Top Private Equity Firms in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to prominent private equity firms like LLR Partners, Graham Partners, and Inverness Graham, which invest in diverse sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. These firms provide capital, and strategic guidance to help businesses grow and succeed.
Philadelphia, a vibrant city with a growing economy, is home to several prestigious private equity (PE) firms that play a vital role in driving growth across various industries. These firms invest in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and beyond, helping companies scale and succeed.
In this article, we’ll explore top private equity firms in Philadelphia, highlighting their investment focus, notable contributions, and how they create lasting value.
LLR Partners
Founded in 1999, LLR Partners is a Philadelphia-based private equity firm specializing in growth capital investments in the middle market. The firm focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, and financial services, having raised more than $7 billion across seven funds.
A notable investment is ECI Software Solutions, a provider of cloud-based business management software. Under LLR's ownership, ECI expanded through strategic acquisitions and operational enhancements. In 2020, Leonard Green & Partners acquired a majority stake in ECI, with funds advised by Apax Partners retaining a minority stake.
Graham Partners
Graham Partners, headquartered in Philadelphia, is a private equity firm that targets middle-market companies in manufacturing and industrial technology. Founded in 1988, the firm focuses on businesses offering innovative solutions with strong growth potential.
A notable investment is Desser Aerospace, a leading global distributor of aircraft tires, tubes, brakes, and batteries, and a provider of component Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. Graham Partners acquired Desser in 2014 and, during its ownership, collaborated with the company to complete three add-on acquisitions, expanding its geographic reach and product offerings.
In July 2023, Graham Partners announced the sale of Desser Aerospace to VSE Corporation, marking a successful exit that underscored the firm's ability to create value through strategic initiatives.
Inverness Graham
Inverness Graham, established in 2001, is a Philadelphia-based private investment firm specializing in acquiring innovative, high-growth businesses that leverage technology in sectors such as healthcare, software, advanced manufacturing, and environmental sustainability. The firm employs a proprietary Strategic Platform Build approach, focusing on driving both organic and acquisitive growth to accelerate strategic transformation and value creation.
Inverness Graham has a history of successful investments in companies specializing in industrial sensing technologies. For instance, the firm invested in AdvancedCath, a leading source of advanced catheter systems, which designs, develops, and manufactures highly engineered catheter and guidewire systems and related components.
Milestone Partners
Milestone Partners, based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, focuses on lower-middle-market companies, particularly in the financial services and business services sectors. The firm emphasizes operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives to unlock value.
A notable investment is PayChoice, a payroll and human resources services provider. Under Milestone Partners' ownership, PayChoice enhanced its offerings and expanded its market reach. In October 2014, The Sage Group plc acquired PayChoice, strengthening Sage's position in the U.S. payroll market by leveraging PayChoice's cloud-based platform.
Boathouse Capital
Boathouse Capital, founded in 2008 and based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a private equity firm specializing in flexible capital solutions for middle-market companies. The firm provides both equity and mezzanine debt, tailoring investments to the unique needs of its portfolio companies.
A key investment is Guidewell Education, an educational services company that offers academic preparedness, enrichment opportunities, and consulting services across multiple companies in the U.S. and the U.K. Boathouse Capital's strategic input has supported Guidewell Education in refining its operations and expanding its market share.
Let’s Recap
Philadelphia is home to a range of influential private equity firms, each contributing to the success of companies across various industries. These firms are known for their strategic investments, operational expertise, and ability to create lasting value for businesses and stakeholders.
If you're an entrepreneur or a business owner looking to grow your company, identifying the right private equity firm is crucial. Platforms like Private Equity List make this process easier by connecting businesses with relevant investors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is private equity?
Private equity involves investing in companies to drive growth and generate returns. This often includes operational improvements, strategic guidance, and market expansion.
How does private equity benefit companies?
Private equity firms provide capital, strategic support, and operational expertise, enabling businesses to scale, enter new markets, and improve efficiency.
What types of companies do private equity firms invest in?
Private equity firms typically invest in industries like technology, healthcare, industrials, and consumer goods, focusing on businesses with growth potential.
What is growth equity?
Growth equity is a private equity strategy where firms invest in companies with proven business models but need additional funding to scale. Unlike buyouts, growth equity investors usually take minority stakes.
How do private equity firms create value?
Private equity firms enhance value through operational improvements, strategic acquisitions, market expansion, and enhancing management capabilities.