Philadelphia has emerged as a robust hub for private equity firms, with notable players like LLR Partners, NewSpring Capital, and Graham Partners leading the charge. These firms leverage the city’s strategic location, diverse talent pool, and strong economic infrastructure to drive investment across technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Investors and entrepreneurs seeking to connect with like-minded professionals can explore opportunities within this dynamic ecosystem by joining our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
LLR Partners
Investment Style: LLR Partners specialize in growth capital investments across a range of industries including technology, healthcare, and financial services. They focus on partnering with management teams to build and scale companies, leveraging their deep sector knowledge and extensive network.
Portfolio Companies: LLR Partners’ portfolio includes companies like CoreDial (cloud communications), Rizing (SAP consulting), and Phreesia (patient intake platform).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Approximately $5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Howard Ross, Managing Partner: Co-founded LLR Partners and focuses on investments in software and business services.
- David Reuter, Partner: Specializes in technology services and software, providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
- Jason Rigoli, Principal: Works with healthcare and tech-enabled service companies to drive growth and operational excellence.
Recent Exits:
- Phreesia via IPO
- Rizing acquired by Wipro Limited
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in CoreDial
- Investment in Viventium
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.llrpartners.com
Quote: “Our focus is on building strong, collaborative relationships with management teams to create value and drive sustainable growth.” – Howard Ross, Managing Partner
NewSpring Capital
Investment Style: NewSpring Capital targets growth and expansion-stage businesses, providing flexible capital solutions tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and business services.
Portfolio Companies: NewSpring Capital’s portfolio includes companies like 4G Clinical (clinical trial technology), Dstillery (marketing technology), and Magna5 (IT services).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Mike DiPiano, Managing General Partner: Focuses on investment strategy and firm management, particularly in the healthcare sector.
- Marc Lederman, General Partner: Engages in investments across technology and business services sectors, leveraging his expertise in growth-stage companies.
Recent Exits:
- 4G Clinical acquired by a strategic buyer
- Dstillery acquired via strategic transaction
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Magna5
- Investment in Employee Navigator
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Radnor, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: Baltimore, Chicago
Website: www.newspringcapital.com
Quote: “We believe in partnering with exceptional management teams to help them achieve their growth objectives by providing not only capital but strategic guidance.” – Mike DiPiano, Managing General Partner
Graham Partners
Investment Style: Graham Partners focuses on investing in technology-driven manufacturing and industrial companies, aiming to drive innovation and operational improvements through strategic partnerships.
Portfolio Companies: Graham Partners’ portfolio includes companies like BrightPet Nutrition Group (pet food manufacturing), Atlas Group (aerospace), and EasyPak (packaging solutions).
Founding Date: 1988
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Steve Graham, CEO and Managing Principal: Leads the firm’s strategic direction and investment approach, focusing on growth-driven initiatives.
- Jeffrey Magny, Managing Principal: Specializes in the industrial and technology sectors, contributing to the firm’s investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- BrightPet Nutrition Group acquired by a financial sponsor
- Atlas Group sold to a strategic acquirer
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of EasyPak
- Investment in Chelsea Building Products
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.grahampartners.net
Quote: “We differentiate ourselves by fostering a collaborative culture with our portfolio companies, leveraging our resources to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.” – Steve Graham, CEO and Managing Principal
Argosy Private Equity
Investment Style: Argosy Private Equity focuses on lower middle-market companies, employing a hands-on approach to create value through operational enhancements and strategic guidance.
Portfolio Companies: Argosy’s portfolio includes companies such as AUC Group (wastewater treatment), and AmQuip Crane Rental (crane rental services).
Founding Date: 1990
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Steve Klaben, Managing Director: Specializes in leading investments in industrial and business services sectors.
