Genesis Park extends its private investment platform with launch of GP Capital Partners II, LP Fund, providing flexible capital solutions for growing lower middle market companies
Genesis Park announced today the close of GP Capital Partners II, LP, a new $300 million fund structured as a Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”). The new fund was oversubscribed and will provide flexible capital solutions to facilitate growth, recapitalizations, and acquisitions of privately held and sponsor-backed, lower middle market businesses.
The initial Genesis Park SBIC fund was launched in September 2021 and has invested more than $250 million in eighteen portfolio companies since inception. The founders, Curtis Hartman, Gina Luna, and Paul Hobby, have decades of experience investing in, and lending to, lower middle market companies.
The new Fund received its SBIC license from the U.S. Small Business Administration in December 2024, and will make both debt and equity investments across diversified industries. Specific markets where the team has proven experience include business services, industrial services, residential services, manufacturing, distribution, and certain construction-related sectors. The Genesis Park investment team sources opportunities through extensive personal networks, deep roots in the business community, and relationships with other investors and referral sources.
“The types of companies we support are the backbone of our economy. They are poised for growth and benefit from a partner, like Genesis Park,” said Curtis Hartman, Principal of the Fund. “While small businesses disproportionally drive economic growth and employment, they are underserved by traditional banks and other capital providers. We can support them in many ways to accelerate their success.”
Houston, Dallas, and Austin are ranked among the top U.S. cities for middle market firms, with a healthy cohort of startups scaling quickly to join the middle market. Despite the size and strength of the Texas market, there are relatively few non-bank, non-energy focused, lower middle market capital providers.
Beyond providing capital, the Genesis Park investment team brings significant experience across private equity, private credit, banking, advisory services, and as operating company executives. Genesis Park’s track record of constructive, value-added partnerships with owners, management teams, and other investors is a differentiator.
“The capital we invest is important, but the value we bring beyond capital is often the difference.” said Fund Principal, Gina Luna. “Working closely with owners and management teams to accelerate growth and build value in their companies is rewarding and impactful. That’s what we have all done for most of our careers. We know that if our partners are successful, we are successful, and that drives us every day.”
Genesis Park anticipates making 20 to 25 investments over the life of the Fund with a typical investment size ranging from $10 million to $30 million. The Fund generally targets established companies with at least $10 million of revenue and $3-15 million in EBITDA that have both proven business models and seasoned management teams.
The investment team works closely with owners and management teams to customize flexible capital structures that address particular needs or events, such as significant growth, ownership transitions, family generational transfers, management buyouts, acquisitions, or debt refinancings. Bespoke capital solutions can include a mix of senior secured debt, second lien and subordinated debt, and preferred or common equity. In the case of equity investments, the Fund generally expects to take a minority position, leaving owner-operators in control of their companies, or partnering with other equity investors in a change of control.
For more information about Genesis Park, visit www.genesis-park.com or email partnerships@genesis-park.com.
About Genesis Park
Genesis Park is a 25-year-old Houston-based private investment platform operating both debt and equity strategies over time. The firm is currently investing out of two Small Business Investment Companies (“SBIC”) with $575 million in capital commitments, providing flexible debt and equity capital solutions to privately held companies. Genesis Park supports emerging teams, established enterprises, family/founder-owned businesses, and private equity sponsor-backed companies across diversified industries. The firm generally invests in companies with at least $10 million of revenue and $3-15 million of EBITDA, with proven business models and experienced management teams. Founded and managed by three, well-seasoned investment professionals, Genesis Park is committed to partnering with the companies and management teams in which it invests to facilitate growth, transition, and success. For more information, visit www.genesis-park.com
About the Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) Program
The Small Business Investment Company Program, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), is a multi-billion dollar investment program created by Congress in 1958 to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs’ and small businesses’ need for capital and traditional sources of financing.
The SBIC Program supports small businesses and job growth, having facilitated over $130 billion in funding to more than 194,000 small businesses. Qualified fund managers that successfully complete the SBIC Program’s application process are granted a license to operate as an SBIC and must invest in eligible “small businesses,” as defined by SBA regulations.
