CapitalSpring, a sector-specialist investment firm focused on franchised and other multi-location businesses, closed more than $505 million of commitments for its seventh flagship investment fund, just two months after launch. The fund, which targets $1 billion in total commitments, has attracted early support from existing limited partners, including state and municipal pension plans, endowments, foundations and family offices. The firm previously held a final close on its predecessor flagship fund in March 2022 with $950 million in commitments.
“We are grateful for the continued confidence and support from our existing investors. All commitments to date are from existing limited partners with almost all investors upsizing their commitment level relative to prior funds,” Richard Fitzgerald, co-founder and managing partner, said.
This early fundraising momentum follows CapitalSpring’s largest exit to date, the sale of Sizzling Platter to Bain Capital, and coincides with the firm’s 20th anniversary.
“This early fundraise success caps a year of significant achievements for CapitalSpring,” Fitzgerald said. “We’ve reached our 20-year anniversary, completed our 300th investment, and surpassed $4 billion invested across more than 100 different brands and franchise systems. The Sizzling Platter transaction represents our first $1-billion-plus exit, validating our strategy and delivering strong results for our investors.”
Fund VII will continue to pursue opportunities across the foodservice, franchising and multi-unit business ecosystem, leveraging CapitalSpring’s 20-year foundation of deep sector relationships, operational expertise, learnings and best practices.
“Our goal remains the same as it has been for two decades,” Fitzgerald said. “We aim to be a flexible, value-added partner — providing not just capital, but the strategic and operational resources that help strong operators unlock their next phase of growth. We’re excited to build on our momentum and continue delivering a differentiated and diversifying return profile for our investors.”
