Top Private Equity Firms in North Carolina

North Carolina, a growing hub of business and innovation, is home to several prominent private equity (PE) firms that contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth. These firms invest across various industries, including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, driving innovation and supporting businesses in scaling successfully.

In this article, we’ll explore the top North Carolina private equity firms, highlighting their portfolio, investment strategies, and notable contributions.

Ridgemont Equity Partners

Ridgemont Equity Partners, headquartered in Charlotte, is a middle-market private equity firm specializing in sectors like healthcare, energy, and telecommunications. The firm is known for its collaborative approach and expertise in operational growth.

A standout investment includes their partnership with Simple Helix, a managed IT services provider. Ridgemont helped Simple Helix expand its service offerings and optimize operations. 

Pamlico Capital

Pamlico Capital, based in Charlotte, focuses on growth-oriented companies in industries such as healthcare, software, and communications. They invest in middle-market companies and provide strategic guidance to drive sustainable growth.

One notable investment is their work with Veson Nautical, a leader in maritime software solutions. Pamlico Capital helped the company scale globally and enhance its product offerings. Their deep industry knowledge and tailored investment strategies position Pamlico Capital as a leader in the North Carolina private equity market.

Carousel Capital

Carousel Capital specializes in partnering with companies in the Southeastern United States. The firm focuses on healthcare, business services, and consumer products, providing both equity and strategic direction to accelerate growth.

A key investment includes their partnership with Waste Partners, a waste management services company. Carousel Capital’s involvement enhanced the company’s operational efficiency and market reach. Their commitment to supporting regional businesses makes them a significant force in North Carolina’s private equity ecosystem.

Plexus Capital

Plexus Capital is a private equity firm dedicated to supporting small and lower middle-market businesses across a range of industries. The firm provides both equity and mezzanine financing, empowering companies to achieve their growth potential.

One notable example of Plexus Capital’s investment strategy is their focus on partnering with businesses to streamline operations and scale effectively. Their commitment to fostering small business growth and creating long-term value makes Plexus Capital a standout in North Carolina’s private equity community.

Frontier Growth

Frontier Growth focuses on investing in high-growth software and technology-enabled businesses. The firm partners with companies at pivotal stages of expansion, offering both capital and strategic support to accelerate growth.

A notable example of their investment strategy is their partnership with Smith System, a leader in driver safety training and fleet management software. Frontier Growth’s involvement enabled Smith System to broaden its market reach and enhance its product development.

Falfurrias Capital Partners

Falfurrias Capital Partners, headquartered in Charlotte, specializes in investing in middle-market companies across sectors such as financial services, industrials, and consumer goods. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, working closely with management teams to develop tailored investment strategies that drive sustainable growth.

A notable example of their expertise is their partnership with SixAxis, a manufacturer of industrial safety equipment. Falfurrias Capital’s strategic guidance enabled the company to expand its product line and successfully enter new markets. 

Summit Park

Summit Park, based in Charlotte, is a private equity firm that focuses on lower middle-market companies across the Southeast and other regions in the United States. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as business services, consumer products, and industrial growth. Summit Park is known for its collaborative approach, working closely with management teams to implement strategic initiatives and drive long-term success.

One notable investment is their partnership with Turf Masters, a leading provider of lawn care services. Summit Park provided operational expertise and growth capital, enabling the company to expand its market presence and enhance its service offerings.

Zabel Companies

Zabel Companies, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a private investment company specializing in lower middle-market businesses. The firm focuses on long-term partnerships with companies in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, and business services. Known for their flexible investment approach, Zabel Companies tailors strategies to meet the specific needs of their portfolio businesses.

A notable investment includes their work with Global Safety Textiles, where Zabel Companies provided strategic guidance and growth capital to enhance operational efficiency and expand market reach.

Broadtree Partners

Broadtree Partners, based in Charlotte, is a private equity firm specializing in acquiring and growing lower middle-market companies. The firm follows a unique model as an operator-centric private equity firm, with experienced operators actively managing their portfolio companies to drive growth and operational efficiency.

One notable example is their investment in a healthcare services business, where Broadtree Partners leveraged its operational expertise to streamline processes, expand service offerings, and enhance profitability.

Five Points Capital

Five Points Capital, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a leading private equity and mezzanine debt investment firm specializing in supporting lower middle-market companies. The firm focuses on providing flexible capital solutions, including buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth financing, across industries such as healthcare, business services, and niche manufacturing.

A notable example of their investment strategy is their partnership with Mid-State Industrial Maintenance, a provider of industrial maintenance and construction services. Five Points Capital played a key role in supporting the company’s growth through strategic initiatives and operational improvements.

Let’s Recap

North Carolina is home to several influential private equity firms that drive growth and innovation across industries. From Ridgemont Equity Partners to Plexus Capital, these firms are shaping the economic landscape of the state and supporting businesses at various stages of growth.

For entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to scale, choosing the right private equity partner is critical. Private Equity List simplifies the process, connecting you with investors tailored to your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?

Private equity involves investing capital in companies, typically with the goal of improving operations and generating higher returns. PE firms invest in both private and public companies.

How does private equity benefit companies?

Private equity firms provide companies with capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise. This 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, manufacturing, and consumer goods. These companies often have strong growth potential.

What is growth equity?

Growth equity is a type of private equity investment where firms invest in established businesses with proven models that need additional capital to scale. Growth equity investors usually take minority stakes.

What are the top North Carolina private equity firms?

North Carolina is home to prominent private equity firms like Ridgemont Equity Partners, Pamlico Capital, and Falfurrias Capital Partners, all based in Charlotte and specializing in middle-market investments across industries such as healthcare, technology, and industrials. 

Firms like Frontier Growth and Summit Park focus on high-growth software businesses and lower middle-market companies, respectively.