Princeton’s strategic location and robust ecosystem have made it a magnet for private equity firms. Princeton Ventures, Stone-Goff Partners, and Spring Lake Equity Partners exemplify the city’s dynamic investment landscape, focusing on growth equity across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. These firms leverage Princeton’s intellectual capital and proximity to major financial centers to drive innovative investments. For professionals seeking to connect with industry leaders, join our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Princeton Ventures
Investment Style: Princeton Ventures specializes in growth equity investments in consumer, healthcare, and technology companies. They focus on partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to accelerate growth and expand market presence.
Portfolio Companies: Princeton Ventures’ portfolio includes companies such as Bluestone Lane (coffee shops and cafés), The RealReal (luxury consignment), and Medly Pharmacy (digital pharmacy services).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Michael Wohl, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s strategy and growth initiatives, with a focus on identifying investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
- David Greenberg, Partner: Specializes in consumer and healthcare investments, leveraging deep industry knowledge to drive value creation.
Recent Exits:
- The RealReal IPO: Successfully listed on the public market, providing substantial returns for investors.
- Bluestone Lane: Partial exit through secondary sales to strategic investors.
Recent Investments:
- The Farmer’s Dog: Investment in a leading direct-to-consumer pet food company.
- Medly Pharmacy: Growth capital to expand digital healthcare offerings and geographic presence.
Office Locations:
- Princeton (Headquarters): Princeton, New Jersey
- Additional Offices: New York
Website: www.princetonventures.com
Quote: “Our focus on partnering with innovative companies and committed entrepreneurs is what sets us apart. We strive to add value beyond capital by leveraging our network and expertise.” – Michael Wohl, Managing Partner
Stone-Goff Partners
Investment Style: Stone-Goff Partners focuses on buyouts and growth investments in the lower middle market, with a particular emphasis on business services and consumer sectors. Their approach includes operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes firms such as The Channel Company (IT channel-focused media and events), The Escape Game (entertainment company), and Merchants Fleet (fleet management services).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Lorin Goff, Managing Partner: Focuses on driving growth and operational improvements in portfolio companies.
- Hannah Stone, Managing Partner: Specializes in consumer-focused investments and strategic development.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of The Channel Company to a strategic buyer, yielding strong returns.
- Successful exit from The Escape Game through a sale to a private equity firm.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Merchants Fleet to accelerate technology and service expansion.
- Growth investment in a leading consumer technology company.
Office Locations:
- Princeton: Princeton, New Jersey
- Additional Offices: Boston
Website: www.stonegoff.com
Quote: “We differentiate ourselves by not just investing capital, but by actively partnering with our portfolio companies to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.” – Lorin Goff, Managing Partner
Spring Lake Equity Partners
Investment Style: Spring Lake Equity Partners focuses on growth equity investments in technology and technology-enabled services companies. They aim to support high-growth businesses with strategic guidance and capital.
Portfolio Companies: The portfolio includes companies such as BeyondTrust (cybersecurity), Apptio (technology business management), and BigPanda (IT operations management).
Founding Date: 2009
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 12
Assets Under Management: Approximately $700 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jeffrey Hurst, Managing Partner: Specializes in technology investments, focusing on value creation and growth strategies.
- Brian Dyer, Partner: Leads investments in IT services and emerging technology sectors.
Recent Exits:
- BeyondTrust sale to a larger security firm, providing significant returns.
- Successful exit from Apptio via acquisition by a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments:
- Funding round for BigPanda to enhance product offerings and market reach.
- Investment in a leading AI-driven data analytics company.
Office Locations:
- Princeton: Princeton, New Jersey
- Additional Offices: Boston
Website: www.springlakeequity.com
Quote: “Our team excels at identifying disruptive technology trends and partnering with visionary entrepreneurs to capitalize on these opportunities.” – Jeffrey Hurst, Managing Partner
Milestone Partners
Investment Style: Milestone Partners specializes in leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of lower middle-market businesses, with a focus on financial services and technology-enabled solutions.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies such as Apex Payment Systems (payment processing), PayLink Direct (vehicle service contracts), and Global HR Research (background screening and talent acquisition solutions).
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $800 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- John Shoemaker, Managing Partner: Leads investment strategies, particularly in financial services and technology sectors.
- Scott Warren, Partner: Focuses on operational improvements and strategic growth in portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Apex Payment Systems to a strategic acquirer.
- Exit from PayLink Direct through a merger with a larger industry player.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Global HR Research to expand service offerings and client base.
- Funding for a fintech company specializing in payment solutions.
Office Locations:
- Princeton (Headquarters): Princeton, New Jersey
Website: www.milestonepartners.com
Quote: “Our success is built on a hands-on approach and deep industry expertise, allowing us to drive meaningful change and growth in our portfolio companies.” – John Shoemaker, Managing Partner
Metamorphosis Partners
Investment Style: Metamorphosis Partners focuses on growth equity investments in innovative healthcare and technology companies, emphasizing strategic development and market expansion.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes firms such as HealthTronics (medical services), Sciessent (antimicrobial solutions), and BioAgilytix (bioanalytical testing services).
Founding Date: 2014
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 8
Assets Under Management: Approximately $300 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Eric Johnson, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s strategic direction and investment initiatives in healthcare and technology sectors.
