Sterling Partners

Sterling Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Baltimore, Delhi, Hong Kong, and Mexico. The firm specializes in early venture and buyout investments, primarily targeting growth-stage, small to middle-market private companies across various sectors. These sectors include outsourced business services, industrial services, logistics, healthcare, technology, and education, with a particular focus on partnership models in the higher education market. Sterling Partners typically invests between $2 million and $500 million in companies with enterprise values ranging from $20 million to $150 million, focusing on those with the potential for organic or acquisition-driven growth. The firm manages nearly $4 billion in capital and seeks both controlling and non-controlling interests in its portfolio companies, often serving as the first institutional investor. Its operationally-focused strategy is supported by a team of industry veterans and experts dedicated to driving value for their investments.

Courtney Altman

Vice President

Alex Amedeo

Associate

Nishaad Balachandran

Senior Associate

Douglas L. Becker

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Renee Berghoff

Director

Sean Bisceglia

Operating Partner of Education Opportunity Fund

Jim Boyce

VP of Information Technology

Michael Brown

Vice President

Logan Derck

Director and Associate Director

Ishan Dey

Associate

Shawn Domanic

VP

Jeffrey Elburn

Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

Rick Elfman

Managing Director

Avi Epstein

Managing Director, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Chief Operating Officer

David Feinberg

VP

Michael Gershenzon

Vice President

R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric

Co-Founder & Senior Managing Director

Jeffrey J. Keith

Operating Partner

Whitney Krutulis

Vice President of Investor Relations

Sam Leibovitz

VP

Alan Macksey

Managing Director

Zachary Ozog

Associate

Patrick Quay

Investment Associate

Jason Rosenberg

Vice President

Scott Schelle

Principal

Ryan Schultz

Investment Associate

Steven Taslitz

Co-Founder and Chairman

Shoshana Vernick

Managing Director of Education Opportunity Fund

Matthew Warren

VP

Todd A. Wilson

Principal and Operations Partner

Eugene Yeh

VP

33 past transactions

Stella

Venture Round in 2023
The Stella Center provides relief from symptoms of trauma through a procedure, Stellate Ganglion Block, which interacts with the sympathetic nervous system to help restore normal psychological function and address the biological symptoms associated with trauma. The treatment can help support the brain’s natural fight or flight response. Reported effective by research publications, this procedure can lead to a restored sense of safety and calm for many patients and has been shown to improve responsiveness to traditional resources like psychotherapy and medication.

Champ

Series B in 2022
CHAMPtitles, LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in online car titling services. The company offers the BELTED System, a marketplace that connects various stakeholders in vehicle transactions, allowing them to electronically verify their interests. By utilizing secure, patent-pending technology, CHAMPtitles replaces outdated systems for managing automobile titles in the United States. This innovation helps streamline the title issuance process, transforming it from a cumbersome administrative task into a more efficient and cost-effective operation for all parties involved in the title ecosystem.

Cerebro Capital

Seed Round in 2020
Cerebro Capital, Inc. is a technology company that provides a web-based portal tailored for middle-market companies seeking to access credit facilities for various purposes, including operations, growth, and acquisitions. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the company aggregates data from over 80 lenders and employs analytics to facilitate optimal financing matches for its users. Its platform features user-friendly graphical interfaces that enhance data interpretation, allowing financial teams to effectively analyze and manage their corporate credit options. By focusing on security and industry expertise, Cerebro Capital aims to streamline the connection between middle-market businesses and commercial lenders, ultimately transforming the corporate borrowing landscape.

Reading Plus

Private Equity Round in 2019
Reading Plus, LLC is an education company based in Winooski, Vermont, that specializes in silent reading intervention services. Founded in 1930, the company designs and produces reading assessments and develops software and hardware that integrate comprehension, vocabulary, motivation, and reading efficiency into a cohesive program. Reading Plus aims to enhance reading skills and foster a love for reading among students, providing tools that support educators in improving literacy outcomes.

Big Blue Marble Academy

Private Equity Round in 2018
Big Blue Marble Academy, LLC offers childcare education services. It provides curriculum of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education with a second language enrichment that gives all ages exposure to another language for global learning. The company also offers programs, such as cultural awareness, character development, Spanish immersion preschool, after school programs, and summer camps according to ages. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Gilbert, South Carolina.

