RidgeLake seeks to partner with what we believe are leading middle market private capital firms, combining deep industry experience with strategic capital to drive sustainable growth.
About RidgeLake
We’re a team united at the nexus of private markets experience and middle market insight
How it started
RidgeLake began in 2020 as a strategic partnership between OA Private Capital and Apogem Capital with a specific focus on middle market minority GP stakes investing
Our partnership and the stability of our institutional backing, building upon a 20-year relationship between OA and Apogem, creates what we believe is an enduring foundation for our long-term GP investment strategy.
Apogem Capital was created through the strategic combination of PA Capital, Madison Capital, and GoldPoint Partners, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management. Apogem Capital manages approximately $42 billion1 across private equity and private credit.
OA Private Capital, founded in 2015 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, manages approximately $20 billion1 in assets, primarily in private markets. Its roots traces back to 1991 when the investment team began managing assets for a single-family office, RDV Corporation. With decades of experience, OA has built strong relationships with middle market private equity managers through fund investments, co-investments, and minority GP stakes partnerships.
- 1 As of June 30, 2024
“New York Life Investments” is both a service mark, and the common trade name, of certain investment advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company.
Our experience
A brief history
Prior to the formation of RidgeLake Partners
OA Private Capital and its affiliates made investments in six GP Stakes.
These investments continue to be managed solely by OA Private Capital.
Apogem Capital & OA formalize RidgeLake Partners and execute the inaugural investment
The joint venture between OA Private Capital and Apogem Capital launched RidgeLake Partners to acquire long-term, minority stakes in middle market GPs. Its first deal was a minority investment in Newbury Partners, a Stamford-based secondaries specialist.
RidgeLake completes two additional investments
Sentinel Capital Partners – New York-based manager focused on control buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-out opportunities in consumer, industrial, aerospace/defense, franchising, and healthcare niches.
Gauge Capital – Dallas-based buyout firm that partners with founder-owned, growth-oriented businesses in business services, healthcare, technology, and consumer sectors.
RidgeLake completes its fourth and fifth investments
Avista Healthcare Partners – New York-based firm that invests exclusively in healthcare platforms across North America and Europe.
Shamrock Capital – Los Angeles-based investor specializing in media, entertainment, communications, sports, and education assets.
RidgeLake completes sixth investment and holds a final close
Gridiron Capital – New Canaan-based firm that partners with founder-led companies in branded consumer, business services, and niche industrial markets.
RidgeLake Partners Fund I – In its debut GP-stakes vehicle, RidgeLake held a final close on $1.1 billion of total commitments.
Newbury Partners – RidgeLake fully realized its 2020 investment in Newbury Partners through the firm’s sale to Bridge Investment Group (NYSE: BRDG).
RidgeLake completes its seventh investment
TorQuest Partners – Toronto-based firm that backs middle market industrial, business services, and consumer platforms across North America, with particular depth in the Canadian market.
RidgeLake completes its eighth investment
Bayview Asset Management – Miami-based alternative investment firm focusing on residential, consumer, and commercial credit, including whole loans, structured products, and mortgage servicing rights.
