Castanea

Founded in 2001, Castanea Partners is a $500 million committed fund built on the belief that both industry expertise and operating experience drive long-term investing success. They provide equity capital to industry sectors where they have leadership, advisory and investing experience. Castanea is principally focused on investing in dynamic consumer brands and marketing services companies that enable such brands to connect with their customers. The firm also seeks to invest in select business-to-business providers of key information. Within these sectors, they typically invest between $20M to $75M of equity capital.

Michael H. Banu

Principal

Steve Berg

Managing Partner

Tim Burke

Partner

Tom First

Operating Partner

Sharon Fox

Operating Partner

Ronald L. Frasch

Partner and Operating Partner

Paul Gibbons

Partner

Juan Marcos Hill

Partner

Gerald T. Hughes

Operating Partner

Brian Knez

Managing Partner

Colleen Love

CFO and Chief Compliance Officer

Stephen C. Richards

Operating Partner

Marion Schouten

Director, Business Development and Investor Relations

Rob Smith

Managing Partner

Benjamin Tuttman

Principal

33 past transactions

Drybar

Private Equity Round in 2012
Drybar Holdings LLC operates salons that provide hair blowout services in the United States. The company also provides its services on private parties to girls and teenagers. In addition, it sells hair products, styling tools, travel kits, and accessories through its online portal. Drybar Holdings LLC was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Irvine, California. It has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.; and Vancouver, Canada.

Health Resources in Action

Private Equity Round in 2010
Health Resources in Action is a nonprofit organization.

Townshend's Tea Company

Private Equity Round in 2018
Townshend's Tea Company owns and operates a chain of teahouses. Its teahouses also engage in the retail and wholesale of black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong, Pu-erh, chai, Yerba Máte, Rooibos, Herbal Tisanes, Apothecary, Organic, and Teaware. The company also sells its products online. Townshend's Tea Company was founded in 2006 and is based in Portland, Oregon. It has teahouses in Portland, Bend, and Eugene, Oregon; and Bozeman, Montana.

Proenza Schouler

Private Equity Round in 2015
Proenza Schouler is a womenswear and accessories brand that specializes in tailoring and the use of custom developed fabrics. The company launched its first handbag collection in 2008, including the PS1, a classic satchel that represents a sense of wearable luxury. Proenza Schouler signed a license agreement with IRIS S.p.A. to produce and distribute the brand's footwear collections. Its products are sold in over 100 of the exclusive retail outlets worldwide, including Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols, Colette, and Joyce. Proenza Schouler was in 2002 by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. It is headquartered in New York, United States.

Health Resources

Private Equity Round in 2010
Health Resources is a marketer of high-quality nutritional supplements based on scientific research.

4moms

Venture Round in 2015
4moms develops robotics technology-based products that cater to the prenatal to preschool needs of children. It has introduced robotics technology to the juvenile industry, creating products that meet parents’ real needs. Its team is comprised on over forty engineers, designers, and developers. 4moms has put its products in over 500 stores in 24 countries. It develops and markets products for the 8.9 billion U.S. dollars juvenile products industry. Based in Pittsburgh, P.A.

Proenza Schouler, LLC

Merger/Acquisition in 2015
Proenza Schouler, LLC designs, manufactures, and retails women's wear and accessories. It offers handbags; such as shoulder, cross body, tote, clutch, bucket bag, backpack, kent, and courier bags, as well as men’s bags; clothing, including dresses, jackets, coats, tops, knits, skirts, pants, denims, t-shirts, and swim wear; shoes, boots, flats, heels, and sandals; and accessories, such as wallets, cases, key rings, and jewelry. The company sells its products through its own stores and retail outlets in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States, as well as online. Proenza Schouler, LLC was founded in 2002 and is based in New York, New York.

Aurora Brands

Private Equity Round in 2014
Aurora Brands owns and manages two iconic American luxury home and lifestyle brands: MacKenzie-Childs and Jay Strongwater. They are proud to support American craftsmanship, handmade products from around the world, and unique designs.

Memebox

Series C in 2016
Memebox Corporation is a consumer company that provides customers with the Asian beauty products, culture, and trends. A global company focused on forecasting trends and creating private, in-house labels inspired by K-beauty (and made for the product obsessed).

Brew Dr. Kombucha

Private Equity Round in 2018
Brew Dr. Kombucha is produced entirely in-house, leaf to bottle. After They brew their recipes of organic tea and dried herbs, roots and fruits, it takes about two weeks to complete the probiotic fermentation process. Their attention to quality at the beginning of the process means they don’t need to add any flavors or juices at the end. Their flavors stand on their own, balancing the right levels of sweet and sour that make well-made, traditional kombucha so interesting. They are proud of their commitment to using only whole, organic ingredients with no added nonsense.

