Dutchess Capital

Dutchess Capital is a private equity investment and corporate advisory firm founded in 1996, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since its inception, it has made over 400 investments globally, providing capital to start-up, pre-IPO, and publicly traded companies, including those in the legalized cannabis industry. The firm also provides strategic and corporate advisory services, helping private equity firms, family offices, and public companies stabilize underperforming investments, strengthen financial visibility, and prepare for successful exits, capital raises, or restructurings. Its sector focus spans business services (B2B), financial services, fintech, and cannabis, with recent activity including participation in Chowbus's Series E round in February 2026, alongside investors like Avidbank Holdings, Celtic House Asia Partners, and Prysm Capital. The firm typically invests at later stages (Series C and beyond). Dutchess typically invests $5M–$10M per deal, with roughly $1 billion in assets under management. Its investment approach centers on structured financing and PIPE (private investment in public equity) transactions, building long-term strategic partnerships with portfolio companies that often return to Dutchess for future capital needs.