What we do.
Here at Elevate, we invest in businesses with owners looking to take some money off the table, to retire, or simply to start their next chapter. We work collaboratively to design the right transaction – while ensuring the legacy they've built is preserved.
W can do this because we aren’t backed by traditional private equity or investors looking to cut budgets, replace talent, and flip the business in 7-10 years. We also aren’t “flash in the pan” venture investors looking for growth at any cost. Instead, we are backed by patient, private capital. We are long-term holders and operators of solid, profitable businesses that deliver the critical goods and services necessary for a healthy society.
For Business Owners
If you have built, led, or inherited a business and are looking for capital or a complete exit, we can partner with you to structure a transaction that meets your needs. Our long-term time horizon enables us to think creatively around tax efficient structures and to approach growth in thoughtful ways that won't disrupt business operations or adversely impact employees or customers.
Like you, we consider ourselves business owners rather than purely investors. We understand the grit and hard work that goes into building a business, because we’ve done it ourselves and we partner closely with sellers to craft the solution that fits their needs.
For Investors
Elevate is backed by proprietary capital as well as patient, permanent family capital without a defined liquidity horizon. We have extensive experience working with preeminent global family offices to set up their investment programs and we are careful to select only partners that are values and timeline aligned.
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If you are more focused on multiples than IRRs, on compound growth and cash flows rather than taxable exits, and on elevating the communities that small businesses operate in – we may be a fit for you.
Who we are.
Elevate's owner Liza Truax is a skilled operator, investor, and leader who is passionate about helping individuals and businesses overcome challenges to drive economic development in local communities and beyond.
She is a hands-on operator that believes in steady, profitable growth over the very long-term, rather than short-term financial performance and exit valuation. Liza studied economics at Cornell University where she graduated as a Merrill Presidential Scholar, and she holds an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
What we look for.
01
EBITDA typically between ~$3m-$15m
02
Track record of steady profitable growth
03
Transitioning owner with a team that can execute
04
Clear durable growth opportunities
What people are saying.
Maryann Bell
Partner, Head of Family Business Advisory
Wingspan Legacy Partners
“I have had the pleasure of working side by side with Liza as business partners at Wingspan Legacy Partners. Over the last several years, I have observed her manage and grow our own business with discipline, tenacity, and integrity – at the same time as advising our clients on how to do the same in their own enterprises.”