Founder-focused private investment firm offering an alternative to traditional private equity

Why Partner with 16 South

We offer more than just capital. We are collaborative growth investors grounded in integrity and putting servant leadership principles at the heart of how we build relationships – 16 South is focused on achieving your goals and objectives. Our strategic advisory network, comprised of successful current and former operators, provides mentorship and execution experience helping to navigate the many challenges entrepreneurs encounter. Finally, we use leverage in a prudent manner, ensuring amble liquidity to run the business and capital to invest in growth initiatives. Bottom line – we are committed to your success.

“16 South is more than just a partner. Johnny and the strategic advisory network truly understand our business, advising like a coach while standing with us in the trenches as players. They delivered on their promises and helped elevate our family’s operations.”

Steve Lane, Founder of Pool Service Unlimited

Investment Focus

Business Models

  • We prioritize business model attributes over industry classification.
  • Successful business models have elements that are portable across sectors; this creates ample shared learning within our portfolio and prior experience.
  • Our approach is focused on “how” the business is executed, identifies areas crucial to scaling and resources them with talent and capital.
“The approach at 16 South is simple: no assumptions. They focused on distilling the business into actionable components, refining each, lifting the entire company’s execution.”

Michael Gillen, Former CEO of NCS

  • Field Services

    Technician-led, distributed workforces serving B2B/B2C customers.

  • Value-Added Distribution

    Moving goods through supply chains combined with a service element such as light assembly, kitting, and/or technical selling. Preference for distributors supporting field services.

  • Multi-Unit Consumer Services

    Subscription-like services outside the home, including auto aftermarket (i.e. car wash and/or collision) and wellness (i.e. dental services, fitness, and/or med spas)

Partnership Criteria

  • Region

    Southeast U.S. (TX to VA)

  • Revenue

    $5M–$50M revenue

  • Profitability

    $1M–$4M EBITDA

  • Ownership

    Family-owned/entrepreneur-run

  • Transaction Size

    $10M–$100M

  • Equity Investment

    $5M–$50M

  • Investment Type

    Majority or select minority, with strong management alignment

  • Transaction Type

    Buyouts & recapitalizations

about us

  • Strong core values and culture –
    We believe HOW you do something matters more than just the result. Servant leadership principles and collaboration are the centerpiece of our operating style.

  • Our advisory partners are not just ‘thinkers’; they are ‘doers’ and
    well-networked which amplifies
    the speed and success rates
    of our value-creation initiatives

  • We use limited leverage to ensure flexibility in all market environments and use excess earnings to reinvest in the business

Contact Us

Interested in 16 South?

If you have an investment opportunity to discuss or desire more information about our firm, we would love to hear from you.