o15 Capital Partners, an alternative investment firm dedicated to providing growth capital to undercapitalized companies and communities, closed its inaugural fund, o15 Emerging America Credit Opportunities Fund, at approximately $370 million. The fund’s capital, together with capital raised by o15 for related co-investment vehicles, totals nearly $400 million. The fund received backing from a broad group of institutional investors, including public and corporate pensions, foundations, banks and family offices.
“There is a growing, untapped opportunity today to invest in tremendous American lower middle market businesses – the true engine of our economy – that are underserved by the capital markets,” Colin Meadows, co-founder and managing partner of o15, said. “Private credit strategies remain a crucial source of business financing, and by looking where other market participants are not, we are able to source compelling, proprietary deal flow while creating stronger local economies and more equitable communities.”
“o15’s flexible mandate enables us to act as a one-stop capital provider and deliver creative financing solutions tailored to a company’s unique business plans and needs,” Kenneth Saffold, co-founder and managing partner of o15, said. “We also seek to leverage our extensive networks to bring strategic and operational expertise to ensure the entrepreneurs with whom we partner have the resources they need to scale and succeed long term.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the confidence and support of our investors, who share our commitment to driving positive change and shared prosperity in local communities across the Southeast and nationally,” Brian Morris, co-founder and managing partner of o15, said. “We launched o15 because we knew that generating attractive investment returns while also supporting underserved entrepreneurs, communities, and businesses are not mutually exclusive. The close of our inaugural fund is validation of that belief.”