Fuze Beverage

Private Equity Round in 2004
Fuze Beverage commercially referred to as simply Fuze is a manufacturer of teas and non-carbonated fruit drinks enriched with vitamins.

Drybar

Venture Round in 2014
Drybar Holdings LLC operates salons that provide hair blowout services in the United States. The company also provides its services on private parties to girls and teenagers. In addition, it sells hair products, styling tools, travel kits, and accessories through its online portal. Drybar Holdings LLC was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Irvine, California. It has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.; and Vancouver, Canada.

4moms

Series B in 2014
4moms develops robotics technology-based products that cater to the prenatal to preschool needs of children. It has introduced robotics technology to the juvenile industry, creating products that meet parents’ real needs. Its team is comprised on over forty engineers, designers, and developers. 4moms has put its products in over 500 stores in 24 countries. It develops and markets products for the 8.9 billion U.S. dollars juvenile products industry. Based in Pittsburgh, P.A.

Essentia

Private Equity Round in 2014
Essentia Water, LLC manufactures, packages, and markets bottled alkaline and electrolyzed water. Essentia Water, LLC was found in 1998 and is based in Bothell, Washington.

Urban Decay

Acquisition in 2009
Urban Decay is beauty with an edge. Feminine, dangerous and fun, it appeals to women who relish their individuality and dare to express it. From Their insane range of velvety Eyeshadows—including the bestselling (and often-copied) Naked Palettes—to Their award-winning eye liners, budge-proof mascaras and legendary Makeup Setting Sprays, we've been shaking up the industry for over 20 years.

Vitamin Research Products

Private Equity Round in 2010
Vitamin Research Products, LLC develops, manufactures, and sells nutritional supplements. It offers accessories, amino acids, antioxidants, botanicals and herbs, energizers, healthy fats and oils, minerals, mood enhancers, multi nutrients, pet products, protein supplements, single vitamins, sleep aids, test kits, and phytonutrients. The company also provides supplements for blood sugar, bone and joint, brain and digestive health, liver support, hair/skin and nails, urinary tract support, vision and sight, weight management, women's health, Xylitol, detoxification, heart health, hormone support, immune system, inflammation, heart and men's health, neuroendocrine support, physical performance, and stress problems. In addition, it sells vitamins, and books and software online. The company was founded in 1979 and is based in Carson City, Nevada. As of 2005, Vitamin Research Products, LLC operates as a subsidiary of Argan, Inc.

Yasso

Private Placement in 2018
Yasso operates as a frozen yogurt brand featuring stick bars. Conceived in 2009 by two kindergarten friends, co-founders Amanda Klane and Drew Harrington set out on a mission to re-imagine ice cream by creating the best tasting, smoothest, and creamiest treat, made with only the best ingredients. Today, the Yasso line features a wide variety of amazingly delicious treats such as malicious Mint Chocolate Chip, incredilicious Chocolate Fudge, and ooey-gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Donald Pliner

Private Equity Round in 2011
Donald J Pliner of Florida, Inc. designs, produces, markets, and sells men’s and women’s footwear and accessories. It provides boots, pumps, sandals, flats, and stretches for women; and oxfords, loafers, drivers/moccasins, and boots for men. The company also offers handbags for men and women. It sells its products through retail stores and online. Donald J Pliner of Florida, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is based in New York, New York. It has store locations in Aventura and Coral Gables, Florida; Houston, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; San Jose, California; and New York, New York.

Hanna Andersson

Private Equity Round in 2004
Hanna Andersson, LLC designs, manufactures, and supplies apparel, swim accessories, and footwear for babies, toddlers, girls, and boys. It offers dresses and skirts, shorts, pants and leggings, pajamas, underwear, tops, swimwear, sweaters, and hoodies and sweatshirts; and hats and hair accessories, tights and socks, belts and jewelry, and toys and gifts. The company also offers slippers and moccasins, shoes, and socks, as well as sleepwear for girls, boys, babies, and adults; backpacks and bags; and bedding products. It sells its products online, as well as through a network stores in the United States. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Hanna Andersson, LLC is a former subsidiary of Kellwood Company, LLC.

