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Carrick Capital Partners is a growth-stage private equity firm founded in 2012, with headquarters in San Francisco, California, and an additional office in Newport Beach. The firm focuses on investing in software, SaaS, transaction processing, and technology-enabled services organizations. Carrick employs a thesis-driven origination strategy, identifying businesses that demonstrate a 'Value Edge' in capitalizing on market opportunities.
As of now, Carrick Capital Partners manages a portfolio of 25 companies and has raised a total of 12 funds throughout its history. The firm typically invests between $20 million and $100 million in companies that are current or near profitability, with a growth addressable market exceeding $1 billion. Their operational support model is designed to help portfolio companies achieve their strategic goals.
Carrick Capital Partners invests primarily in the software and technology-enabled services sectors, with a specific emphasis on SaaS, fintech, healthcare, AI, and cybersecurity. The firm targets companies with revenues ranging from $20 million to $100 million, aiming for those that are either currently profitable or nearing profitability. Carrick seeks to invest in transformational sectors that have significant market opportunities, particularly those with an addressable market exceeding $1 billion.
The firm employs a thesis-driven investment strategy, focusing on operational support alongside capital investment. This approach allows Carrick to partner with businesses that not only require financial backing but also benefit from strategic guidance and operational expertise. The firm’s investment philosophy is centered on identifying companies that can leverage their unique strengths to achieve sustainable growth.
Carrick Capital Partners has built a diverse portfolio of 25 companies, primarily in the software and technology-enabled services sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Jim Madden: Co-CEO & Co-Chair Investment Committee. Jim co-founded Carrick Capital Partners and oversees the sourcing and growth of software and technology-enabled businesses. He has extensive experience in private equity and operational management.
Marc McMorris: Co-CEO & Co-Chair Investment Committee. Marc is a co-founder of the firm and plays a key role in investment strategy and portfolio management.
Suzanne Passalacqua: Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. Suzanne manages the firm's financial operations and has a strong background in finance and investment management.
Steve Unterberger: Managing Director. Steve brings significant experience in technology investments and operational support.
Chris Wenner: Managing Director. Chris focuses on sourcing and managing investments in the software sector.
Rob Delaney: Managing Director. Rob has a background in operational management and strategic growth initiatives.
Ivan Whittey: Managing Director. Ivan specializes in technology-enabled services and software investments.
Aaron Symanski: Operating Partner. Aaron provides operational expertise to portfolio companies, helping them scale effectively.
Phil Bussey: Senior Vice President & Chief ESG Officer. Phil oversees the firm's environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
Tyler Pensa: Director. Tyler focuses on investment analysis and portfolio management.
To pitch to Carrick Capital Partners, startups should use the contact form available on their website at carrickcapitalpartners.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, financial projections, and team background. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
On October 8, 2025, Carrick Capital Partners led a $31.5 million private equity round for Veritas Prime, a company providing managed payroll services and technology solutions for the SAP suite. The firm also participated in a $75 million Series B round for Bishop Fox, which specializes in offensive security.
Additionally, Carrick was involved in a $700 million Series B round for Saviynt, alongside KKR, Sixth Street Growth, and TenEleven. Recent investments also include OnPay, a payroll SaaS provider, and a majority investment in Intelligo, which focuses on pre-investment background checks and continuous subject monitoring.
What are Carrick Capital Partners' investment criteria?
Carrick Capital Partners invests in growth-stage companies within the software and technology-enabled services sectors. They target businesses with revenues between $20 million and $100 million, focusing on those that are current or near profitability and have a growth addressable market exceeding $1 billion.
How can startups apply or pitch to Carrick Capital Partners?
Startups can pitch to Carrick Capital Partners through their website at carrickcapitalpartners.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan, financial projections, and information about the team and market opportunity in the pitch deck.
What makes Carrick Capital Partners different from other investors?
Carrick Capital Partners emphasizes operational support in addition to capital investment. Their team has extensive experience in the software and technology sectors, allowing them to provide strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Carrick Capital Partners' investments?
The firm primarily focuses on investments within the United States, targeting companies that operate in transformational sectors of the economy.
What is the typical check size for investments made by Carrick Capital Partners?
Carrick Capital Partners typically invests between $20 million and $100 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the specific needs and growth potential of each business.
What is Carrick Capital Partners' post-investment involvement like?
The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing operational support and strategic guidance to help them achieve their growth objectives. This involvement often includes board representation and ongoing collaboration.
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