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§ Venture Capital · Austin, TX, USA
Growth capital provider offering debt and equity investments for venture-backed companies, focused on technology and healthcare.
Escalate Capital Partners is an Austin, Texas-based investment firm that provides growth capital solutions, primarily through debt and equity investments, to later-stage technology and healthcare companies. The organization currently manages $1.3 billion in total assets under management and typically deploys individual investment tickets ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Its recent fundraising activity includes the $282 million close of Escalate Capital IV in 2021 and the launch of its $350 million fifth fund. The firm has invested in over 140 software and tech-enabled companies across the United States, building a portfolio that features recognizable technology brands such as HomeAway, RetailMeNot, and SailPoint. Its capital base is supported by major institutional limited partners, including JP Morgan Asset Management and the University of Texas system. Escalate Capital Partners was originally founded in 2005 by managing director Tony Schell.
Key people at Escalate Capital Partners.
Escalate Capital Partners was founded in 2005 by Ross Cockrell (Co-Founder & Managing Director).
Escalate Capital Partners was founded in 2005 by Ross Cockrell (Co-Founder & Managing Director).
Key people at Escalate Capital Partners.
Escalate Capital Partners is a private credit and growth equity investment firm specializing in providing capital solutions to rapidly growing later-stage companies, primarily in the technology, software, services, and healthcare sectors. Their mission centers on accelerating growth for these companies by offering stable, flexible, and less dilutive capital compared to traditional equity financing. With over $1.3 billion deployed across more than 500 companies, Escalate supports management teams by tailoring capital structures that minimize equity dilution while fueling expansion. Their investment philosophy emphasizes collaboration and customized financing solutions that align with each company’s unique growth trajectory and capital needs.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Escalate Capital Partners was established to fill a niche in the market for structured private credit and growth equity financing aimed at venture-backed expansion and late-stage companies. The firm’s leadership team, including key partners such as Larry Bradshaw, John Carter, and Ross Cockrell, brings over 100 years of combined experience in venture capital and commercial finance. Over time, Escalate has evolved to focus on providing a broad array of senior, subordinated, and mezzanine debt solutions, investing typically between $5 million and $30 million in companies with annual revenues exceeding $10 million. This evolution reflects a strategic shift towards flexible capital that supports growth without the heavy dilution often associated with traditional equity rounds.
Escalate Capital Partners operates at the intersection of venture capital and private credit, riding the trend of increased demand for alternative growth capital that bridges the gap between early-stage venture funding and traditional bank loans. The timing is critical as many later-stage companies seek capital that accelerates growth without significant equity dilution amid a competitive fundraising environment. Market forces such as rising valuations, longer paths to profitability, and the need for flexible financing solutions favor Escalate’s model. By providing structured debt and growth equity, Escalate influences the broader ecosystem by enabling companies to scale efficiently while preserving ownership and control, thus supporting innovation and job creation in key tech-driven sectors.
Looking ahead, Escalate Capital Partners is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing need for flexible, non-dilutive capital solutions among later-stage technology and healthcare companies. Trends such as digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) expansion will likely shape their investment focus. As market dynamics evolve, Escalate’s influence may deepen by expanding its fund sizes, broadening sector coverage, and enhancing its operating support capabilities. Their continued success will depend on maintaining a balance between risk management and growth facilitation, ensuring they remain a preferred capital partner for high-growth companies navigating complex financing landscapes. This forward momentum ties back to their core mission of accelerating growth while preserving equity value for founders and investors alike.
Escalate Capital Partners has 10 tracked investments across 7 companies. The latest tracked deal is $18.0M Series B in Optimize Health in September 2023.
