St. Louis has emerged as a dynamic hub for private equity firms, with powerhouses like Stifel Financial Corp., Thompson Street Capital Partners, and Harbour Group leading the charge. These firms leverage the city’s strategic location, robust talent pool, and supportive business ecosystem to drive investment across diverse sectors. Whether you’re an aspiring investor or seasoned professional, join our thriving community of private equity leaders at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Stifel Financial Corp.
Investment Style: Stifel Financial Corp. operates through Stifel Nicolaus & Company and focuses on private equity investments, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements. They specialize in growth-oriented companies across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer, and technology. Stifel’s private equity arm, particularly the Stifel North Atlantic AM-Forward Fund, is focused on aerospace and defense industries with an emphasis on additive and advanced manufacturing.
Portfolio Companies: Stifel is involved with various growth companies, particularly in sectors like healthcare and technology, but specific portfolio companies are not publicly disclosed.
Founding Date: 1890
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 4000 employees worldwide
Assets Under Management: Approximately $400 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO: Leads the strategic vision and overall management of the firm.
- Victor Nesi, Co-President and Head of the Institutional Group: Oversees the institutional client services division including advisory services.
- Thomas Michaud, CEO of KBW: Heads the firm’s financial services division.
Recent Exits: Specific recent exits are not publicly disclosed.
Recent Investments: Specific recent investments are not publicly disclosed.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 501 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102
- Additional Offices: New York, San Francisco, London, and other major financial centers
Website: www.stifel.com
Quote: “Our approach is centered on delivering tailored financial advice and solutions that help our clients succeed in complex, ever-changing markets.” – Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO
Thompson Street Capital Partners
Investment Style: Thompson Street Capital Partners focuses on investing in founder-led middle market businesses within healthcare and life sciences, software and technology services, and business and consumer services. They typically engage in buyouts and growth equity investments.
Portfolio Companies: The portfolio includes companies such as BCM One (managed technology solutions), Vector Laboratories (biotechnology), and InstantWeb (digital marketing services).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3.6 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jim Cooper, Managing Partner: Focuses on investment strategy and overseeing firm operations.
- Bob Dunn, Managing Partner: Specializes in healthcare and life sciences investments.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the sale of DataServ, a process automation solution provider, to a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include the acquisition of Vector Laboratories, a leader in protein labeling and detection solutions.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 120 S. Central Avenue, Suite 600, St. Louis, MO 63105
Website: www.tscp.com
Quote: “We believe in partnering with management teams to achieve the next stage of growth and transformation in their businesses.” – Jim Cooper, Managing Partner
Lewis & Clark Partners
Investment Style: Lewis & Clark Partners focuses on early and growth-stage venture capital investments. Their focus is on innovative companies in the agriculture, plant science, and software sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes Benson Hill (agtech), NewLeaf Symbiotics (plant microbiome), and Intact Genomics (genome engineering).
Founding Date: 2015
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $300 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Tom Hillman, Founder and Managing Partner: Guides overall strategic direction and investment strategies.
- Brian Hopcraft, Managing Partner: Focuses on technology and software investments.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the IPO of Benson Hill, a food technology company.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include NewLeaf Symbiotics, a company focusing on sustainable agriculture through plant microbiomes.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 10 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102
Website: www.lewisandclarkventures.com
Quote: “We are not just investors; we are partners in innovation, working closely with founders to scale their businesses.” – Tom Hillman, Founder and Managing Partner
Harbour Group
Investment Style: Harbour Group is a privately-owned operating company that focuses on acquiring and building high-quality companies in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Their strategy includes buyouts and long-term investments.
Portfolio Companies: The portfolio includes companies like Ohmite (electronic components), Lindstrom (fasteners), and Phillips & Temro Industries (engine heating solutions).
Founding Date: 1976
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jeff Fox, Chairman and CEO: Focuses on strategic leadership and overall direction of the firm.
- Sam Fox, Founder: Provides strategic guidance and support to the management team.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the sale of HMI Cardinal, a designer and manufacturer of glass shower enclosures, to a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include the acquisition of Phillips & Temro Industries, a leader in thermal systems.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 2300, St Louis, MO 63105
Website: www.harbourgroup.com
Quote: “Our model is focused on long-term value creation through operational excellence and strategic acquisitions.” – Jeff Fox, Chairman and CEO
Lewis & Clark AgriFood
Investment Style: Lewis & Clark AgriFood focuses on growth-stage investments in agriculture and food companies. They seek to partner with innovative businesses that are advancing agtech and foodtech solutions.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio companies include Inari (seed technology), MycoTechnology (plant protein), and Benson Hill (food technology).
