Blue Equity

Blue Equity, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2004 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, with additional offices in New York and Mexico City. The firm specializes in investments across various stages, including idea phase, seed/startup, and mature business cycles, as well as divestments of large public entities. Blue Equity focuses on growth capital investments, buyouts, turnarounds, and industry consolidation, primarily targeting lower middle market and later-stage companies. The firm seeks to acquire controlling interests in its investments, typically ranging from $0.1 million to $50 million, and often collaborates with existing management teams to enhance business performance. Its diversified portfolio spans numerous sectors, including distribution, media, hospitality, healthcare, and sports. Blue Equity aims to help enterprises realize their developmental potential through strategic partnerships and investment, contributing to both short-term stability and long-term growth.

Jonathan S. Blue

Chairman and Managing Director

Edward H. Harrison III

Executive Vice President

24 past transactions

Unicorn Auctions

Seed Round in 2024
Unicorn Auctions specializes in the auctioning of rare spirits, catering to buyers, sellers, and collectors. The company operates a digital bidding platform that enables users to discover, buy, and sell a wide range of bottles, from everyday selections to ultra-rare collectibles. Unicorn Auctions requires physical possession of items to ensure thorough examination before listing them for auction. In addition to its web platform, the company offers mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices, enhancing the user experience and allowing for convenient access to auctions. Their services include storage options, global logistics, and security, along with features for digital collection management, facilitating seamless transactions and management of collections for customers worldwide.

Spiritless

Private Equity Round in 2021
Spiritless is a beverage company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in producing non-alcohol distilled spirits. Founded in 2019, the company offers a range of flavorful non-alcoholic options designed to complement classic bourbon cocktails. Their products feature a smooth finish and familiar notes such as caramel, vanilla, and oak, allowing consumers the flexibility to enjoy cocktails without alcohol or to reduce the alcohol by volume in their favorite recipes. Spiritless aims to cater to those seeking a sophisticated drinking experience without the effects of alcohol.

Gopuff

Private Equity Round in 2021
Gopuff is an instant commerce platform that specializes in delivering a wide range of everyday products, including over-the-counter medicine, baby food, cleaning supplies, and alcohol. Founded in 2013 by Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev, Gopuff aims to simplify the shopping experience by allowing users to browse and order items through a mobile app, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. The company is particularly popular for satisfying late-night cravings with snacks like Ben and Jerry's ice cream and Doritos, as well as essential items such as diapers and personal care products. Gopuff's network of Driver-Partners ensures that deliveries are made quickly, often within minutes, making it a convenient option for consumers seeking reliable and affordable delivery services across the United States.

DEP's Fine Wine

Acquisition in 2020
D.E.P.'s Fine Wine and Spirits is a retail operator based in Covington, Kentucky, specializing in a diverse selection of fine wines, spirits, beer, and tobacco. The company is committed to providing these products at discounted prices, making quality beverages accessible to its customers. In addition to its extensive product offerings, D.E.P.'s Fine Wine hosts wine tastings every Friday, featuring curated selections from various regions globally. This initiative not only enhances the shopping experience but also educates consumers about different wine varieties.

Blue Equity Sports Television

Private Equity Round in 2020
Blue Equity Sports Television is an NBA and international player agency that develops individual goals specific to each client. It creates individual programs for each client based on their one-of-a-kind characteristics and circumstances. In addition to NBA contract negotiation, counsel, and marketing, their clients receive the BEST legal assistance, concierge service, VIP entertainment access, and a host of other services that are unparalleled in the industry. Blue Equity Sports Television is based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Napoli Management Group

Acquisition in 2017
Napoli Management Group is a prominent talent representation firm based in West Hollywood, California, specializing in the broadcasting industry. The firm represents a wide array of professionals, including television news anchors, reporters, weathercasters, digital contributors, and sportscasters, covering all major television markets across the United States. With a roster of 550 talented broadcasters, NMG's clients include well-known figures such as Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes. The company offers various services, including contract negotiation, placement, performance critiques, and networking opportunities, ensuring that clients have access to confidential job prospects and industry insights. The experienced team at Napoli Management Group collaborates to leverage their extensive network of industry contacts, enhancing the support and resources available to their clients.

