Top Private Equity Firms in Cleveland

Cleveland, an emerging hub of business and finance in the Midwest, is home to a number of influential private equity (PE) firms. These firms invest across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, helping companies scale and succeed.

In this article, we’ll explore top private equity firms in Cleveland, highlighting their portfolio, investment focus, and notable contributions.

Blue Point Capital Partners

Founded in 1990, Blue Point Capital Partners is a private equity firm with a strong presence in Cleveland. The firm focuses on partnering with lower middle-market companies in sectors such as industrial, business services, and consumer products. Blue Point’s strategy emphasizes building value through strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and add-on acquisitions.

Blue Point’s portfolio includes companies like LineStar Services, a provider of services to the pipeline industry, and Spector & Co., a leader in promotional products. The firm’s commitment to operational excellence and partnership with management teams has made it a respected name in the Cleveland private equity scene.

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Rockwood Equity Partners

Rockwood Equity Partners is a private investment firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The firm specializes in growing lower middle-market businesses, typically targeting B2B companies in North America with EBITDA between $2 million and $7 million. Rockwood focuses on sectors such as industrials and regulated industries, including aerospace, defense, environmental, and healthcare.

Rockwood's investment strategy emphasizes building continuous growth strategies and enabling rapid execution while working closely with company leaders from day one. The firm maintains an operational mindset and collaborative approach to maximize success.

Notable investments include Clean Water Environmental Services, a provider of stormwater compliance and erosion control services, and BJG Electronics, a value-added distributor of electro-mechanical products for the aerospace and defense industries.

The Riverside Company

The Riverside Company, founded in 1988, is a global private equity firm with significant operations in Cleveland. Riverside specializes in small to mid-sized companies across various sectors, with a strong focus on healthcare, software, and business services. The firm’s investment approach involves supporting organic growth and acquisition strategies for portfolio companies.

One notable investment by Riverside is in BeneSys, a provider of software solutions for health and welfare fund administration. With more than 900 investments since its inception, Riverside has a deep commitment to growing smaller businesses into market leaders, leveraging extensive resources and expertise.

MPE Partners

MPE Partners (formerly Morgenthaler Private Equity) is a Cleveland-based private equity firm focused on investments in lower middle-market companies. MPE primarily invests in engineered products, healthcare, and industrial sectors, with a focus on driving value through operational enhancements and strategic acquisitions.

MPE’s portfolio includes United Pipe & Steel, a leading distributor of pipe and tube products. The firm’s hands-on approach to working with portfolio companies enables it to drive operational efficiencies, positioning businesses for long-term growth.

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Evolution Capital Partners

Established in 2005, Evolution Capital Partners is a private equity firm headquartered in Cleveland that specializes in helping founder-led, lower middle-market companies achieve their growth potential. The firm typically invests in companies with $5 million to $25 million in revenue, focusing on business services, healthcare, and technology.

Evolution Capital’s unique approach includes a structured growth strategy aimed at scaling smaller businesses through enhanced processes and financial transparency. Notable investments include companies like Cascade Healthcare Solutions, which provides medical supplies, and Pet Resort Hospitality Group, an operator of pet care facilities.

Let’s Recap

Cleveland is home to a number of influential private equity firms that support the growth of various industries. These firms stand out for their expertise, strategic investments, and commitment to creating lasting value.

If you're an entrepreneur or a business owner looking to elevate your company, identifying the right PE firm is essential. Private Equity List simplifies this process by providing a fast and easy-to-use platform to connect businesses with relevant private equity firms. Whether you're a startup or an established company, Private Equity List connects you with the right investors.

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With global perspective (incl. US, EU and UK) and special focus on regions like the Middle East, Africa, Pan-Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe, Private Equity List provides vital info on investors, such as how much they invest, what regions and industries they're interested in, and how to contact key team members. This means you get everything you need to find, check out, and reach out to potential investors for your project. We also pay attention to early stage founders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?

Private equity involves investing capital in companies with the goal of improving operational efficiency and generating higher returns. Private equity firms invest in both private and public companies.

How does private equity benefit companies?

Private equity firms offer companies capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise. This support helps businesses grow, enter new markets, and improve efficiency.

What types of companies do private equity firms invest in?

Private equity firms invest in a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrials. The common factor is that these companies typically have strong growth potential.

What is growth equity?

Growth equity is a type of private equity investment where firms invest in companies with proven business models but need additional capital to scale. Unlike buyouts, growth equity investors usually take minority stakes.

How do private equity firms create value?

Private equity firms create value by improving operations, expanding markets, acquiring complementary businesses, and enhancing management teams to unlock the full potential of the companies they invest in.

How can I find the right private equity firm?

Platforms like Private Equity List help connect businesses with relevant investors. By using the platform, you can easily filter through various firms based on your industry, location, and specific needs.