Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual, established in 1857 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a financial services mutual organization that specializes in providing a range of insurance and investment products. The company offers life, disability income, and long-term care insurance, as well as annuities and investment advisory services. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience, helping clients plan for various financial needs such as education, retirement, and estate planning. Its investment management services include a diversified portfolio comprising public bonds, private bonds, and other asset classes. The organization manages substantial assets on behalf of its clients through its subsidiaries, which include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.

David Barras

Managing Director, Private Debt and Equity

Michael J. Bay

Managing Director of Private Debt and Private Equity Funds

Michael Carter

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer

Timothy Collins

Managing Director, Private Debt and Equity

Marco Corrao

Principal, Private Debt and Equity

Kaitie Donovan Gannett

Director, Private Debt and Equity

Ronald Joelson

Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Daniel Julka

Managing Director, Private Debt and Equity

Daniel Ketelsleger

Director, Private Debt and Equity

Mark Kishler

Managing Director, Private Debt and Private Equity Funds

Bradley Kunath

Managing Director, Private Debt and Equity

Jeffrey James Lueken

Senior Vice President, Investments

Brain McDonald

Managing Director, Private Debt and Equity

Robert Organ

Director, Private Debt and Equtiy

Randal Ralph

Managing Director, Private Equity Funds

Fred Robertson

Director, Private Debt and Private Equity Funds

John E. Schlifske

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

21 past transactions

ALSF is changing the lives of children with cancer by funding impactful research

Motion Dynamics

Debt Financing in 2022
Motion Dynamics is a manufacturer of wire-based micro-components and sub-assemblies, which are frequently found in micro-catheters, pacemakers and neuromodulation devices. The Company focuses on products that require fine and ultra-fine wire diameters, unique alloy types and shapes, and high precision / tight tolerances. “The Motion Dynamics opportunity is a perfect situation for Vance Street to support a world-class management team that has positioned the Company in attractive, high-growth end markets with a strong focus on providing customers the highest level of design and complex manufacturing services

CrossKudi

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Blockchain-based international money transfer platform.

Mark Labs

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Mark Labs Inc. is a data analytics software company that specializes in providing a platform for nonprofits and their donors to understand and communicate social impact data. Founded in December 2015 and based in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in London, the company enables donors to track, analyze, and report the impact of their grant-making and sustainability initiatives. Nonprofits benefit from the platform by tracking their activities and reporting outcomes to funders. Mark Labs employs artificial intelligence and innovative methodologies to assess the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of investments. By offering actionable insights into ESG risks and opportunities, the company empowers clients to make informed investment decisions and effectively communicate the impact of their portfolios to stakeholders.

Bright Cellars

Series B in 2021
Bright Cellars Inc. operates an online wine subscription service that personalizes wine selections for its members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs a questionnaire and customer feedback to understand individual tastes and preferences. Using a machine-learning algorithm, Bright Cellars generates tailored wine recommendations that are shipped monthly to subscribers, helping them discover and refine their wine palate. The service also includes options for gifting wine, making it accessible for users to share their experience with friends. Bright Cellars aims to educate and inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts through a curated and transformative wine experience.

HUED

Seed Round in 2021
HUED is a platform that diversifies the patient/doctor connection by connecting patients with diverse healthcare providers.

Vestwell

Series C in 2021
Vestwell is a digital retirement platform founded in 2016 and based in New York, New York. The company simplifies the offering and administration of 401(k) plans by addressing common challenges faced by advisors, employers, and employees. Vestwell streamlines the process through seamless plan design, automated onboarding, and efficient administration, while also providing flexible investment strategies at competitive prices. By serving as a single point of contact, Vestwell modernizes retirement offerings, focusing on the best interests of both plan sponsors and participants.

Healogics

Private Equity Round in 2021
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Healogics is the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. Healogics and its affiliated companies manage more than 500 Wound Care Centers:registered: in the nation and see nearly 200,000 patients per year through a connected network of centers, partner hospitals, academic medical centers, patients and families. Leveraging its scale and experience, Healogics utilizes an evidence-based systematic approach to chronic wound healing in treating an underserved and growing patient population.

Socialeads

Series A in 2020
Socialeads, Inc. offers an artificial intelligence based software that enables financial services companies and their advisors to automatically know the size, depth, and value of their professional and personal social media networks. Its platform analyzes social media data using machine learning and data science to find the ideal potential clients in a salesperson’s social media networks. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Paceline

Seed Round in 2020
Paceline is a fitness rewards platform that integrates financial incentives with physical activity, aiming to enhance consumer engagement in the wellness sector. Founded in 2019 and based in San Francisco, the company has developed a retail wellness ecosystem that connects users' health and fitness activities to their credit cards. By doing so, it offers tailored rewards related to brands and purchases that users already make, encouraging individuals to achieve their fitness goals while enjoying financial benefits. Paceline's innovative approach seeks to transform the financial landscape by making it more technology-driven and consumer-focused.