Liquor Barn

Acquisition in 2017
Liquor Barn is a Canadian-based operator of retail liquor stores, managing over 200 outlets in Canada, more than 20 in Alaska, and three in the Connecticut/New Jersey area. The company operates its stores under various brand names, including Liquor Depot, Liquor Barn, and Wine and Beyond in Alberta, as well as Liquor Depot and Wine Cellar in British Columbia, and Brown Jug in Alaska. In New Jersey, the stores are branded as Joe Canal's Discount Liquor Outlet. The size of the Canadian stores typically ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet, while those in Alaska vary from 1,400 to 14,000 square feet. Liquor Barn aims to provide customers with a diverse selection of spirits, beer, wine, and party goods at competitive prices.

Two Twelve Management

Acquisition in 2017
Two Twelve Management LLC, founded in 2004 and based in New York, is a boutique management firm specializing in chef representation, advisory, and consultancy services. The company is recognized as a premier provider in the industry, representing a diverse array of chefs and culinary stars. Through its comprehensive services, Two Twelve Management aids these culinary professionals in building their brands and navigating the complexities of the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors.

3 Kings Entertainment

Acquisition in 2016
3 Kings Entertainment is a full-service talent representation firm specializing in broadcast news, sports, and media. With over 20 years of experience, the company represents a diverse range of on-screen personalities, including broadcasters, anchors, studio hosts, sportscasters, reporters, commentators, journalists, analysts, executives, and coaches. The firm focuses on identifying, developing, positioning, and guiding the careers of its clients across various platforms, including broadcasting, cable, and new media. Through its comprehensive services, 3 Kings Entertainment aims to elevate the profiles of its talent in a competitive industry.

Gilford Johnson Flooring

Acquisition in 2016
Gilford Johnson Flooring is a distributor of flooring products catering to both commercial and residential customers. The company provides a diverse selection of offerings, including carpets, hardwoods, sheet vinyl, and resilient flooring, as well as cushion and underlayment. With a strong presence in multiple states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee, Gilford Johnson Flooring distinguishes itself through product diversification and exclusive brands. The company aims to expand its market footprint by pursuing acquisitions, establishing new partnerships, and introducing additional product lines, positioning itself to become a leading distributor in the nation.

Mukan Resort

Private Equity Round in 2015
Mukan Resort is a luxury resort situated in Mexico's Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, approximately 37 kilometers from Tulum. Its remote location enhances its appeal, offering guests a unique blend of privacy and exclusivity within a stunning tropical environment. Committed to eco-conscious principles, Mukan Resort aims to redefine luxury travel by providing authentic experiences that align with sustainable practices. The resort harnesses energy from renewable sources, including wind and solar, while being located in a UNESCO World Heritage site on the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Party Mart

Private Equity Round in 2015
Party Mart, LLC is a prominent retailer of alcoholic beverages and party supplies, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 2015, the company operates liquor stores that offer an extensive selection of wines, spirits, beers, and liquors, catering to a diverse customer base, including bourbon enthusiasts. In addition to its broad range of beverages, Party Mart provides various party goods and personalized VIP bottles, which can be customized with logos, names, or special messages. The company is known for its high-volume sales and exceptional product selection, positioning itself as a leading destination for both casual consumers and those seeking unique party items.

Angel's Envy Bourbon

Private Equity Round in 2013
Angel's Envy is a craft bourbon brand founded by renowned master distiller Lincoln Henderson. Located in Kentucky, the company focuses on producing super-premium bourbon using traditional methods. The bourbon undergoes an aging process that lasts four to six years in American white oak barrels, followed by an additional three to six months in hand-selected port casks. This unique aging process enhances the spirit's flavor profile, as it interacts with the charred wood during the seasonal temperature changes. In addition to bourbon, Angel's Envy also produces handcrafted whiskey and cocktails, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship in its offerings.

Artspace

Series A in 2012
Artspace is a New York-based online retailer specializing in contemporary art, serving as a marketplace where collectors can purchase works directly from leading commercial galleries, prestigious cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations. The platform features a diverse range of artworks, including prints, photography, paintings, sculptures, and design items. Artspace also collaborates with renowned artists to commission exclusive limited editions, enhancing its offerings. The company aims to facilitate the discovery, education, and acquisition of art for both aspiring and experienced collectors, while simultaneously supporting artists and the institutions that promote their work. Many proceeds from the sales on the platform benefit these esteemed artists and organizations, broadening their reach to a global audience.