Fancy Sprinkles

Series A in 2018
Fancy Sprinkles LLC is a woman-owned company based in Burbank, California, that specializes in manufacturing and marketing a variety of confectionery sprinkles. Founded in 2016 by Lisa Stelly Osbourne, the company offers an extensive range of products, including deluxe sprinkles, metallics, crunchy jimmies, sugar shapes, vegan options, and round sprinkles. As a direct-to-consumer business primarily operating online, Fancy Sprinkles is dedicated to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service while fostering a strong connection with its clientele. Through its e-commerce platform, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the confectionery industry.

Traffic Solutions Corporation

Private Equity Round in 2018
Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Traffic Solutions Corporation (“TSC”) is one of largest providers of traffic control products and services with 18 locations in California, Hawaii, and Nevada. The company offers a diverse array of traffic control solutions, including job-site work, product sales, equipment rental, sign manufacturing, and installation for customers. TSC’s scale, broad capabilities, professionally trained staff, and strong product distribution capabilities significantly differentiate the company from the competition.

Cerebro Capital

Seed Round in 2018
Cerebro Capital, Inc. is a technology company that provides a web-based portal tailored for middle-market companies seeking to access credit facilities for various purposes, including operations, growth, and acquisitions. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the company aggregates data from over 80 lenders and employs analytics to facilitate optimal financing matches for its users. Its platform features user-friendly graphical interfaces that enhance data interpretation, allowing financial teams to effectively analyze and manage their corporate credit options. By focusing on security and industry expertise, Cerebro Capital aims to streamline the connection between middle-market businesses and commercial lenders, ultimately transforming the corporate borrowing landscape.

UPshow

Angel Round in 2017
UPshow, Inc. develops a digital signage and social TV software platform that transforms the TVs at businesses into customized marketing and entertainment screens. It allows patrons to display their social media posts instantly on TVs within a venue to feature new products, promotions, events, trivia, and interactive games. The company serves bars, restaurants, retail, automotive, entertainment, fitness, and healthcare industries. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology

Private Equity Round in 2017
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology, P.C., established in 1982 and located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a comprehensive range of eye care services throughout West Michigan. The organization employs twelve ophthalmologists and eighteen optometrists, providing convenient access to specialists for patients of all ages. Their services include ophthalmology, optometry, cataract surgery, laser vision correction, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma treatment, and pediatric eye care, among others. Grand Rapids Ophthalmology is committed to delivering high-quality, state-of-the-art eye care while adhering to the highest ethical standards. The practice participates in various vision and medical insurance plans, ensuring that patients can receive the care they need. Through a focus on professional excellence and patient satisfaction, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology aims to create an outstanding experience for both patients and staff.

Amerigo Education

Venture Round in 2017
Amerigo Education, LLC is dedicated to supporting international students at American preparatory schools located in Chicago, Illinois, and Lexington, Kentucky. Founded in 2016, the company offers a holistic approach that focuses on the academic and personal growth of its students. Amerigo provides a nurturing boarding environment, supplemental academic support, and English language development, all tailored to enhance the educational experience. The organization emphasizes successful college outcomes, equipping students with the necessary skills and values to thrive in high school and beyond. Through its comprehensive services, Amerigo aims to help international students navigate the challenges of adapting to the American educational system and achieve their academic goals.

Panopto

Private Equity Round in 2016
Panopto helps businesses and universities create searchable video libraries of their institutional knowledge. Since 2007, the company has been a pioneer in video capture software, video content management systems, and inside-video search technology. Today, Panopto’s video platform is the largest repository of expert learning videos in the world. Headquartered in Seattle with offices in Pittsburgh, London, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Sydney, Panopto has received industry recognition for its innovation, rapid growth, and company culture.

