Mercato Partners

Mercato Partners is a multi-strategy private equity firm headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, known for its diverse investment approach across various sectors and stages. While the firm operates distinct funds, including the Savory Fund for restaurants, the Alpha Fund for early-stage tech, and the Capstar Fund for debt, its core growth equity arm, Traverse Growth Equity, aligns with its stated focus on high-technology and consumer businesses. Mercato Partners emphasizes partnering with management teams to accelerate growth, leveraging its operational expertise and network.

The Traverse Growth Equity fund targets rapidly growing companies, typically those with established products and significant revenue traction, often exceeding $10 million in annual revenue. Their investment strategy centers on providing capital for expansion, market penetration, product development, and strategic acquisitions. For initial investments, Traverse Growth Equity typically deploys first checks ranging from $10 million to $60 million. This capital is designed to fuel substantial growth initiatives rather than early-stage development.

Mercato Partners seeks out businesses with strong leadership, defensible market positions, and significant potential for scaling. They are active investors, often taking board seats and providing strategic guidance to their portfolio companies. The firm recently closed its Traverse Growth Fund VI at $400 million in 2022, demonstrating continued commitment to its growth equity strategy. With over $1 billion in assets under management across its various funds, Mercato Partners maintains a robust presence in the private equity landscape, supporting companies through various stages of their lifecycle.