SG Stonegate Capital, a division of SG Credit Partners, closed a senior debt investment in Smith Teamaker, a U.S. brand of specialty and artisan tea products.

After successfully founding and exiting two previous tea brands, the late entrepreneur Steven Smith set out to deliver the finest small-batch tea in the market, founding his namesake brand in 2009 in his hometown of Portland, OR. The business has since become a brand known for sourcing ingredients from sustainable farms all over the world.

“Smith Teamaker has really set the standard for high-quality tea and has consistently shown that their craftsmanship and creativity can produce an uncompromising product,” Dan McCallum, director at SG Stonegate Capital, said. “Their relentless pursuit of the perfect cup of tea is an ideal fit for our investment philosophy to support preeminent growing consumer brands.”

“We greatly appreciate how quickly SG Stonegate understood our business and working capital financing needs” John Wells, CFO of Smith Teamaker, said. “They provided a structure that helps fund our rapid growth while providing us with needed flexibility. From the moment we met the SG Stonegate team, we have found them to be responsive and supportive business partners.”