The 38-year-old firm is known for its investments in growth-stage technology companies in emerging tech hubs of North American markets outside of Silicon Valley and was one of the first software investors in the Mid-Atlantic corridor. More than seventy percent of its portfolio companies reside in markets beyond Silicon Valley and New York City. Cities represented by the firm’s last dozen investments range from Birmingham, AL, Dallas, Houston, Newark, NJ, and Zionsville, IN.
“We’re thrilled to have a physical presence in Nashville and join this community. Economic growth in the Southeast has been tremendous and technology momentum is in the early innings in the region,” said Chris Sugden, managing partner of Edison Partners. “The region brings together a strong business network and nearby universities graduating incredible talent. This is matched with supply chain, logistics and business-friendly policy that supports young companies. All are critical elements in growing the types of companies we partner with, which range from $10M to $50M revenue.”
Edison Partners specializes in high-growth, capital-efficient companies in healthcare IT, financial technology and vertical software sectors, and is deploying its tenth fund. The firm is generally the lead investor, making $10-40M minority and control investments. Its portfolio companies include names like 120Water, CapitalRx, Dash Solutions, Macrofab, MoneyLion, Overhaul, Solutions By Text, Take Command Health, and Zelis.
“As a top tier destination for business and entrepreneurship with notable strengths in both healthcare and fintech, Nashville is a perfect location for Edison’s expansion,” said Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “I welcome Edison to Tennessee and believe our state has the right assets to support both Edison and other private equity firms considering locating and investing in Tennessee’s entrepreneurs and high growth companies.”
The firm’s new location at the Nashville Warehouse Co. is part of Nashville’s Wedgewood Village, owned and managed by vertically integrated real estate investment manager AJ Capital Partners. Wedgewood Village comprises an 18-acre mixed-use campus that collectively represents more than 1.6 million square feet and features high-profile tenants, including Soho House, the Academy of Country Music, and Pastis, among other entertainment and tech giants. Jeremiah Pyron, partner at real estate advisory firm Sagemont, assisted Edison Partners in its search for office space.
Roughly half the firm’s staff will be based in the Nashville office initially, with plans to expand significantly in Nashville going forward.