- Ryan McDowell
- 22 hours ago
- 10 min read
Reading Time: 8 min | Good for: Novice Investors (A), Family Offices (B)
Miami has rapidly evolved into a global finance hub, attracting significant capital and top-tier talent. This migration of wealth and business has supercharged its private equity landscape, creating compelling opportunities for accredited investors, family offices, and institutional capital allocators. With a growing number of players, identifying the right partner to align with your long-term wealth strategy is paramount.
TL;DR: Your Guide to Miami Private Equity * Market Why-Now: Miami's growth as a financial center has created a dynamic private equity scene, offering diverse investment opportunities from real estate to corporate buyouts. * Who Should Care: Accredited investors and family offices seeking to diversify their portfolios with private market assets, particularly in high-growth Sunbelt markets. * What This Guide Delivers: A curated list of top firms, detailing their strategies, from real estate specialists like Stiltsville Capital to global buyout funds like H.I.G. Capital, helping you identify the right partner. * Next Step: Use this guide to start your due diligence and schedule a confidential call with firms that align with your investment goals.
This guide provides a comprehensive roundup of the leading private equity firms in Miami. We move beyond simple directories to offer a comparative analysis designed for sophisticated investors. You will gain a clear understanding of what makes each firm distinct, from their core investment theses and sector specializations to their specific value-creation playbooks and deal structures.
For each firm profiled, we deliver actionable insights into their track record and key team members. This article serves as a clear, detailed roadmap for navigating South Florida's dynamic market. Whether you're a family office principal exploring direct co-investments or an institutional investor performing due diligence, this resource helps you make informed allocation decisions by showcasing the premier partners operating in one of America's most vibrant economic regions.
1. Stiltsville Capital LLC
For sophisticated investors looking to diversify into tangible, high-growth real assets, Stiltsville Capital LLC represents a premier choice among private equity firms in Miami. Based in Key Biscayne, this specialist firm has carved out a distinct niche by focusing on value-add and opportunistic commercial real estate investments. Their strategy zeroes in on acquiring underperforming or mismanaged urban infill properties located in the burgeoning Sunbelt markets, where demographic and economic trends provide a strong tailwind for growth.
Stiltsville Capital distinguishes itself through a disciplined, hands-on approach to asset management. The firm’s leadership leverages over two decades of industry expertise to identify and unlock latent value in each acquisition. This isn't a passive investment strategy; it's an active transformation process involving adaptive reuse, strategic capital improvements, and operational efficiencies to stabilize assets and maximize cash flow.
Key Strengths and Investment Philosophy
What makes Stiltsville Capital a standout partner is its clear and focused execution. The firm’s website provides transparent insights into its methodology, showcasing how it targets undervalued properties and systematically enhances their financial performance.
Targeted Strategy: The firm concentrates on high-potential urban infill assets that are mismanaged, undercapitalized, or prime for redevelopment. This focus allows them to apply a proven playbook across a portfolio of similar opportunities.
Value-Creation Levers: Their approach is multi-faceted, combining physical improvements (adaptive reuse, renovations) with financial engineering (expense optimization, market rent adjustments) to drive significant increases in net operating income.
Impressive Target Returns: Stiltsville Capital structures its offerings to deliver attractive, risk-adjusted returns. For instance, select deals like the AeroVista modular multifamily project target a 24.4% IRR and a 2.25x equity multiple over a typical 4-year hold period.
Accredited Investor Access: All investment opportunities are structured as Regulation D 506(c) private placements. This ensures a compliant and professional framework while giving accredited investors exclusive access to deals they couldn't source or manage on their own. The firm’s platform streamlines the investment process, from due diligence to reporting.
Novice Lens: What is an IRR? IRR, or Internal Rate of Return, is a metric used to estimate the profitability of a potential investment. It's the annual rate of growth an investment is expected to generate. Think of it like the interest rate you earn on a savings account, but for a private investment that has cash flows over multiple years. A higher IRR generally indicates a more desirable investment.
Access and User Experience
Investment opportunities through Stiltsville Capital are exclusively available to accredited investors. While this limits broad market participation, it ensures a community of sophisticated partners aligned with the firm’s long-term vision. The firm prioritizes transparency and leverages technology to provide clear, consistent reporting, allowing investors to track performance and understand the factors driving returns. This commitment to institutional-grade operations makes Stiltsville Capital an ideal gateway for high-net-worth individuals and family offices seeking direct exposure to professionally managed, high-upside real estate in one of the nation's most dynamic regions.
