Rene Casares

Growth Capital Partners LP (GCP) assists middle-market companies with private placements of equity or equity-related capital to fund internal growth and strategic acquisitions. All of the firm's activities are involved in the private equity marketplace. GCP does not divert resources to other activities such as sales and/or trading. The Southwest Mezzanine Fund I LP makes opportunistic investments in companies located in the Southwestern US. The firm invests across a variety of industries but does not invest in start-ups, turnarounds, real estate or oil & gas. Historically, GCP has invested in the energy, manufacturing, distribution, business services/staffing, consumer/retail, technology/software and healthcare. The Fund seeks to invest in companies with annual revenues of at least $15 million and a cash flow margin of at least 10%. GCP seeks to identify companies: (1) with experienced management teams (2) with proven stable cash flows (3) that operate in established industries (4) that possess a growing market share and (5) are unleveraged or low leveraged. Investments range from $2 million to $8 million and are structured as subordinated debt with a 3 to 5-year term, with current interest payable and equity participation for GCP. Coupon rates are 12% to 14%. GCP requires board observation rights. There are no penalties for prepayment and ownership ratchets are offered as incentives for early principal repayment. The Fund's capital is typically used for expansion capital, acquisition financing and recapitalizations.

Functions as a College/University

Provides legal services

Operates a membership organization for retailers

The Texas Retailers Association represents a broad spectrum of retail businesses across the state, from small local shops to national corporations. The non-profit company is based in Dallas, TX. The association advocates for over 320,000 retail establishments and more than 3.5 million jobs by providing legislative and regulatory support, government advocacy, and educational programs. It collaborates with the legislature and state agencies to address industry concerns, including combating organized retail crime through initiatives such as the state task force and legislative investments. Members receive benefits such as monitoring of hearings, legislative updates, conferences, training on retail crime prevention and innovation, and access to industry information and scholarships.

Functions as a College/University

Retails cosmetics and other personal care products

Retails sporting and outdoor goods