcare IT sector.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Sprinklr, expanding their customer experience management portfolio.
- Acquisition of a significant stake in Glassdoor, supporting growth in the employment services market.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 888 Boylston Street, Boston
- Additional Offices: Silicon Valley, Israel
Website: www.battery.com
Quote: “We are committed to partnering with visionary founders and management teams to build market-leading technology businesses.” – Neeraj Agrawal, General Partner
ABRY Partners
Investment Style: ABRY Partners specializes in media, communications, business, and information services investments. They focus on driving growth and value creation in middle-market companies through strategic investments and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Key portfolio companies include Datapipe (cloud computing and managed services), Inmar (data-driven technology), and Securus Technologies (correctional facility communications).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $12 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Jay Grossman, Managing Partner: Grossman leads ABRY’s investment strategy in media and communications sectors.
- Brian Conway, Managing Partner: Conway focuses on expanding ABRY’s presence in business services and information industries.
- Brent Stone, Partner: Stone contributes to sourcing and executing investments, enhancing value across sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Datapipe’s acquisition by Rackspace, showcasing ABRY’s capacity for driving value in cloud computing.
- Inmar’s strategic sale, exemplifying growth and market expansion achieved through ABRY’s guidance.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Securus Technologies, expanding their communications services in correctional facilities.
- Growth investment in Inmar, supporting advanced data-driven solutions.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 888 Boylston Street, Boston
Website: www.abry.com
Quote: “Our focus is on helping companies in our sectors grow and thrive through strategic partnerships and operational expertise.” – Jay Grossman, Managing Partner
Polaris Partners
Investment Style: Polaris Partners invests in technology and healthcare companies across all stages of development. Their approach involves partnership and collaboration with entrepreneurs to build innovative businesses and achieve growth.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Appcast (programmatic job advertising), Imprivata (healthcare IT security), and Confluence (investment management technology).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $4 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Dave Barrett, Managing Partner: Barrett spearheads the firm’s investments in technology sectors, focusing on innovative solutions.
- Amy Schulman, Managing Partner: Schulman drives investments in healthcare, leveraging her expertise to support growth in medical technology.
- Brian Chee, Managing Partner: Chee plays a crucial role in sourcing and managing investments across technology and healthcare industries.
Recent Exits:
- Appcast’s sale to StepStone, demonstrating growth in programmatic job advertising.
- Imprivata’s acquisition by Thoma Bravo, showcasing Polaris’ ability to create value in healthcare IT.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Confluence, expanding their investment management technology portfolio.
- Growth investment in Imprivata, enhancing healthcare IT security solutions.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 1 Marina Park Drive, Boston
- Additional Offices: San Francisco, New York
Website: www.polarispartners.com
Quote: “Our collaborative approach and deep sector expertise enable us to partner with entrepreneurs to drive innovation and growth.” – Dave Barrett, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Newton’s private equity landscape reveals a dynamic ecosystem of strategic investment and value creation. The firms operating here demonstrate a keen ability to transform local enterprises through targeted capital infusion and operational expertise. As the market continues to evolve, these firms remain critical drivers of economic growth and innovation in the region.
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