DBi Services

Venture Round in 2016
DBi Services, LLC, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, specializes in infrastructure maintenance and management across North America and Europe. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, utilities, private industries, railways, and retailers. Its comprehensive service offerings include asset management, graffiti removal, grounds maintenance, stormwater management, vegetation management, and various roadway services. DBi is also involved in bridge inspections, repairs, and maintenance, as well as advanced technological services such as GIS application development and hydrographic mapping. With a fleet of over 2,500 specialized vehicles and more than 60 locations worldwide, DBi Services is recognized as a leader in transportation infrastructure operations and maintenance.

Hoffman Southwest

Acquisition in 2015
Hoffman Southwest Corp. (HSW) is a leading provider of water flow solutions services. Its Professional Pipe Services (Pro-Pipe) division is a leader in underground pipeline condition assessment and repair, providing state-of-the-art closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection services, including video inspection, underground mapping, cleaning and rehabilitating sewage pipelines for municipalities, contractors, engineers, government agencies, facility owners, homeowners and natural gas providers in the western United States.

Results Physiotherapy

Private Equity Round in 2014
Results Physiotherapy is an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy company dedicated to providing high-quality treatment for a wide range of conditions. With a growing presence in cities such as Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Louisville, Raleigh, Huntsville, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities, the organization specializes in hands-on therapy for various issues, including post-surgical recovery, neck and back pain, sports injuries, and work-related injuries. Additionally, Results Physiotherapy addresses conditions like arthritis, headaches, pelvic pain, and incontinence, as well as specific injuries related to the head, neck, shoulders, elbows, lower back, hips, knees, and feet. Their comprehensive approach also includes care for common ailments such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and other related injuries, ensuring a thorough treatment experience for both adult and pediatric patients.

SAVO

Venture Round in 2014
Founded in 1999, SAVO is a provider of on-demand, collaborative Sales Enablement solutions. Whether you have 10 sales reps or 10,000, SAVO plugs your sales reps into the collective genius of your entire organization by connecting them to the best resources, insights and expertise so that they never sell alone. By leveraging key Web 2.0 concepts, SAVO: - Pushes the best content, resources, and information at the right time; - Empowers anyone across the organization to contribute content, insights, and feedback, regardless of role; - Allows reps to rate the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of content through star ratings, comments, and usage statistics; - Makes it easy to customize content to maximize the impact, without compromising your brand. SAVO has been developed and refined through long-standing relationships with companies such as Morgan Stanley, CareerBuilder.com, Acxiom, AutoTrader.com, AmerisourceBergen, Citigroup, ADP, SPSS, and FedEx Kinkos. The combination of real-world client experience, an innovative consulting approach and award-winning technology uniquely positions SAVO to deliver practical solutions to enable the entire sales organization.

SecureNet Payment Systems

Private Equity Round in 2012
SecureNet is streamlining the way businesses accept payments in-store, online and via mobile device. It is the first processor to implement a single stack of APIs for all types of transactions, in all development languages, across all channels. This means shorter integration times and a simpler certification process. The platform is backed by detailed analytics that help companies make informed decisions to grow their business, and security features that rank among the highest by the Payments Card Industry. SecureNet’s unique direct connection to card networks makes pricing the most transparent and straightforward in the industry. By choosing SecureNet to process payments and provide industry-leading technology and useful consumer data, businesses are not only getting paid, but getting smart.

School of Rock

Venture Round in 2012
School of Rock, LLC is a company that owns, operates, and franchises a chain of schools dedicated to performance-based music education for children and teenagers. Founded in 1998 and based in El Segundo, California, the school offers lessons in various instruments, including guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, and drums. Its unique curriculum combines weekly private instruction with group band rehearsals, preparing students to perform live in authentic concert settings. Additionally, the All Star program provides students with opportunities to perform on stage around the world, enriching their experience and knowledge of live performance. Through its innovative approach, School of Rock supports aspiring musicians in developing their skills and pursuing careers in the music industry.

First Choice Emergency Room

Private Equity Round in 2011
First Choice Emergency Room represents an entirely new concept in the delivery of emergency medical services. First Choice Emergency Room is a free-standing, fully equipped emergency room. All of their physicians are board certified, emergency medicine physicians and their nurses are registered nurses with emergency room training. They are prepared to manage all adult and pediatric major and minor emergencies.