Globecomm Systems

Private Equity Round in 2012
Globecomm Systems, headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, specializes in satellite-based communications infrastructure solutions and services. The company offers a wide range of pre-engineered systems, systems design and integration, and comprehensive lifecycle support services. Its infrastructure solutions include the design, engineering, and installation of ground segment systems and networks, enabling various communications applications. Globecomm's offerings support a multitude of services, including video, data, voice, and wireless communications, and are tailored for clients in sectors such as government, maritime, media, and enterprise. The company also provides end-to-end managed network services, including network monitoring, installation, maintenance, and professional engineering. Additionally, Globecomm delivers multi-network infrastructure that encompasses satellite, terrestrial fiber, and cellular technologies, facilitating robust connectivity and data management systems for diverse applications, including IoT and enterprise video platforms.

The Antilles Group

Private Equity Round in 2012
The Antilles Group is an energy company that produces and distributes downstream petroleum products. In addition, it offered fuel, lubricants, and raw chemical materials in bulk for commercial fleets and heavy machinery. TAG maintained the only non-governmental commercial bulk chemical storage facility in Jamaica and served as a supply hub for the entire Caribbean market. The Antilles Group was founded in 1923 and is based in Kingston, West Indies Two, Jamaica.

NetBallistics

Private Equity Round in 2011
NetBallistics, LLC, operating as iAmmo.Com, specializes in providing a wide range of ammunition and firearms products, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, sportsmen, and law enforcement agencies. The company offers an extensive selection of ammunition types, including handgun, rifle, and shotgun cartridges, as well as reloading supplies and air guns. In addition to ammunition, NetBallistics supplies firearm parts and accessories, cleaning products, training equipment, and optics such as scopes and binoculars. Their catalog also includes survival and outdoor gear, self-defense items, archery equipment, and various storage solutions and apparel. With a product range exceeding 45,000 items, NetBallistics is positioned for continued growth, supported by a management team that brings over 40 years of industry expertise. The company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

Nurses Now International

Private Equity Round in 2008
Nurses Now International is a nurse staffing company based in Mexico, specializing in securing long-term staffing contracts in the United States for bilingual registered nurses. The company addresses the significant demand for competent, bi-cultural nurses by meticulously screening, training, and supporting a network of highly qualified Mexican registered nurses for placement in hospitals across the country. In addition to staffing services, Nurses Now International offers a medical tourism training program aimed at equipping nurses with the skills to provide culturally competent care in both Spanish and English.

Island Ice & Beverage Company

Private Equity Round in 2008
Island Ice & Beverage Company Limited is a manufacturer based in Jamaica that specializes in packaged ice and beverages. Established through the merger of two prominent manufacturing entities, it traces its roots back to the Kingston Ice Making Company, founded in 1884. The company produces a variety of products, including block ice, orange juice, natural and artificial fruit-flavored drinks, and bottled water. Additionally, it supplies hospitality ice for hotels, cooling ice for restaurants and party services, as well as bulk ice for the fisheries and poultry industries. With a long history in the ice production sector, Island Ice & Beverage plays a significant role in catering to diverse market needs in Jamaica.

The Voice-Tribune

Private Equity Round in 2007
The Voice-Tribune is a media publisher based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in weekly suburban lifestyle magazines and newspapers. The publication covers a range of topics, including events, news related to people and businesses, sports, and entertainment. It also features additional content such as weather updates, polls, forums, and a business directory. The Voice-Tribune engages with its audience by addressing inquiries through various channels, including phone, email, and online applications.

Bluebook

Private Equity Round in 2004
Bluebook is a provider of English- and Spanish-language telephone directories. The company provides approximately 126,000 copies of the yellow pages and local business directories. It provides contact information through a printed telephone directory.

Enlace Spanish Yellow Pages

Private Equity Round in 2003
Enlace Spanish Yellow Pages is a publisher of Spanish language telephone directories.

Seccion Amarilla

Private Equity Round in 2003
Seccion Amarilla USA, LLC is a publisher and distributor of Spanish-language directories across 18 states in the United States. Formerly known as Cobalt Publishing Co., the company rebranded in 2005 following its acquisition by Telefonos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. Seccion Amarilla specializes in providing Spanish yellow pages services, which include essential information on various topics such as real estate transactions, vehicle sales, government listings, and applications for driving licenses. By catering to the Spanish-speaking community, Seccion Amarilla plays a significant role in bridging access to vital services and information.

First Omni Mortgage Lending

Private Equity Round in 2001
First Omni Mortgage was a nationally licensed mortgage banking company specializing in residential mortgage loans. It generated and closed nearly half a billion dollars in mortgages annually. The company offered a comprehensive platform that included an in-house underwriting department, which facilitated warehousing and bundling services for the loans it originated. This structure allowed First Omni Mortgage to efficiently manage its lending process while providing a range of mortgage solutions to its clients.
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