MOUNTAIN RIDGE CAPITAL: Redefining Asset-Based Lending in the Lower Middle Market
Founded in 2022, Mountain Ridge Capital has quickly become a standout in asset-based lending by offering creative, client-centered solutions in the challenging lower middle market. The firm’s dynamic strategies and deep industry expertise are empowering its clients to thrive in both stable and challenging economic landscapes.
Mountain Ridge Capital, established as a subsidiary of Arena Investors in 2022, quickly emerged as a formidable force in asset-based lending, earning a spot in Dealmakers of the Year in the ABL, acquisition, expansion and middle market categories. Lauded for its innovative approach, Mountain Ridge Capital provides critical financing solutions to the often-overlooked lower middle market. Under the leadership of industry veteran Craig Winslow, the firm has built a reputation for reliability, deep industry insight and creativity in structuring deals tailored to unique client needs.
What sets Mountain Ridge apart is its focus on what EVP of Operations Tree Buckingham calls “forensic operational fortitude.”
“There is a daily demand to be in the details of the collateral, touching the trends and acting with the aim to mitigate risks,” Buckingham says. This meticulous attention to detail enables Mountain Ridge to build a strong, resilient portfolio that helps clients succeed in both favorable and challenging conditions.
Mountain Ridge’s approach combines a flexible, industry-agnostic view with a creative stance on structuring. Winslow emphasizes looking beyond traditional appraisal values, often finding ways to maximize liquidity for clients.
“We don’t rely solely on appraisals; we do our own analysis,” Winslow says. “In some cases, we lend at advance rates beyond the appraised value, creating liquidity that directly benefits our borrowers without taking undue risk.” This willingness to challenge standard models enables Mountain Ridge to provide liquidity to clients in complex situations, such as turnaround and distressed circumstances, where conventional lenders might shy away.
“We don’t exist as a typical lender,” Buckingham notes. “We are perpetually evolving, gaining market expertise, dominating in difficult domains and, quite frankly, never caught ‘clutching our pearls’ but more arming our vault.” This commitment to flexibility has become essential as the firm continues to expand its services across various industries, adapting to the specific needs of each borrower.
The firm’s collaborative culture is central to its approach. Mountain Ridge emphasizes alignment among its team and clients. Winslow describes it as a “can-do” culture where each team member is dedicated to client success. This culture has helped Mountain Ridge build enduring relationships with borrowers. Winslow notes the team’s extensive experience and data-driven decisions keep them focused on long-term solutions while avoiding reactive responses to challenges.
A recent case demonstrates Mountain Ridge’s agility. Winslow recounts a borrower with a major retailer contract; Mountain Ridge’s understanding of the client’s business allowed them to lend at 100% of inventory cost, delivering a financing solution invaluable to the borrower’s growth. “If it has value, we can lend on it,” Winslow says.
As Mountain Ridge Capital looks ahead, the team’s strategic priorities focus on scaling responsibly while maintaining a client-centered ethos. Winslow and Buckingham envision a continued commitment to innovation in the ABL space, driven by their belief in combining a data-oriented approach with operational excellence. “Preparedness comes in the form of operations and portfolio serving as a collaborative strategic unit that safeguards the financial stability of both the lender and the borrower,” Buckingham says. This blend of preparedness and adaptability has solidified Mountain Ridge’s position and reputation for resilience, client alignment and pioneering deal structures that set the bar in the industry. •
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