Ironwood has a proud history of supporting and growing lower middle market businesses

Founded over thirty years ago, Ironwood has grown steadily while adhering to its investment strategy and remaining committed to its core principles of partnership, integrity and transparency.

Active lower middle market investor for more than two decades

Ironwood has invested across multiple industries and through varied economic conditions. The firm's growth and longevity is the direct result of our commitment to taking a partnership approach across all aspects of our business.

Our Investors

Ironwood is proud and appreciative of our broad base of institutional investors, many of whom have partnered with us across multiple funds. These relationships are built upon:
  • Clear alignment of interest
  • Complete transparency
  • Adherence to strategy
  • Best-in-class reporting
  • Active co-investment and cross-referral programs

Our Sponsors

We have developed strong relationships with like-minded committed funds, family offices and independent sponsors, many of whom have chosen to partner with Ironwood on multiple transactions due to our commitment to:
  • Providing flexible capital solutions tailored to the specific transaction
  • Partnering with senior lenders (many of which are LPs) to deliver attractive blended cost of capital and certainty of closing
  • Providing and, when needed, sourcing meaningful equity co-investment to effect a transaction
  • Doing what we say we will do - never re-trading a deal or holding up a closing

Our Portfolio Companies

Having invested in over 100 middle market businesses, Ironwood brings a broad perspective and serves as a value-added partner in the following ways:
  • Sharing best practices across portfolio companies
  • Taking the time to develop an intimate understanding of each business
  • Providing additional capital in a seamless manner to support organic and inorganic growth initiatives
  • Assisting in professionalization of the business to facilitate multiple expansion at exit
  • Never panicking - we stand with our management teams and sponsors through difficult situations

Our History

Founded as middle market investment banking subsidiary of Aetna

1986

Acquire firm from Aetna, rebranded as Ironwood

1991

Fund I:
$83MM

2001 RECESSION

2001

Exit Investment Banking

2002

Fund II:
$172MM

2008 RECESSION

2007

Fund III:
$307MM

2012

Fund IV:
$424MM

COVID-19

2017

Fund V:
$516MM

2022