2. H.I.G. Capital
H.I.G. Capital is a global private equity firm headquartered in Miami, managing approximately $69 billion in assets as of 2024. The platform provides both debt and equity financing options for middle-market companies across healthcare, technology, and consumer products sectors. Users can explore live fund offerings, review performance reports, and access investor resources directly on their website.
Overview
AUM: ~$69 billion (as of 2024)
Focus: Leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, growth equity in middle-market companies.
Reach: Global presence with 17 offices spanning North America, Europe, and Latin America.
Core Investment Services
Leveraged Buyouts: Tailored capital structures for established businesses.
Recapitalizations: Liquidity events for founder-led companies.
Growth Equity: Minority stakes in high-growth enterprises.
"H.I.G.’s flexible approach lets you structure capital to match your growth or restructuring goals."
Why It Stands Out
H.I.G. Capital stands out among private equity firms in Miami for its combination of global reach, flexible financing options, and strong operational expertise. The depth of investor tools on the website and the tailored approach to middle-market clients make it a top choice for investors seeking broad exposure.
Direct link: http://hig.com/
3. Trivest Partners
Trivest Partners is a distinguished private equity firm based in Miami, managing approximately $6.1 billion in assets. It stands out for its exclusive focus on founder- and family-owned businesses, a niche it has cultivated since its inception. The firm’s website provides a clear portal for business owners and intermediaries to understand its unique, partnership-driven approach.
Overview
AUM: ~$6.1 billion
Focus: Founder- and family-owned businesses in the lower middle-market.
History: One of the oldest private equity firms in the Southeast U.S.
Core Investment Services
Founder Partnerships: Majority and non-control investments designed to provide liquidity and growth capital for entrepreneurs.
Trivest Growth Investment Fund (TGIF): Minority-stake investments in founder-led companies that are not seeking to sell control.
Path to 3x: A proprietary value creation program designed to help portfolio companies triple their value.
"Trivest’s entire model is built around the unique needs of founders. They understand the legacy and emotional components, not just the numbers."
Why It Stands Out
Trivest Partners has carved out a unique position among private equity firms in Miami by dedicating its platform exclusively to founder- and family-owned businesses. This singular focus creates a culture of deep empathy and aligned interests that institutional or broadly-focused firms often cannot replicate, making it an ideal partner for entrepreneurs planning their next phase of growth.
Direct link: https://trivest.com/
4. Sun Capital Partners
Sun Capital Partners is a global private equity firm with headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in underperforming companies. The firm is known for its hands-on operational approach, having acquired over 400 companies across sectors like industrial manufacturing, packaging, and consumer services.
Overview
Location: Boca Raton, FL (in the greater Miami metropolitan area)
Focus: Turnaround situations, operational improvements, and leveraged buyouts.
Experience: Over 400 companies acquired since its founding in 1995.
Core Investment Services
Turnaround Investing: Expertise in revitalizing businesses facing operational or financial challenges.
Operational Improvement: A hands-on approach using an in-house team to drive growth and efficiency.
Leveraged Buyouts: Acquiring controlling stakes in market-leading companies with potential for transformation.
"Sun Capital’s deep operational resources are a key differentiator, providing management teams with the support needed to execute complex turnarounds."
Why It Stands Out
Sun Capital stands out among private equity firms in Miami and South Florida for its dedicated focus on operational turnarounds. Unlike firms that primarily provide capital, Sun Capital acts as a strategic partner with a robust in-house operations team, making it an ideal choice for businesses in need of fundamental transformation. For further reading on market dynamics affecting investments, you can learn more about how lower interest rates can be a catalyst for commercial real estate investment.
Direct link: https://suncappart.com/
5. Comvest Partners
Comvest Partners is a prominent private investment firm providing flexible equity and debt capital to middle-market companies throughout North America. Managing over $9 billion in assets, the firm is known for its collaborative approach, partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.
Overview
AUM: >$9 billion
Focus: Middle-market companies in business services, consumer, healthcare, and technology.
Strategy: Combines direct lending and private equity strategies.
Core Investment Services
Private Equity: Control and non-control investments to support growth, acquisitions, and recapitalizations.
Direct Lending: Senior secured, unitranche, and junior capital solutions for sponsored and non-sponsored companies.
Special Opportunities: Flexible capital for companies in unique or complex situations.
"Comvest’s strength is its ability to provide both equity and credit solutions, making them a one-stop capital partner for the middle market."
Why It Stands Out
Comvest Partners distinguishes itself among private equity firms in Miami with its integrated platform offering both private equity and private credit. This dual capability allows for highly customized and flexible capital solutions tailored to the specific needs of a business, whether for growth, an acquisition, or a recapitalization.
