Office address: 1225 17th St #2575, Denver, CO 80202
Website: www.mountaingate.com
Year established: 2016
Company type: private equity investment firm
Employees: 25
Expertise: investment management, marketing, business services, specialty distribution, specialty manufacturing, technology, healthcare services, financial services, education, energy, retail, consumer products, industrial services, media, logistics
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Bruce Rogers, Stew Fisher, and Bennett Thompson (founding partners); Sue Cho and Trent Sisson (managing directors); Brandon Hall (principal); Amanda Calendar (CFO); Sarah Rickenbacker and Timothy Wang (VPs)
Financing status: N/A
Mountaingate Capital, headquartered in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain regions, is a private equity firm focused on partnering with founders to drive growth and create industry leaders. They manage $900 million of capital under management, working with 50 entrepreneurial companies across marketing services, business services, specialty distribution, and manufacturing sectors. With over 25 employees, Mountaingate targets companies with $5 million to $25 million EBITDA and has completed over 115 acquisitions, emphasizing a customer-centric, buy-and-build approach.
Mountaingate Capital was co-founded in 2016 by Bruce Rogers, Stew Fisher, Bennett Thompson, and Colton King as a branch of KRG Capital Partners. Their team, with decades of experience in buy-and-build strategies, transitioned from KRG to launch Mountaingate as an independent entity. In 2017, they surpassed funding expectations by closing their debut fund at $395 million, backed by institutions like universities and family offices.
Their second fund closed in 2021 at $476 million. It saw success with investments such as The Mars Agency, a major player in commerce marketing. In 2023, the firm made its 12th platform investment in WTWH Media, a leading B2B media company. In 2024, the organization sold its stake in Mars United Commerce to Publicis Groupe, marking another notable exit.
Mountaingate Capital offers a range of services aimed at helping companies achieve significant growth:
Mountaingate Capital’s services prioritize collaborative growth. Its 100% founder reinvestment rate highlights the firm’s strong alignment with its partners, creating value for clients and stakeholders.
Mountaingate Capital fosters a work culture rooted in transparency, accountability, and collaboration. It prioritizes shared success, providing founders with essential resources while honoring each company’s unique culture. With a focus on servant leadership, the company seeks partners who share their values.
The firm seeks mutual success in both its investments and community efforts. The team works to create meaningful results for portfolio companies and local communities, with a strong commitment to giving back. Employees dedicate time and skills to charitable causes, inspiring similar efforts among portfolio companies through key initiatives such as:
Mountaingate Capital builds relationships with founders around three core pillars—culture, strategy, and economics—leading to six years on Inc.’s top founder-friendly list.
Bruce Rogers, a founding partner, serves on the investment committee and co-founded KRG Capital Partners. Previously, he was a partner with Hogan & Lovells LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He holds a law degree from Duke University and a management degree from Stetson University.
Stew Fisher is another founding partner and investment committee member of Mountaingate Capital. Prior to this, he was a CFO at Accellent and GenTek, Inc. Fisher graduated summa cum laude from Lehigh University and earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Bennett Thompson, also a founding partner and investment committee member, has over 15 years of experience in lower middle-market investments. Before this, he worked at Harris Williams & Co. Thompson earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington & Lee University.
Mountaingate Capital's leadership team brings diverse expertise to support strategic growth across its portfolio companies:
In early 2024, Mountaingate Capital supported Damotech’s strategic merger with Mac Rak, forming a leading North American rack safety provider. This partnership strengthens Damotech’s ability to innovate and expand its offerings, enhancing warehouse safety solutions for clients. With Mountaingate’s backing, Damotech is positioned to grow further, solidifying its role as a market leader in rack safety.
Mountaingate Capital recently completed a profitable exit from Mars United Commerce, selling its stake to Publicis Groupe. Since partnering with Mars in 2021, the company helped drive substantial growth, expanding both workforce and market reach. This exit shows the firm’s focus on creating significant value through strategic investments and partnerships that foster growth and innovation.