Founding Date: 2015
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $300 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Russell, Managing Partner: Guides investment strategies and works closely with portfolio companies in the agri-food sector.
- Larry Page, Partner: Focuses on identifying investment opportunities and providing strategic guidance.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the IPO of Benson Hill, leveraging advanced plant science to improve food quality and sustainability.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include Inari, which is advancing seed technology to improve crop outcomes.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 10 S. Broadway, Suite 850, St. Louis, MO 63102
Website: www.lewisandclarkagrifood.com
Quote: “We support companies that are transforming the agriculture and food industries through technological innovation and sustainable practices.” – David Russell, Managing Partner
GCI Capital
Investment Style: GCI Capital focuses on lower middle-market companies, providing capital for growth, buyouts, and recapitalizations. Their investment focus is on manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Buse Industries (electrical components distribution) and Interlock Industries (metal processing solutions).
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Gregory Carpenter, Managing Partner: Focuses on investment strategy and portfolio company oversight.
- Michael Mountford, Partner: Specializes in sourcing and executing transaction opportunities.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the sale of Interlock Industries to a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include Buse Industries, expanding their reach in electrical components distribution.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 101 S. Hanley Rd, Suite 1025, Clayton, MO 63105
Website: www.gcicapital.com
Quote: “Our hands-on investment approach allows us to build long-lasting partnerships with our portfolio companies.” – Gregory Carpenter, Managing Partner
Cultivation Capital
Investment Style: Cultivation Capital focuses on seed and early-stage investments in technology, life sciences, and agriculture. Their strategy emphasizes supporting founders with the capital and resources needed to grow and scale their businesses.
Portfolio Companies: The portfolio includes LockerDome (engagement platform), Narrative Science (AI-driven data storytelling), and Knoq (neighborhood engagement).
Founding Date: 2012
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $200 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Cliff Holekamp, General Partner: Leads early-stage tech investments and advises portfolio companies.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the sale of Narrative Science to a strategic acquirer.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include Knoq, enhancing community engagement through innovative technology.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 911 Washington Avenue, Suite 759, St. Louis, MO 63101
Website: www.cultivationcapital.com
Quote: “We are committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in underserved markets by providing the capital and support necessary to help startups succeed.” – Cliff Holekamp, General Partner
RiverVest Venture Partners
Investment Style: RiverVest Venture Partners is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage and growth-stage investments in the life sciences sector, particularly medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, and healthcare IT.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio companies include Allakos (biopharmaceuticals), Inari Medical (medical devices), and Lumena Pharmaceuticals (specialty pharmaceuticals).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jay Schmelter, Managing Director: Focuses on biopharmaceutical investments and firm strategy.
- Nancy Hong, Managing Director: Specializes in healthcare IT and medical device investments.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the IPO of Inari Medical, a medical device company developing products for the treatment of venous diseases.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include Allakos, advancing treatments for allergic and inflammatory diseases.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 101 S. Hanley Road, Suite 1850, St. Louis, MO 63105
Website: www.rivervest.com
Quote: “Our focus on life sciences enables us to drive significant advancements in healthcare by investing in pioneering companies.” – Jay Schmelter, Managing Director
SixThirty Ventures
Investment Style: SixThirty Ventures specializes in seed and early-stage investments in fintech, insurtech, and cybersecurity. They provide capital, resources, and strategic support to startups in these sectors.
Portfolio Companies: The portfolio includes companies such as DataGuard (data protection), CoverWallet (insurance technology), and Mylo (personalized insurance marketplace).
Founding Date: 2013
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $50 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Atul Kamra, Managing Partner: Focuses on strategic direction and investments in fintech and insurtech.
- Gareth Genner, Chief Executive Officer: Provides leadership and guidance to portfolio companies.
Recent Exits: Recent exits include the acquisition of CoverWallet by Aon, a leading global professional services firm.
Recent Investments: Recent investments include DataGuard, enhancing cybersecurity and data protection solutions.
Office Locations:
- St. Louis (Headquarters): 911 Washington Avenue, Suite 801, St. Louis, MO 63101
Website: www.sixthirty.co
Quote: “We help startups navigate and grow within the complex ecosystems of financial and insurance technology.” – Atul Kamra, Managing Partner
Conclusion
St. Louis continues to be a vibrant hub for private equity firms, with its dynamic landscape offering compelling opportunities for strategic acquisitions and value creation. As the region’s economic ecosystem evolves, these firms play a crucial role in driving regional economic growth and transforming local enterprises.
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