Capstar Partners

Capstar Partners, LLC is an Austin, Texas-based private investment firm founded in 2000 by radio executive R. Steven Hicks. It participates in small and middle-market buyouts, real estate development, and public investing, spanning early-stage private companies across diverse industries. Beyond capital, Capstar takes an active, hands-on ownership role — including turning around distressed businesses, as with DMX, Inc., which it purchased out of bankruptcy before restructuring and selling it. Its team brings deep operating experience in media, broadcasting, and consumer businesses. Capstar has been the first outside investor in notable brands like Kendra Scott and Certain Affinity, and holds Andrew Harper and Capstar Aviation. Prior exits include CPO Commerce ($42M, 2014), DMX Inc. ($104M, 2012), and Harden Healthcare's home health and hospice business ($408M, 2013), reflecting a strategy of building companies toward profitable, well-timed exits.