What we do
We are a St. Louis-based investment firm with a growth buyout division and venture capital division. Our growth buyout division invests in, partners with, and grows strong, tech-enabled business and healthcare services companies. We focus on lower market transactions in which we can invest alongside aggressive, entrepreneurial teams that share our passion for growing and building great businesses. Our venture capital division invests in very young companies who typically have a connection to Washington University and/or St. Louis who have the potential for explosive growth.
INVEST
We are focused on investing in great companies and teams with strong upside potential.
PARTNER
In partnership with the management team, we provide tactical support and value.
GROW
Together we focus on sustainable initiatives to grow the value of the company.
What types of investments
Majority ownership
Minority growth investment (selective)
Management-sponsored buyouts
How can we help?
Leadership transitions
Strategic acquisitions
Organic growth strategies
Infrastructure and technology investment
Team & culture building
Consulting, analytical, and marketing projects
What is our recipe for growth?
Build “dream” teams
Strengthen internal systems
Allow for growth “experiments” and acquisitions
Double-down on high-potential initiatives
Be patient to allow time for success
Our growth buyout investment criteria
We invest in lower-middle market tech-enabled business and healthcare services companies with differentiated business models and niche vertical market leadership
Our Portfolio
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Digital Dental
The proven choice for cutting-edge CAD/CAM milling solutions for crowns, bridges, and full dentures. Learn more.
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Creative Dental Lab
One of the most technologically advanced dental laboratories and research facilities in the United States. Learn more.
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Adalo
A “no code” platform where you can create software without having to know how to code and with just a few clicks. Learn more.
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Hum Industrial
Wireless railcar monitoring devices. Learn more.
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Honeymoon Chocolates
Delicious chocolate sweetened with raw honey instead of sugar. Learn more.
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Gipper
A social media content creation tool for schools and athletic departments. Learn more.
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GiftAMeal
A platform for restaurants to encourage patrons to share a photo of their meal on social media to in turn provide a meal to a neighbor in need. Learn more.
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WEPOWER
A growth fund in St. Louis targeted to black and latinx entrepreneurs. Learn more.
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Buoy
All natural, hydration-based products you can squeeze into any drink. Learn more.
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Babyation
A discreet, smart, and quiet breast pump. Learn more.
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Ascend Venture Capital
An early-stage VC-fund in St. Louis that invests in mission critical, data-centric technology. Learn more.
Why partner with us
We respect Midwest entrepreneurs (like you) and share a passion for what you’ve built, your team, and where your company is headed.
RESPECTFUL
We pride ourselves on our ability to quickly learn your company and demonstrate our respect for what you’ve built and where you are headed. We are “the buyer”, but our goal is actually to sell ourselves and the value we bring to you.
ENTREPRENEURIAL
We are entrepreneurs just like you who at the end of the day are all about solving the customers’ problems in a unique way that doesn’t just produce results but endears them to us forever.
PASSIONATE
It’s not just about financials and returns (that’s for our investors). Life is short and we only partner with “good people” where we share the same passion for continued growth and success while enjoying the journey together.
Our Team
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Pete Villhard
MANAGING PARTNER
GROWTH BUYOUT DIVISION• 20+ years of middle-market buyout experience
• Managing Director with Thompson Street Capital, a leading middle-market buyout firm
• Director Business Development, Builders FirstSource (private-equity-backed roll-up: startup to $1.5 billion in revenue)
• 28 total middle-market buyout transactions
• Previous experience with Bain & Company and Emerson
• Outside activities include Board of Trustees of the Churchill Center & School for Learning Disabilities and Board Member of The Magic House: The St. Louis Children’s Museum -
Doug Villhard
MANAGING PARTNER
VENTURE CAPITAL DIVISION• 20+ years starting and growing tech-enabled businesses
• Academic Director and Professor of Practice of Entrepreneurship at Washington University
• Co-Founder/CEO of Second Street, which was acquired by Upland Software in 2021.
• Co-Founder of SportsHuddle, which has since been acquired by CBS and is now MaxPreps
• Broad technical/tactical operational experience
• Started career at Disney Online
• MBA, Washington University
• Outside activities include Founder and School Board President of Father McGivney Catholic High School. -
Rian Edwards
CHIEF OF STAFF
• 5+ years experience of working with growing companies
• Manage VGP team of analysts
• Manager of Entrepreneurship Department at Washington University, Olin Business School
• Previously General Manager for start-up in St. Louis
• Previous experience working with women-owned start-ups through WBENC
• BA in Social Impact from Grinnell College