A Streak That Speaks Volumes
Did you catch the latest from Scottsdale? Montage Partners, that people-first private equity outfit, just notched its sixth straight year on Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors list. Not something you snag with a casual handshake or flimsy promises—this accolade is about real, boots-on-the-ground partnership. Apparently, 294 firms made the list this time, showing who can genuinely support and guide founder-led companies through both smooth and stormy skies.
The Weight of Reputation
Now, you might say, "What's the big deal? Another list?" But let me tell you, in a world where capital's a dime a dozen, the real currency is trust. Bonny Ghosh from Inc. hits the nail on the head; founders don't just want a check, they want a partner to huddle up with when the going gets tough. Montage? They've been in the trenches with their partners. As Jordan Tate, co-Managing Partner at Montage, says, they aim to be as reliable in year five as they were at the first meeting—no small feat in any relationship.
"With Advantco, it meant supporting a leadership transition and seeing it through to a strong next chapter," reflected Rob Wolfman, co-Managing Partner.
An Active Year: Exits and Investments
Diving into their recent escapades, Montage has had a busy calendar. Their exits from Equity Methods and Puroflux in 2025 weren't just footnotes. They grabbed PE Hub's Deal of the Year award for unloading Southwest Data Products in '24—a nod to the savvy moves they’re known for. This year kicked off with the sale of Advantco, a nifty Charlotte-based software firm, to Argano. Shows they’re not just resting on past laurels.
Meanwhile, their dance with Lighten Up, a LA-based lighting and tech player, adds a spark of fresh investment. Nathan Megaw, the founder, sticking around post-deal? That’s a seal of approval you can’t buy. Something Montage seems to truly understand—it's about blending with the culture and leveraging lessons learned over two decades.
Understanding What Really Matters
Montage’s core ethos is a bundle of values tailored tighter than most off-the-shelf mottos: people, transparency, integrity, accountability, mutual respect, and excellence. They walk the talk not only through deals but in the hands-on support offered to founders. Their Montage Accelerate™ program is practically a toolbox for the lower middle market, offering strategic, operational, and recruiting guidance often seen at bulkier firms.
- Strategy
- Marketing
- Operations
- Recruiting
- M&A
In this climate, the choice is plenty, but partnerships that add real value? Those are rare gems.
The Data Speaks: A Call from Founders Themselves
Would you look at that—a firm willing to let the founders speak. Inc. compiled their list straight from the source, tapping into feedback from entrepreneurs who've been through the wringer with PE and VC firms. It's not just stories of numbers and metrics, but personal accounts of solid, unwavering partnership that highlight the cream of the crop.
Montage’s streak isn’t just a feather in their cap. It's a testament to understanding the human aspect behind business dynamics—something any seasoned investor can appreciate. As we watch companies battle through economic climes, Montage's steadfast approach with founders might just pave the path many others should consider treading.
A Final Note
So, what’s the upshot here? Well, for one, being on the list six years counts for something—you don't get there by chance. It's about weaving relationships that last beyond the initial handshake, being the partner who stands by you when the chips are down. It's about time the industry took more than just stock of that.
