CQL Capital

CQL Capital (pronounced "Sequel") is a Manhattan Beach, CA-based lower middle market private equity investment firm. We invest with an emphasis on people — owners, founders, families, management teams, and capital partners — recognizing that a shared vision is the foundation of an enduring trusted relationship. For us, CQL represents a sequel in our professional lives, and we’re mindful that when owners choose to work with us, they’re writing a meaningful sequel in theirs. We focus on direct equity investments in family- and founder-owned businesses that are seeking to partner with a financial sponsor for the first time. CQL and its principals are entrepreneurs themselves, drawing on over 85 years of combined investing and operating experience in large financial and institutional settings. Our flexible investment philosophy allows us to thoughtfully structure each opportunity, embrace what business owners have built, and enhance it by providing the capital, strategic insight, and operational resources required to drive future growth and value creation. Our principals bring a wealth of experience across a number of industries, geographies, and market conditions, the full benefit of which accrues to our portfolio companies and partners. Investment Criteria ▪ $5M-$30M EBITDA ▪ $30M-$200M Enterprise Value ▪ US- or Canada-based ▪ Generational Family Owned ▪ Entrepreneur & Founder-Owned ▪ 1st Institutional Capital ▪ Private Capital