School of Rock

Venture Round in 2011
School of Rock, LLC is a company that owns, operates, and franchises a chain of schools dedicated to performance-based music education for children and teenagers. Founded in 1998 and based in El Segundo, California, the school offers lessons in various instruments, including guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, and drums. Its unique curriculum combines weekly private instruction with group band rehearsals, preparing students to perform live in authentic concert settings. Additionally, the All Star program provides students with opportunities to perform on stage around the world, enriching their experience and knowledge of live performance. Through its innovative approach, School of Rock supports aspiring musicians in developing their skills and pursuing careers in the music industry.

IO.com

Private Equity Round in 2011
IO, the leading provider of next-generation modular data center technology and services designs, engineers and delivers data center infrastructure for the world's largest enterprises, governments and service providers.

IO.com

Private Equity Round in 2008
IO, the leading provider of next-generation modular data center technology and services designs, engineers and delivers data center infrastructure for the world's largest enterprises, governments and service providers.

Avectra

Series A in 2007
Avectra, Inc. provides on demand membership management software solutions. The company’s products include netFORUM Enterprise, which is designed to manage tasks, including processing and maintaining member profiles, information, communications, and transactions for its members; and netFORUM Team and Pro Editions that provides the tools, which enable to identify, secure, and build members for life to the small and mid-sized organizations. It also provides consulting services; implementation, training, and development services; designs and implements Web sites; and ASP hosting services. Avectra, Inc. was formerly known as ABLAZE Business Systems, Inc. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia with additional offices in Los Angeles and Chicago.

SAVO

Series A in 2005
Founded in 1999, SAVO is a provider of on-demand, collaborative Sales Enablement solutions. Whether you have 10 sales reps or 10,000, SAVO plugs your sales reps into the collective genius of your entire organization by connecting them to the best resources, insights and expertise so that they never sell alone. By leveraging key Web 2.0 concepts, SAVO: - Pushes the best content, resources, and information at the right time; - Empowers anyone across the organization to contribute content, insights, and feedback, regardless of role; - Allows reps to rate the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of content through star ratings, comments, and usage statistics; - Makes it easy to customize content to maximize the impact, without compromising your brand. SAVO has been developed and refined through long-standing relationships with companies such as Morgan Stanley, CareerBuilder.com, Acxiom, AutoTrader.com, AmerisourceBergen, Citigroup, ADP, SPSS, and FedEx Kinkos. The combination of real-world client experience, an innovative consulting approach and award-winning technology uniquely positions SAVO to deliver practical solutions to enable the entire sales organization.

Centerre Healthcare

Venture Round in 2005
Centerre Healthcare Corporation, founded in 2002 and based in Brentwood, Tennessee, operates rehabilitation hospitals that focus on comprehensive care for patients recovering from various conditions. The organization offers specialized inpatient rehabilitation services for individuals dealing with strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, traumatic injuries, and orthopedic issues such as hip and knee replacements. Centerre Healthcare is dedicated to addressing the medical, psychological, social, and functional needs of its patients, aiming to support their independence and enhance their quality of life following injury or illness.

Cortera

Series B in 2004
Cortera is a provider of comprehensive business-to-business payment and purchase behavior data and insights on public and private companies. The company tracks $1.6 trillion in business-to-business purchases across 45 spend categories to deliver insights on 20 million U.S. business locations. Cortera's solutions enable companies of all sizes to better understand their customers, suppliers and business partners by gaining visibility into what they purchase, how they pay and how their purchase and payment behavior changes over time. Thousands of companies across diverse industries use Cortera solutions to increase revenue, improve sales and marketing effectiveness, and reduce risk. Cortera is privately held with offices in Boca Raton, Florida; Boston and Quincy, Massachusetts and Bangalore, India.

Florida Coastal School of Law

Acquisition in 2004
Florida Coastal School of Law is a school.

AnAerobics

Series A in 2002
AnAerobics, a Rochester, N.Y.-based developer of anaerobic wastewater treatment systems.

Telenisus

Series C in 2001
Telenisus is a technology firm that provides e-commerce internet solutions to its clients. It was founded in 1999 and is based in Illinois.

TidePoint

Series A in 2000
A provider of business partner infrastructure solutions
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