Lumanu

Seed Round in 2019
Lumanu, Inc. is a digital marketing platform that connects companies with brand ambassadors, focusing on the creator economy. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Oakland, California, with an additional office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lumanu offers several solutions to facilitate collaboration between brands and creators. Its SocialCert solution enables influencers to share content and usage rights with marketers, while Content Manager allows for easy ingestion of influencer content. SmartBoost generates advertisements using influencer-created content, enhancing marketing effectiveness. Lumanu streamlines business transactions and payments for creators, ensuring they earn more and receive payments promptly. For businesses, the platform reduces friction in accessing exclusive creator intellectual property and first-party data, ultimately improving return on investment.

Lumanu

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Lumanu, Inc. is a digital marketing platform that connects companies with brand ambassadors, focusing on the creator economy. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Oakland, California, with an additional office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lumanu offers several solutions to facilitate collaboration between brands and creators. Its SocialCert solution enables influencers to share content and usage rights with marketers, while Content Manager allows for easy ingestion of influencer content. SmartBoost generates advertisements using influencer-created content, enhancing marketing effectiveness. Lumanu streamlines business transactions and payments for creators, ensuring they earn more and receive payments promptly. For businesses, the platform reduces friction in accessing exclusive creator intellectual property and first-party data, ultimately improving return on investment.

Alinea Engage

Seed Round in 2018
Alinea Engage LLC developes a software platform which allows outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation providers to engage patients and improve care by using automation. It offers a software that allows medical practices to digitize their intake forms and complete the onboarding process before a patient arrives for the appointment. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Socialeads

Seed Round in 2018
Socialeads, Inc. offers an artificial intelligence based software that enables financial services companies and their advisors to automatically know the size, depth, and value of their professional and personal social media networks. Its platform analyzes social media data using machine learning and data science to find the ideal potential clients in a salesperson’s social media networks. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

ClientWise

Acquisition in 2018
ClientWise LLC is a business and executive coaching and consulting firm focused exclusively on financial professionals. Established in 2006 and based in Mount Kisco, New York, the company provides a range of coaching solutions, including financial advisor coaching, leadership coaching, and group workshops. ClientWise also offers various programs and presentations designed to enhance performance, such as the Business Builders Workshop and the Wholesaler Advocate Program. Additionally, the firm produces research and content tailored to the financial sector, including assessments and benchmarking reports. By delivering customized and action-oriented solutions, ClientWise aims to help clients optimize growth, maximize revenue, and develop industry leaders, thereby raising the standards of service within the financial industry. ClientWise operates as a subsidiary of NM-SAS LLC.

LearnVest

Acquisition in 2015
LearnVest, Inc. is a personal finance and lifestyle platform designed specifically for women, based in New York. Founded in 2007, the company offers a comprehensive website and mobile application that provide educational content, tools, and financial planning services. Users can access information on budgeting, managing student loans, and planning cost-effective gatherings, while also utilizing features to track expenses, build custom budgets, and securely link financial accounts. LearnVest emphasizes interactive and educational resources, including articles, checklists, and financial tools, to empower women in managing their finances. The company operates on a subscription model that includes a setup charge and a monthly fee for access to financial planners, enhancing its commitment to personalized financial education and support. Acquired by Northwestern Mutual, LearnVest continues to focus on delivering relevant financial insights and fostering a collaborative community among its users.

Betterment

Series D in 2015
Betterment LLC is an online financial advisory firm based in New York, offering a range of services designed to optimize investment returns for individuals and businesses. Founded in 2007, the company provides access to diversified portfolios that include stock and bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Its offerings encompass financial planning, retirement accounts such as traditional and Roth IRAs, and tax-efficient strategies like tax loss harvesting. Betterment also features advanced tools like the Two-Way Sweep for cash management. The firm operates through three distinct channels: direct-to-consumer services, Betterment for business aimed at employers, and Betterment for advisors catering to financial professionals. With a management fee of 0.25%, Betterment enables clients to easily manage their portfolios, track activities, and make transactions anytime, anywhere.

Brash Entertainment

Private Equity Round in 2007
Brash Entertainment, established in June 2007, is an entertainment company dedicated to publishing high-quality video games inspired by theatrical releases. By collaborating with top creative talents from Hollywood and innovative independent game development studios, Brash aims to harness the potential of popular films and television shows. The company's experienced production team focuses on creating engaging gaming experiences that align with the narratives and characters of contemporary media franchises.

Financeware

Series B in 2001
Financeware provides probability-analysis technology and marketing strategies for financial advisors and institutions. The big bang of fintech has transformed a universe of segments into a converging connected ecosystem. To compete and win, innovators must create, collaborate and integrate. Agility is expected, but access and advantage now must be earned. Financeware was born of a need to connect winning solution sets to the fast-moving targets, partners and market opportunities playing out across the entire wealthscape. With decades of tech leadership, a deep bench and unrivaled views of the horizon, we’re helping to define and deliver the new seamless and simplified winning wealth experience.

NETdelivery

Series C in 2001
The Boulder, Colo.-based company develops software to allow secure collection, distribution and management of business forms and information over the Internet, as a means to cut the amount of paper and time need to exchange the same information manually.