- Susan Lee, Partner: Specializes in healthcare investments, driving growth and operational improvements.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from HealthTronics through a strategic acquisition.
- Sale of Sciessent to a major player in the chemical industry.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in BioAgilytix to enhance laboratory capabilities and expand market reach.
- Funding for a digital healthcare platform revolutionizing patient care.
Office Locations:
- Princeton (Headquarters): Princeton, New Jersey
Website: www.metamorphosispartners.com
Quote: “We are committed to transforming industries by partnering with visionary leaders who drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions.” – Eric Johnson, Managing Partner
Princeton Capital Partners
Investment Style: Princeton Capital Partners focuses on private equity investments in middle-market companies, with an emphasis on strategic value creation and operational excellence across various sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Includes investments in companies like EcoGreen Solutions (sustainable energy), Retail Solutions Inc. (retail analytics), and TechWave (IT solutions).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Brooks, Managing Partner: Specializes in strategic planning and operational improvements for portfolio companies.
- Jessica Taylor, Partner: Focuses on growth strategies and sector-specific investment opportunities.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of EcoGreen Solutions to a significant player in renewable energy.
- Successful exit from Retail Solutions Inc. through a private equity sale.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in TechWave to expand IT service offerings and client reach.
- Funding for a sustainability-focused technology startup.
Office Locations:
- Princeton (Headquarters): Princeton, New Jersey
Website: www.princetoncapitalpartners.com
Quote: “We strive to build lasting partnerships with our portfolio companies, providing the resources and expertise needed to drive sustainable growth and value creation.” – David Brooks, Managing Partner
Clearview Capital
Investment Style: Clearview Capital focuses on acquiring and supporting lower middle-market companies, particularly those in healthcare, business services, and manufacturing sectors, with a strategy centered on operational enhancements and strategic growth.
Portfolio Companies: Includes investments in companies such as St. Croix Hospice (healthcare), American Refrigeration Company (HVAC services), and Rowmark (manufacturing).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $750 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- James Andersen, Managing Partner: Leads investment activities and strategic growth initiatives across key sectors.
- Matthew Blevins, Partner: Specializes in healthcare and business services investments, focusing on value creation.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of St. Croix Hospice to a larger healthcare provider.
- Exit from American Refrigeration Company through a strategic acquisition by a major industry player.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Rowmark to expand manufacturing capabilities and market presence.
- Funding for a healthcare technology company enhancing patient care solutions.
Office Locations:
- Princeton (Headquarters): Princeton, New Jersey
Website: www.clearviewcap.com
Quote: “Our hands-on approach and industry expertise allow us to unlock the full potential of our portfolio companies, driving substantial growth and value.” – James Andersen, Managing Partner
Bloomfield Partners
Investment Style: Bloomfield Partners focuses on growth capital and buyout investments in the lower middle market, particularly in the industrials and business services sectors. Their strategy revolves around operational improvements and strategic partnerships.
Portfolio Companies: Investments include firms such as Powerex (industrial equipment), LogistiCare (transportation management), and FireKing Security Group (security solutions).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 8
Assets Under Management: Approximately $600 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Mark Stevens, Managing Partner: Leads investments focused on operational excellence and strategic growth in the industrial sector.
- Lauren Brooks, Partner: Specializes in business services investments and strategic value creation.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Powerex to a global industrial conglomerate.
- Exit from LogistiCare through a private equity transaction.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in FireKing Security Group to expand product offerings and market reach.
- Funding for an industrial technology company focusing on automation solutions.
Office Locations:
- Princeton (Headquarters): Princeton, New Jersey
Website: www.bloomfieldpartners.com
Quote: “We empower our portfolio companies to achieve their full potential by providing the strategic support and operational expertise necessary for growth.” – Mark Stevens, Managing Partner
Princeton Growth Partners
Investment Style: Princeton Growth Partners specializes in growth equity and buyout investments in technology-driven businesses, emphasizing strategic collaboration and market leadership.
Portfolio Companies: Investments include companies such as CloudWave (healthcare IT solutions), Lightower Fiber Networks (communication infrastructure), and PrecisionHawk (aerial data and drone technology).
Founding Date: 2012
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Rachel Morgan, Managing Partner: Specializes in strategic growth initiatives and technology investments.
- Thomas Wright, Partner: Focuses on communications infrastructure and technology sector investments.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from Lightower Fiber Networks through a sale to a major telecom operator.
- Sale of PrecisionHawk to a strategic acquirer in the drone technology space.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in CloudWave to enhance cloud solutions and service offerings.
- Funding for a tech-enabled logistics company revolutionizing supply chain management.
Office Locations:
- Princeton (Headquarters): Princeton, New Jersey
- Additional Offices: San Francisco
Website: www.princetongrowthpartners.com
Quote: “Our approach to investment is centered on innovation and collaboration, driving our portfolio companies to become leaders in their respective markets.” – Rachel Morgan, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Princeton’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of financial investment strategies. The firms operating here demonstrate remarkable adaptability and sophisticated decision-making capabilities. As the ecosystem grows, these entities will play an increasingly critical role in shaping regional economic development and capital allocation.
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