Ironwood has been committed to lower middle market investing for over two decades

We are long-term, patient investors of junior debt and minority equity, facilitating growth while helping businesses successfully navigate the transition from family-owned to private equity-backed.

Investment Criteria

We match the right capital structure to the needs of our portfolio companies to ensure consistent alignment
  • Investment Type Subordinated Debt / Preferred Equity / Common Equity
  • Revenue $ 20 M - $ 250+ M
  • EBITDA $ 4 M - $ 25+ M
  • Investment Size $ 10 M - $ 40 M

Why Partner with Ironwood

These five pillars differentiate Ironwood from other junior capital providers
Longevity Longevity

We bring 20+ years of middle market investing experience to every transaction.

Flexibility Flexibility

We provide junior debt and meaningful equity co-investment, tailored to meet the needs of our partners.

Relationships Relationships

We leverage senior lender relationships to deliver comprehensive debt solutions.

Commitment Commitment

We’ve built a reputation of being a strong partner, in good times and bad.

Efficiency Efficiency

We do what we say we will do and never hold up a closing.

Industry Knowledge

As a generalist investor, Ironwood has broad experience across manufacturing and business services. However, the firm has developed domain expertise and access to value-added operating resources within the following core verticals:
Waste & Environmental Services
Waste & Environmental Services
Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace & Defense
Transportation & Logistics
Transportation & Logistics
Facilities Services
Facilities Services
Business Services
Business Services
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Healthcare

Company Characteristics

As both a debt and equity investor, Ironwood seeks to partner with companies that demonstrate stable cash flow generation, as well as strong prospects for growth

Our portfolio is diversified by geography, industry, end-market, and operating model. However, the following characteristics tend to be universal:

  • Proven management teams with meaningful ownership to ensure clear alignment of interest
  • Stable historical cash flow generation with forward visibility
  • Competitive differentiation resulting in above-average operating margins
  • Industry tailwinds with opportunity for both organic and inorganic growth

The vast majority of Ironwood’s portfolio companies were family-owned prior to our involvement. We take a partnership approach alongside founders and deal sponsors to preserve key cultural attributes while investing in the business to drive an optimal outcome for all stakeholders

Transaction Types

We partner with management teams as well as both funded and independent sponsors in building flexible capital structures to support a wide range of transactions:
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