- David Butler, Partner: Focuses on growth strategies and operational improvements across portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- AUC Group acquired by a strategic buyer
- AmQuip Crane Rental sold to a financial sponsor
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of F&S Produce
- Investment in Authentic Brands Group
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Wayne, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.argosype.com
Quote: “Our commitment to operational excellence and strategic value creation sets us apart in the lower middle market.” – Steve Klaben, Managing Director
Susquehanna Growth Equity
Investment Style: Susquehanna Growth Equity invests in high-growth technology and financial services companies, providing capital and strategic support to help them scale and succeed.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Payoneer (online payments), iCIMS (talent acquisition), and PaySimple (cloud-based payments).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Amos Smith, Managing Director: Provides leadership in sourcing and managing FinTech investments.
- Scott Feldman, Partner: Specializes in enterprise software and internet services investments.
Recent Exits:
- Payoneer went public via SPAC
- iCIMS strategic investment by a growth equity firm
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in ThreatConnect
- Acquisition of B-Stock
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.sgep.com
Quote: “We are passionate about backing innovative entrepreneurs and businesses that are at the forefront of the technology and financial services sectors.” – Amos Smith, Managing Director
Milestone Partners
Investment Style: Milestone Partners invest in lower middle-market companies, focusing on buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments, with a strong emphasis on operational improvements and strategic growth.
Portfolio Companies: Milestone Partners’ portfolio includes companies like CIS Secure Computing (secure communication equipment) and Heights Finance (consumer finance).
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Scott Warren, Managing Partner: Drives investment strategy and operational improvements across the portfolio.
- Joe Caputo, Partner: Focuses on investments in financial services and business services sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Heights Finance acquired by CURO Group Holdings
- CIS Secure Computing acquired by a defense contractor
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Numotion
- Acquisition of Power Grid Components
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Radnor, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.milestonepartners.com
Quote: “Our success is driven by our ability to partner with management teams to create and execute value-creation strategies that deliver exceptional results.” – Scott Warren, Managing Partner
Boathouse Capital
Investment Style: Boathouse Capital provides flexible capital solutions to support growth, recapitalization, and buyout needs of lower middle-market companies, focusing on business services, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like LoanLogics (mortgage technology), and AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions (revenue cycle management).
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $350 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ken Jones, Managing Partner: Provides strategic leadership and investment oversight, particularly in the technology sector.
- Bill Dyer, Partner: Focuses on healthcare investments and value creation strategies.
Recent Exits:
- LoanLogics acquired by a strategic acquirer
- AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions acquired by a healthcare technology firm
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in MediStreams
- Acquisition of Code Metro
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Wayne, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.boathousecapital.com
Quote: “We pride ourselves on being a responsive and flexible capital partner, providing not only financial backing but also strategic insights to help our portfolio companies reach their full potential.” – Ken Jones, Managing Partner
Inverness Graham
Investment Style: Inverness Graham focuses on lower middle-market growth buyouts, particularly in technology-enabled service and manufacturing companies, leveraging operational expertise to foster growth and improve performance.
Portfolio Companies: Inverness Graham’s portfolio includes companies like SwipeClock (workforce management solutions) and RECON Dynamics (asset tracking technology).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ken Graham, Managing Principal: Focuses on strategic direction and investment execution, especially in the technology sector.
- Michael Morrissey, Partner: Specializes in operational improvement strategies to enhance portfolio company performance.
Recent Exits:
- SwipeClock acquired by a strategic partner
- RECON Dynamics sold to a technology conglomerate
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Syntrio
- Investment in Creative Information Technology, Inc.
Office Locations:
- Philadelphia (Headquarters): Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
- Additional Offices: None
Website: www.invernessgraham.com
Quote: “Our unique approach combines financial acumen with hands-on operational expertise, enabling us to deliver transformative growth for our portfolio companies.” – Ken Graham, Managing Principal
Conclusion
Philadelphia’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, offering dynamic opportunities for strategic investments and transformative growth. The city’s robust ecosystem of PE firms demonstrates remarkable adaptability and potential across diverse sectors. As the market matures, these firms will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping regional economic development and driving value creation.
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