Difference
The Bootstrap Difference
> We are experienced, successful business leaders who have successfully bootstrapped our own companies through the early development and growth stages. We have repeatedly driven exceptional growth and value creation in the companies we have run and ultimately sold. While many private equity firms offer support to a fulsome portfolio of companies through their positions on their boards of directors, we actually step into the most senior leadership positions. We really do brew the coffee and turn on the lights.
“My experience working with the Bootstrap partners has always been positive and productive for my clients because of their highly informed and precise insights and analysis. I highly regard Bootstrap’s principals and partners for their willingness to give of their time to add value to any client meeting.” – Rita W. Garry, SmithAmundsen
This approach makes us ideally suited for situations where owners are either looking to retire or are willing to relinquish control in exchange for the leadership needed to unleash their companies’ full potential.
Additionally, because we invest our own capital, we have a long-term investment horizon and can focus on building businesses from the foundation on up. This luxury makes us exceptional stewards of the companies that the former owners in many cases founded and built from scratch.
| Bootstrap Capital | Typical Private Equity | |
| Holding Period | Indefinite | Constrained by fund termination date |
| Capital Sources | Our own capital | Third-party limited partners |
| Portfolio Companies | Small, bootstrapping companies | Minimum EBITDA above $5 million |
| Capabilities | Successful entrepreneurs | Financial engineers |
| Roles | Day-to-day leadership | Member of Board of Directors |