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Trilantic Capital Partners is a global private equity firm that executes control and significant minority investments across diverse industries. As a growth-oriented middle market investor, it operates through independent advisories for North America and Europe, focusing on strategic equity partnerships. The firm provides both capital and guidance to scale established businesses.
Trilantic Capital Partners was established in April 2009 by five founding partners. They acquired Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking (LBMB) from the estate of Lehman, effectively spinning the operation out. This foundational move allowed the firm to leverage existing expertise and portfolio while charting an independent course in private equity.
The firm primarily partners with founders, owners, and operators of dynamic companies for close collaboration. Trilantic’s vision centers on cultivating strong relationships and cooperatively working with management teams to capitalize on market opportunities, enhance operational value, and realize collective aspirations.
Key people at Trilantic Capital Partners.
Trilantic Capital Partners was founded in 2009 by Seth Richards (Advisor, Founders Council).
Trilantic North America, part of Trilantic Capital Partners, is a growth-focused middle-market private equity firm specializing in control and significant minority investments in North American companies, primarily in consumer, business services, energy, financial services, and related sectors.[1][2][3][5] Its mission centers on partnering with founders, families, and entrepreneurs of dynamic, growth-positioned businesses through transparent, aligned relationships and additive strategic support, having committed $7.9 billion since 2004 across $11 billion in funds, with over 80 investments and 51 realizations.[1][2][5] The investment philosophy emphasizes flexibility—investing $50-300 million per deal—while providing operating expertise via sector-experienced teams and a Founders Council, driving portfolio job growth of over 46,000 roles.[1][5] In the startup and growth ecosystem, Trilantic bolsters middle- and upper-middle-market firms, particularly founder-led ones, by fueling expansion in high-potential areas like clean energy and services, as seen in deals like Powin ($135M, 2022) and Intersect Power ($750M, 2022).[3]
Trilantic North America traces its roots to 2004, when it began investing in founder-, family-, and entrepreneur-led North American businesses in the middle and upper-middle markets.[1] Evolving from this heritage, the firm has raised seven private equity fund families totaling $11 billion, with its latest Fund VI North America closing at $2.75 billion in July 2019; earlier funds include Trilantic Energy Partners II ($310M AUM, 2018) and Trilantic Capital Partners V ($2.2B, 2012).[1][2] Key evolution points include a shift toward sustainable practices in consumer and business services, recognition as one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 50 PE Firms for Entrepreneurs in 2019, and separation into independent entities—Trilantic North America and Trilantic Europe—for focused regional strategies.[1][2][4] Leadership includes figures like President Jeremy Lynch among its 14 team members, underscoring a partnership-oriented approach with management teams.[3]
Trilantic North America rides trends in energy transition and services digitization, backing clean energy platforms like Powin, Intersect Power, and ION Solar amid rising demand for renewables and infrastructure.[3] Timing aligns with post-2020 growth capital needs for middle-market firms navigating inflation, supply chains, and ESG mandates, where its founder-friendly model fills gaps left by larger PE players.[1][2] Market forces like U.S. energy independence policies and consumer/services resilience favor its sectors, enabling influence through job growth and scaling operator-led innovators.[1][3] The firm shapes the ecosystem by prioritizing entrepreneur partnerships, as in edtech, sports tech, and security investments, amplifying middle-market contributions to tech-driven economic expansion.[2][3]
Trilantic is poised for continued Fund VII-scale raises and deals in energy/services, capitalizing on 2025's acquisition momentum (e.g., AXICOM HV) and clean tech tailwinds.[1][3] Trends like AI-enhanced services, decarbonization, and family business succession will propel growth, potentially expanding its 80+ investment tally amid $11B+ AUM trajectory.[1][2] Influence may evolve toward deeper tech integrations in portfolio firms, solidifying its role as a founder-aligned scaler in a maturing PE landscape—echoing its core promise to "work together, grow together, and win together."[5]
Trilantic Capital Partners has 1 tracked investment across 1 company. The latest tracked deal is $5.0M Seed in LodgIQ in February 2016.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2016 | LodgIQ | $5.0M Seed | Vann Avedisian, Trilantic Capital Partners | — |
Key people at Trilantic Capital Partners.
Trilantic Capital Partners was founded in 2009 by Seth Richards (Advisor, Founders Council).
