Artisan Design Group
Acquisition in 2025
Artisan Design Group specializes in flooring products and services, serving the construction market with a comprehensive range of offerings. The company acts as a dealer, providing design, procurement, installation, and quality control for flooring and complementary products tailored for homebuilders. In addition to flooring, Artisan Design Group also supplies countertops, window coverings, cabinets, tiles, and various related building materials, ensuring clients have access to a diverse selection of customized products at competitive prices.
North Carolina Central University
Grant in 2022
North Carolina Central University (NCCU), located in Durham, North Carolina, is a historically black college and the first public liberal arts institution for African-American students, established in 1910. The university has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, research, and cultural awareness, offering over 100 programs of study across nearly 30 academic departments. NCCU provides undergraduate and graduate degrees, with distinctive programs such as a master’s degree in Jazz Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design. The university also features joint graduate programs, including options that combine law and business administration. Committed to fostering diversity, NCCU welcomes students from all races and ethnicities, reflecting its mission to prepare individuals for success in a global marketplace. Financial aid options are available, including need-based government programs and institutional scholarships, with a particular focus on supporting incoming freshmen through its Alumni Association.
Queens University of Charlotte
Grant in 2022
Queens University of Charlotte, founded in 1857 and rooted in Presbyterian heritage, is a non-profit educational institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including associate's, bachelor's, and graduate degrees, as well as certificate and continuing education courses. With a focus on student support, Queens maintains a low student-teacher ratio and provides flexible scheduling options, including evening classes. The university encourages student involvement through over 40 organizations and clubs, including Greek Life, and offers residential options for those wishing to live on campus. Additionally, Queens promotes experiential learning through internships and study abroad opportunities. The university employs a rolling admissions process and prioritizes scholarship funding for early applicants. Financial aid is available through various sources, including state aid and federal programs. Located near cultural attractions, Queens University enriches the educational experience by blending academic rigor with community engagement and personal development.
StainMaster
Acquisition in 2021
StainMaster is a company based in Fairfax, Virginia, that specializes in designing home products that withstand everyday challenges. The brand offers a diverse range of flooring solutions, including carpets and hard flooring, as well as home cleaning products. StainMaster focuses on providing both soft and durable options to cater to various consumer needs, ensuring that their products are suitable for daily use in residential environments.
Boomerang Commerce's Retail Analytics Platform
Acquisition in 2019
Boomerang Commerce's Retail Analytics Platform operates a suite of retail analytics products and services. The platform provides a retail analytics solution that processes product and pricing datasets to convert them to insights and actions. It provides data-driven insights to help retailers optimize pricing, promotions, and assortment strategies. It utilized machine learning to analyze market trends, competitor pricing, and customer behavior, enabling businesses to make informed decisions. The platform offered real-time pricing intelligence and automation tools to improve profitability and maintain competitive positioning. Its capabilities supported e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retailers in managing dynamic pricing and merchandising more effectively.
Boomerang Commerce
Acquisition in 2019
Boomerang Commerce is a technology company that provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to help omni-channel retailers optimize revenue and margin growth through advanced pricing strategies. The company leverages machine learning and real-time data analytics to analyze, test, and implement smart pricing solutions across millions of products, including private labels. Boomerang's client base includes prominent retailers such as Staples and OfficeDepot, as well as web-only platforms like Groupon Goods. The platform has demonstrated significant financial impact, generating an estimated $40 million in incremental revenue and $9 million in incremental margins for every $1 billion in revenue processed. Founded by industry veterans with experience from major companies, Boomerang has received recognition as a Gartner Cool Vendor in Digital Commerce and is listed among the top 50 big data companies globally.
Maintenance Supply Headquarters
Acquisition in 2017
Maintenance Supply Headquarters is a wholesale distributor specializing in maintenance products primarily for the multi-family housing industry. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Stafford, Texas, the company offers a diverse range of over 5,300 products, including appliance parts, HVAC equipment, plumbing supplies, electrical products, janitorial items, and various renovation materials. With additional locations across major cities in Texas, as well as in states such as Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Florida, the company is well-positioned to serve its clients efficiently. Maintenance Supply Headquarters emphasizes prompt and accurate delivery of products and services, drawing on its extensive experience in the multi-housing sector to meet the needs of its customers effectively. The company operates as a subsidiary of Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Central Wholesalers
Acquisition in 2017
Central Wholesalers, LLC is a wholesale distributor specializing in apartment and building maintenance supplies for the multifamily housing industry in the Mid-Atlantic region. Founded in 1981 and based in Laurel, Maryland, the company offers a wide range of products including plumbing, electrical fittings, appliances, bath hardware, cabinets, countertops, HVAC supplies, janitorial goods, lighting, paint, and tools. In addition to product distribution, Central Wholesalers provides various services such as tub and countertop refinishing, lockwork services, and apartment renovations. The company also designs and manufactures apartment-grade kitchen cabinets, custom blinds, and screens, and provides training courses for maintenance professionals. Customers can access these products and services through the company's online platform. Central Wholesalers operates additional locations in Moorestown, New Jersey; Richmond, Virginia; Etna, Pennsylvania; Newport News, Virginia; and Greensboro, North Carolina.
