private equity

Top Private Equity Firms in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to private equity firms investing in fast-growing consumer and wellness brands. These firms offer capital and strategic support to help businesses expand and succeed.

Giorgio Fenancio

08 Apr 2025 • 5 min read

San Francisco, a major center for finance and technology, is home to some of the most influential private equity (PE) firms in the country. These firms focus on industries such as consumer goods, sustainable products, and health and wellness, providing capital and strategic guidance to help businesses grow.

Below, we highlight some of the top San Francisco private equity firms and their investment focus.

NextWorld Evergreen

NextWorld Evergreen is the primary investment arm of NextWorld, an organization that integrates both investment and nonprofit efforts within a single ecosystem. The firm’s goal is to generate returns that support NextWorld’s philanthropic initiatives, particularly in climate change, natural resource conservation, and aiding vulnerable populations.

The firm typically invests between $15 million and $50 million in companies generating at least $20 million in revenue with strong margins. It maintains board representation throughout the investment period and focuses on businesses in sectors such as better-for-you food and beverage, sustainable home and lifestyle, restaurants, clean beauty and personal care, and health and wellness.

Their portfolio companies include True Botanicals, Mighty Leaf, and W3ll People, brands that align with their commitment to sustainability and well-being.

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San Francisco Equity Partners

San Francisco Equity Partners (SFEP) specializes in lower middle-market businesses in the consumer sector. The firm takes a hands-on, operational approach, acting as an extension of the management team to drive growth. SFEP provides deep industry expertise, strategic guidance, and access to an extensive network of resources.

SFEP typically invests in companies with revenues ranging from $15 million to $100+ million, with equity investments between $15 million and $40+ million. The firm's focus industries include beauty and personal care, food and beverage, household products, outdoor and recreation, and pet care.

Their portfolio features Brumate, Rustic Bakery, and Jane Iredale, brands that have leveraged SFEP’s strategic guidance to expand their market presence.

Encore Consumer Capital

Since its founding in 2005, Encore Consumer Capital has been a trusted partner for consumer brands, manufacturers, and distributors. The firm leverages its investing experience and industry expertise to help businesses grow.

Encore typically invests in companies with revenue between $10 million and $150 million, with equity investments ranging from $5 million to $50 million. The firm focuses on sectors such as food and beverage, personal care and beauty, pet products, household products, private label and contract manufacturing, food service and ingredients, and food distribution.

Their investments in Open Farm, Navitas Organics, and Love Wellness highlight their dedication to supporting consumer brands that emphasize quality and sustainability.

Main Post Partners

Main Post Partners is a private equity firm dedicated to high-growth consumer businesses. The firm invests $50 million to $250+ million in both majority and minority positions, primarily working with founder-led companies looking for a strategic partner. With a philosophy of "Partnership, not Ownership," Main Post Partners helps businesses unlock their full potential.

Their focus is on companies poised for accelerated growth and dynamic outcomes, offering both strategic and operational support to drive expansion. Notable investments include Too Faced Cosmetics, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, and Sugared + Bronzed, demonstrating their ability to scale consumer brands and retail businesses.

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VMG Partners

VMG Partners is an investment firm that backs visionary consumer brands and technologies. The firm is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries, offering more than just capital by actively participating in business strategy and development.

VMG seeks out companies that are paving the way for the future, investing in both consumer products and emerging technologies. Their approach focuses on long-term success rather than short-term gains. Their investments in Daily Harvest, Little Freddie, and Proudly showcase their commitment to companies that challenge traditional market norms and prioritize innovation.

Let's Recap

San Francisco is a hub for private equity firms that drive innovation and growth across various industries. These firms play an important role in scaling businesses, improving operations, and delivering long-term value.

If you're a business owner looking for investment partners, these firms offer both capital and expertise to help take your company to the next level. Identifying the right private equity partner is key to achieving sustainable success.

Platforms like Private Equity List simplify the process by connecting businesses with the most relevant investors. Whether you’re an established company or a high-growth startup, finding the right private equity partner can accelerate your success.

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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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Our team, experienced in financial services and committed to helping businesses and entrepreneurs, keeps adding around 300 new companies to our database every month. This effort has made us a reliable source for anyone looking to find investment in markets that don't get enough attention. Check out Private Equity List to begin searching for investors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?

Private equity involves investing in companies with the goal of improving operations and generating returns. PE firms typically invest in both private and public companies across various sectors.

How do private equity firms add value?

Private equity firms offer capital, strategic insights, and operational expertise. They work closely with management teams to improve efficiency, expand market reach, and drive long-term growth.

What industries do private equity firms invest in?

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

How does growth equity differ from buyouts?

Growth equity is a private equity investment strategy that involves taking minority stakes in high-growth companies. Unlike buyouts, where firms acquire majority control, growth equity investors help companies scale without taking full ownership.