Equity

Penstock Equity is a Birmingham, Michigan-based provider of equity capital focused exclusively on independent sponsor-led transactions. Founded in 2022, they invest $1-5M in minority equity positions for lower middle market business acquisitions.

Kando Capital is a boutique private equity firm specializing in minority equity investments in lower middle market business buyouts. The firm partners with entrepreneurs pursuing Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and independent sponsor transactions, providing patient capital, strategic guidance, and hands-on partnership across sourcing, valuation, structuring, and post-close value creation. Founded by Jacob Hall, a former Chevron Technology Ventures analytics lead and UT Austin McCombs MBA.

SMB Investor Network provides searchers and acquisition entrepreneurs access to a pre-qualified network of over 500 accredited investors, advisors, and family offices specifically interested in SMB acquisitions. The platform offers searchers a streamlined way to connect with investors who are ready to invest with a $10k minimum check size, eliminating the need to cold-call potential investors and providing access to capital sources already educated about and committed to the SMB acquisition space.

PROX Capital Group is a private investment firm founded in 2019, dedicated to partnering with businesses to provide access to capital and build solutions for sustainable growth. The firm invests in acquisition entrepreneurs and small business buyers.

ETA Equity is a search fund investment firm that invests in and supports entrepreneurs acquiring and leading growth companies through the search fund model. The firm's principals have invested in over 90 search funds and over 30 search-acquired businesses since 2008, providing capital, mentorship, and operational guidance to searchers throughout the fundraising, search, acquisition, and operating phases of their entrepreneurial journey.

Slack Water Capital specializes in partnering with acquisition entrepreneurs to acquire and grow small businesses. The firm provides equity capital and operational support to self-funded searchers and independent sponsors.

Pursuant Capital is an independent sponsor focused on acquiring and investing in small business ETA deals primarily in the U.S. Sunbelt region. Led by Sam Rosati, the firm provides equity capital and operational partnership to acquisition entrepreneurs.

Walker Street Capital is a private investment firm dedicated to supporting founders of mission-driven companies aiming to create positive and lasting impact. The firm provides equity capital to acquisition entrepreneurs focused on purpose-driven businesses.

Jamestown Capital invests in established lower middle market businesses, delivering both capital and technological expertise to drive growth and operational improvements. The firm prioritizes long-term value creation through hands-on engagement and data-driven strategies, focusing on businesses with proven track records.

Workbench Capital invests in self-funded search deals, providing capital and support to entrepreneurs acquiring profitable, growing businesses. The firm partners with acquisition entrepreneurs throughout the deal process and post-acquisition operations.

Main Street Capital Network (MSCN) is an equity co-investment syndicate of over 250 lower middle market investors — including funds, family offices, business owners, and professionals — providing capital to independent sponsors and self-funded searchers acquiring small businesses. Run by Grant Hensel's Entrepreneurial Capital, a $12M fund founded by a successful searcher, MSCN targets businesses with $750K to $10M in EBITDA and offers investors a single platform to present co-investment opportunities. Beyond capital, the network provides operational expertise during the transaction and post-acquisition phases.

communEtA is an investment firm that provides value-added capital to acquisition entrepreneurs, focusing on facilitating control acquisitions of established businesses. The firm supports self-funded searchers and independent sponsors with equity and operational guidance.