RONA is a prominent Canadian retailer and distributor of hardware, building materials, and home renovation products, established in 1939. The company caters to both home improvement and construction projects, operating a network of corporate and independently affiliated dealer stores. RONA provides a diverse selection of products, including those for roofing, fashion plumbing, bathrooms, ventilation, and HVAC applications. By offering a variety of durable and affordable solutions, RONA effectively meets the needs of its customers in the home renovation market.
GoldenKey
Venture Round in 2015
GoldenKey, Inc. is a technology-driven company that operates a community platform designed to connect home buyers and sellers with real estate agents across the nation. The company offers an interactive online marketplace that facilitates real estate transactions while eliminating traditional commission fees, thus allowing buyers and sellers to retain more of their personal wealth. GoldenKey provides customized assistance from real estate professionals, turning agents into supportive allies in the home buying and selling process. Established in 2015 and based in Durham, North Carolina, GoldenKey was formerly known as SoloPro, Inc. and rebranded in September 2016. As of 2018, GoldenKey operates as a subsidiary of Landis Technologies Inc.
Keen Home
Venture Round in 2015
Keen Home Inc. is a developer of innovative home automation products designed to enhance comfort and efficiency in residential settings. Founded in 2013 and based in New York City, the company offers a range of products including the Smart Vent, which wirelessly controls airflow in individual rooms, and the Temp Sensor, which monitors temperature and humidity. Additionally, the Smart Bridge allows users to connect and manage their Keen zoning system, while the Ecovent Whole Home System integrates information from across the home to optimize vent control. The Smart Filter is designed to protect against allergens and air pollutants. Keen Home's products are compatible with various smart home platforms and are available for purchase online. The company aims to provide homeowners with proactive solutions to maintain their home's core systems effectively.
Canopy Lawn Care
Seed Round in 2015
Canopy Lawn Care, Inc. is a landscaping company headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, that specializes in providing comprehensive lawn maintenance services to homeowners. Founded in 2014, the company employs a technology-driven approach to enhance customer and employee experiences while streamlining operations. Canopy offers a variety of services, including weed control, fertilization, aeration, over seeding, bed maintenance, pruning, and mosquito management, among others. The company emphasizes environmentally responsible practices and science-based methods to improve soil health, ensuring that clients receive lush and healthy lawns.
Decorist
Seed Round in 2015
Decorist, Inc. is a home decor company that offers an online platform for interior design, enabling users to receive personalized design services and products. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company allows customers to complete their design projects within their budget by taking a style profile and accessing virtual design assistance. The platform facilitates a seamless design experience, allowing users to share inspiration and feedback without the need for in-person meetings, making the process more accessible and convenient. As of 2017, Decorist operates as a subsidiary of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.
Porch Group
Series B in 2015
Porch.com, Inc. operates an online platform designed to connect homeowners with local home repair services and facilitate the arrangement of installation services for products purchased through e-commerce channels. Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company provides a range of services to enhance the homeownership experience. Its offerings include a moving concierge service that assists homebuyers in navigating essential services such as insurance, security, and internet services, thereby streamlining the moving process. Furthermore, Porch provides software solutions tailored for home service providers, including tools for inspections and mortgage services, supporting various aspects of home management and improvement. The company also maintains a strategic partnership with Cinch Home Services Inc., enhancing its service offerings in the home services sector.
Porch Group
Series A in 2014
Porch.com, Inc. operates an online platform designed to connect homeowners with local home repair services and facilitate the arrangement of installation services for products purchased through e-commerce channels. Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company provides a range of services to enhance the homeownership experience. Its offerings include a moving concierge service that assists homebuyers in navigating essential services such as insurance, security, and internet services, thereby streamlining the moving process. Furthermore, Porch provides software solutions tailored for home service providers, including tools for inspections and mortgage services, supporting various aspects of home management and improvement. The company also maintains a strategic partnership with Cinch Home Services Inc., enhancing its service offerings in the home services sector.
Orchard Supply Hardware Stores
Acquisition in 2013
Orchard Supply Hardware is a retail chain in the United States that specializes in hardware products. Established in 1931 in the Santa Clara Valley by a group of farmers seeking to alleviate economic challenges, the company initially focused on cooperative purchasing for farm supplies. Today, Orchard Supply offers a diverse range of products, including gardening supplies, housewares, and essential hardware items, such as orchard ladders, picking pails, sprays, and fertilizers. The company is committed to providing customers with quality hardware products at affordable prices, catering to both individual consumers and the agricultural community.
ATG Stores launched its first website - LightingUniverse.com - in 1999 as part of a business plan intended to help people quickly source lighting products for residential and commercial use. Today, that philosophy has helped us grow into a company with a selection of some 3 million products from more than 3,000 name-brand manufacturers in 16 product categories that include Furniture, Plumbing, Hardware, Outdoor Living and Sporting Goods. In 2011, Lowe's acquired ATG Stores as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary that continues to thrive as a stand-alone company - only now customers have access to their vast product selection at more than 1,700 Lowe's retail locations as well as on the Lowes.com website.