It was a remarkably simple concept. We built a firm that we’d want to partner with by removing head scratching obstacles and artificially created barriers to success often found in the investment industry
Courtside Equity Partners (“CEP”) is a Chicago-based investment firm focused on investing across the Business, Consumer and Industrial Services sectors
We are purpose-built for business owners and investors who want an alternative to the traditional private equity model
Our Investment Approach
Laser-focused on Services Sector
With 25 years in the Services sector, we’ve had a “court side” seat to the evolution of hundreds of companies and business models. This experience has enabled us to counsel numerous management teams and navigate multiple industry shifts. We’ve long understood that a great service business is built on ‘People, Process, and Technology,’ always prioritizing ‘People’ first. Every situation we approach reflects our deep appreciation for the dynamics of the services economy.
Partner with Like Minded People
At the core of our philosophy is the belief that ‘Every Interaction Matters.’ This principle guides us as we work towards common goals, foster innovation, and unite diverse skills and backgrounds. Our primary mission is to partner with like-minded owners and management teams to build exceptional companies. We take pride in developing strong relationships and collaborating closely on shaping their futures. We understand that the foundation of great companies is built on great management.
Operate, Not Financially Engineer
Our team brings extensive operating experience from both private and public companies. We understand the challenges you face and are ready to roll up our sleeves, leveraging our expertise to help solve problems and drive growth. But rest assured, we have seen the movie Office Space – we can promise you we don’t have an army of “kids” asking you for TPS reports on a Friday night.
We also provide you with the freedom to operate without the burden of excessive leverage or complex financial engineering. We believe in over-investing in our companies – we like to pour a strong foundation before we pick out the furniture.
Flexibility
Every business has its unique facts and circumstances. We believe in listening carefully, asking insightful questions, understanding motivations, and assessing different viewpoints to determine if we are the right partner for you.
Without the pressure of investing on artificial timelines, we have the flexibility to deploy our capital thoughtfully and intentionally. This allows us to build durable, best-in-class services businesses.
We know that great businesses are built without artificial barriers – we don’t have them.
Our Industry Focus
Commercial Services
Residential Services
Professional Services
Youth Sports Services
Commercial Services
The U.S. has an aging infrastructure problem. The $25 trillion U.S. economy relies on a vast network of infrastructure to keep it afloat. But the systems currently in place, including roads, railways, electrical grids, and internet providers, were built decades ago and are struggling to keep pace. As a result, we believe service providers of repair, maintenance, restoration and new build services will benefit from multi-decade tailwinds.
Residential Services
The market for home improvement services is $475BN. In the next 10 years, 44 million people will turn 30 which is associated with the earlier forms of family formation. 29 million people will turn 80 which is an age group associated with with downsizing, aging in place, in-law suites, and other age associated home improvement and servicing needs. Older housing means failing systems and outdated styles. The average age of a home in the U.S. is 44 years old, 70%+ of all single-family homes were built before 1980.
We believe the residential services market is an incredibly attractive market with undeniable long-term tailwinds. Due to the mission-critical and non-discretionary nature of many home maintenance services, we believe there are numerous areas for attractive investment opportunities.
Professional Services
The rapidly changing landscape of human capital management, explosive data growth, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment have put immense pressure on CHROs, CFOs, and GCs. We believe we are at the beginning of a major wave of outsourcing mission-critical corporate functions. This trend will create significant opportunities at the intersection of human capital and tech-enabled services.
Youth Sports Services
Youth sports participation is experiencing a global upswing and parents, educators, and communities recognize the importance of sports in children’s holistic development. This growing market presents numerous opportunities for businesses involved in leagues / club / event management, sports management software platforms and training products and services.