Orangetheory Fitness

Private Equity Round in 2018
Orangetheory® Fitness (www.orangetheoryfitness.com) is a science-based, one-of-a-kind, group personal training workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory's heart-rate-monitored workouts are designed to get participants within the target-training zone of 84-to-91 percent of their heart rate, which stimulates metabolism and increases energy. Led by highly skilled coaches, each workout incorporates endurance, strength and power elements through a variety of exercises using treadmills, rowing machines, TRX® suspension training and free weights. The end result is more energy, visible toning and the "Orange Effect" – Orangetheory's afterburn - where participants keep burning calories for up to 36 hours post-workout for an average of 500+ total calories burned. Endorsed by three-time United States Olympian Lolo Jones and Super Bowl Champion Justin Tucker, Orangetheory Fitness recently unveiled its engaging Keep Burning marketing campaign. The company was ranked #415 in Inc. magazine's Inc. 500 ranking of the fastest growing private companies and #255 in Entrepreneur's 2016 Franchise 500® list of the top franchises.

Tatcha

Private Equity Round in 2017
Tatcha LLC manufactures beauty products. The company offers products in various categories, including moisturizers, facial cleansers and cleansing oils, face exfoliators, face serums and treatments, masks, essence and mist solutions, eye care products, sunscreen and lip solutions, primer and makeup essentials, body care products, and blotting papers and tools for normal to dry, normal to oily, dry, and sensitive skins. It offers its products through retailers, as well as online to customers in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in San Francisco, California. As of July 26, 2019, Tatcha LLC operates as a subsidiary of Unilever N.V.

First Aid Beauty

Private Equity Round in 2015
FIRST AID BEAUTY LTD, also known as FAB, manufactures beauty and skincare products. The company offers cleansers and exfoliators, moisturizers, serums and treatment, eye nd lip makeup products, masks, kits; and age delay, dryness, acne prone, dullness and uneven skin tone, under eye puffiness and dark circle, redness, and sun protection products. It serves customers through a network of retailers, as well as online. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Newton, Massachusetts. FIRST AID BEAUTY LTD operates as a subsidiary of The Procter & Gamble Company.

Jeni's Ice Creams

Private Equity Round in 2016
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams offers a variety of ice cream and frozen yoghurts. Its ice cream flavors include brown butter almond brittle, darkest chocolate, intelligentsia black cat espresso, ndali estate vanilla bean, pistachio and honey, root beer, salty caramel. Sun-popped corn, sweet cream, and wildberry lavender. It also offers four types of frozen yoghurts: black currant, lemon buttermilk, mango lassi, and passion fruit. The company was founded in 2002 and is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Thymes

Private Equity Round in 2015
Thymes is focused on the manufacturing and marketing of a range of fragrance products, including perfumes, bath oil, candles, soap, body lotion, cologne, dusting powder, lip care, sink sets, and more. The company also offers gift sets and sample beauty bags. Thymes facilitates an online platform that enables its users to find information and buy its products. It also provides its customers with shipping services. Thymes was founded in 1982 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Simms Fishing Products

Private Equity Round in 2017
Simms manufactures wader to keep customers dry, comfortable, and protected from the elements in any fishing conditions. The company was the brainchild of visionary angler John Simms who saw a need to develop better waders and accessories than what was then available on the market. Simms Fishing Products was developed in 1980. During that time, Simms was one of the first companies worldwide to introduce neoprene waders, which provided enhanced warmth and waterproofing gear for serious anglers pushing the limits of their fishing pursuits.

Yasso

Private Equity Round in 2018
Yasso operates as a frozen yogurt brand featuring stick bars. Conceived in 2009 by two kindergarten friends, co-founders Amanda Klane and Drew Harrington set out on a mission to re-imagine ice cream by creating the best tasting, smoothest, and creamiest treat, made with only the best ingredients. Today, the Yasso line features a wide variety of amazingly delicious treats such as malicious Mint Chocolate Chip, incredilicious Chocolate Fudge, and ooey-gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

The Townshend Group

Private Placement in 2018
The Townshend Group, through its subsidiaries, produces and retails tea. The company also produces craft spirits. The company was founded in 2006 and is based in the United States.

CURiO

Merger/Acquisition in 2015
CURiO manufactures and sells personal care and home fragrance products. It offers bath and body products that include bath oils, bar soaps, bath salts, body creams, body lotions, body scrubs, body wash products, bubble bath products, dusting powders, hand creams, hand lotions, hand wash products, sink sets, cologne and perfumes, gift sets, lip care products, and rollerballs. The company also provides home fragrances that include candles, home care products, home decors, home fragrance mists, potpourri, all-purpose cleaners, reed diffusers, refresher oils, and dishwashing liquids. Its products are sold online; and through specialty stores across the United States and Canada, and in certain international markets. CURiO was formerly known as Thymes, LLC ad changed its name to CURiO on August 18, 2016. The company was founded in 1982 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.