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Sounder Partners is a private investment firm based in Dallas, Texas, officially launched on June 30, 2025. Founded by Nick Miner, a former Managing Director at Trive Capital, the firm specializes in partnering with entrepreneurs in mission-critical service businesses. Sounder Partners emphasizes a culture-first approach, prioritizing trust and collaboration in its partnerships. The firm boasts over 200 years of combined operating experience in the commercial and industrial service sectors.
Currently, Sounder Partners manages a portfolio focused on lower middle market investments, targeting companies with strong operational excellence and market leadership. The firm has a team of five key members, including partners and advisors with extensive backgrounds in the service sectors. Their investment strategy includes control deal structures, management buy-outs, and corporate divestitures, with a focus on preserving the legacies of the businesses they invest in.
Sounder Partners aims to build enduring value while supporting organic growth and strategic add-on acquisitions. Their headquarters in Dallas positions them well to access strong deal flow and relationships within the Texas market.
Sounder Partners invests in companies that demonstrate market leadership and operational excellence, particularly in mission-critical products and services. The firm targets businesses with more than $2 million in EBITDA and focuses on control deal structures, management buy-outs, and corporate divestitures. Their investment strategy is characterized by a culture-first approach, emphasizing deep cultural alignment with founders.
The sectors of interest for Sounder Partners include industrial and commercial services, business and professional services, specialty manufacturing, and value-add distribution. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are looking for capital to grow their businesses or who are considering succession planning. They are particularly interested in companies with strong EBITDA performance and more than 10% EBITDA margins, ensuring that their investments align with their operational excellence criteria.
Sounder Partners has launched its first platform company, Uptime Fleet Services, which focuses on national fleet maintenance. Uptime Fleet Services aims to consolidate founder-led fleet maintenance operators under a single brand, maximizing vehicle uptime and reducing operating costs. This platform was officially launched in February 2026 and represents Sounder Partners' commitment to building a strong presence in the fleet maintenance industry.
Uptime Fleet Services provides mobile and in-shop preventive maintenance as well as emergency repair services. The company is actively pursuing acquisitions on the West Coast and expanding into additional U.S. markets. This strategy reflects Sounder Partners' approach to preserving local relationships and service quality during integration, ensuring that the legacy of acquired businesses is maintained.
Nick Miner: Partner. Nick has a background as a Managing Director at Trive Capital, where he focused on lower middle market control investments. His experience provides Sounder Partners with credibility and a strong deal sourcing network.
Andy Woodward: Partner. Andy brings extensive experience in private equity and operational management, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and execution.
Evan Harmon: Vice President. Evan supports the investment team with due diligence and portfolio management, leveraging his background in finance and operations.
Chris Valletta: Operating Partner/Advisor. Chris provides operational insights and strategic guidance to portfolio companies, ensuring alignment with Sounder Partners' culture-first approach.
Phil Miner: Senior Advisor. Phil offers advisory support based on his extensive experience in the service sectors, helping to shape the firm's investment thesis and strategy.
To pitch to Sounder Partners, founders should submit their proposals through the official website at sounderpartners.com. A comprehensive pitch deck is essential, detailing the business model, market opportunity, and financial metrics. The firm values warm introductions but is open to direct submissions as well. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
On June 30, 2025, Sounder Partners officially launched, focusing on building enduring companies in mission-critical service sectors. The firm aims to partner with entrepreneurs and preserve the legacies of the businesses they invest in.
In February 2026, Sounder Partners launched its first platform company, Uptime Fleet Services, which focuses on national fleet maintenance. This initiative marks a significant step in the firm's strategy to consolidate founder-led fleet maintenance operators under a single brand.
What are Sounder Partners' investment criteria?
Sounder Partners focuses on investing in companies with more than $2 million in EBITDA, primarily in mission-critical service sectors. They prefer control deal structures and are interested in management buy-outs and corporate divestitures.
How can I apply or pitch to Sounder Partners?
Founders can reach out through the official website at sounderpartners.com for investment opportunities. A detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and financial performance is recommended.
What makes Sounder Partners different from other investors?
Sounder Partners emphasizes a culture-first approach, prioritizing trust and collaboration with founders. Their extensive operating experience in the commercial and industrial service sectors allows them to provide valuable insights and support.
What is the geographic scope of Sounder Partners' investments?
The firm primarily invests in companies located in the United States and Canada, focusing on sectors that are critical to operational success.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Sounder Partners targets companies with significant EBITDA, indicating a preference for substantial investments that align with their control deal structure strategy.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Sounder Partners provides patient capital and emphasizes deep cultural alignment with founders, supporting organic growth and strategic add-on acquisitions while preserving the quality of service and local relationships.
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