Direct link: https://comvest.com/
6. Boyne Capital Partners
Boyne Capital Partners is a Miami-based private equity firm specializing in the lower middle-market. It provides equity and debt capital for founder-run businesses and family-owned companies, with a hands-on approach geared toward operational improvements and sustainable growth.
Overview
Focus: Lower middle-market companies with revenues between $10 million and $100 million.
Sectors: Healthcare, consumer products, industrials, and business services.
Strategy: Buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments.
Core Investment Services
Buyouts: Acquiring majority stakes in established, profitable businesses.
Recapitalizations: Providing liquidity solutions for business owners seeking to diversify their net worth while retaining significant ownership.
Growth Equity: Supplying capital to accelerate growth in promising companies.
"Boyne’s partnership model is built for owners who want operational expertise and strategic support, not just capital."
Why It Stands Out
Boyne Capital stands out among private equity firms in Miami for its dedicated focus on the lower middle-market, a segment often overlooked by larger funds. The firm’s commitment to a true partnership model, combined with its operational expertise, makes it an ideal choice for founders and family-owned businesses looking for a strategic ally.
Direct link: https://boynecapital.com/
7. Hidden Harbor Capital Partners
Hidden Harbor Capital Partners is a specialized private equity firm in Miami, focusing on the lower middle-market. It partners with companies in sectors like business services, industrials, and consumer products, driving value through hands-on operational improvements and collaborative management partnerships.
Overview
Niche Focus: Lower middle-market companies, typically with complex situations or operational challenges.
Core Sectors: Business services, industrials, and consumer products.
Investment Philosophy: Hands-on operational involvement and true partnership with management teams.
Core Investment Services
Control Investments: Acquiring majority stakes in companies poised for operational transformation.
Corporate Carve-Outs: Managing the complexities of separating a non-core division from a larger parent company.
Operational Turnarounds: Applying deep operational expertise to stabilize and grow underperforming businesses.
"Hidden Harbor's hands-on, execution-focused approach is designed to unlock value where others may not see it."
Why It Stands Out
Hidden Harbor Capital Partners distinguishes itself with its disciplined focus on the lower middle-market and its deep commitment to operational improvement. While many firms provide capital, Hidden Harbor provides a dedicated team of operators to help navigate complex challenges. While their model differs from real estate, understanding their approach to turnarounds offers valuable lessons in navigating challenges in asset management.
Direct link: https://hiddenharborcapital.com/
Choosing Your Partner for Long-Term Wealth Creation
Selecting the right partner from the diverse landscape of private equity firms in Miami requires more than a surface-level review of assets under management. It demands a thoughtful alignment of investment philosophy, risk tolerance, and specific sector expertise. The firms detailed here, from global powerhouses like H.I.G. Capital to focused real estate sponsors like Stiltsville Capital, each offer a distinct pathway to capital appreciation.
Your primary task as a sophisticated investor is to cut through the noise and identify a sponsor whose operational capabilities, underwriting discipline, and communication style match your long-term objectives.
An Investor's Checklist: Questions to Ask a Sponsor
Strategy Alignment: Does your core strategy fit my portfolio's target allocation?
Track Record: How have your funds performed through different economic cycles, including downturns?
Value Creation: Can you provide specific examples of how you create operational value, not just financial leverage?
Alignment of Interests: How much of your own capital ("skin in the game") is invested alongside LPs in this deal?
Risk Mitigation: What are the key risks in this investment, and what are your specific plans to mitigate them?
Team Expertise: What is your team's direct, hands-on experience in this specific asset class and geographic market?
Communication & Reporting: What is the frequency and depth of your investor reporting?
Investor Insight: The most crucial element in any private equity partnership is trust, built on transparency and consistent execution. The right partner will welcome deep due diligence and provide clear, direct answers to your toughest questions about risk, strategy, and operations.
Ultimately, while all private market investments involve inherent risks such as illiquidity and potential loss of capital, a carefully structured allocation to real assets or private companies with a seasoned sponsor can be a powerful tool. It can serve as a durable inflation hedge and a source of non-correlated returns, providing a resilient foundation for any sophisticated portfolio. We encourage you to use this guide as a starting point for your own rigorous diligence and engage in direct, meaningful conversations to find the ideal partner for your capital.
Take the Next Step
If your investment focus includes generating passive income and long-term appreciation through institutional-quality real estate, consider connecting with Stiltsville Capital. As one of the dedicated real estate private equity firms in Miami, we offer accredited investors and family offices access to disciplined, value-add and opportunistic investments across the Sun Belt.
[Schedule a confidential call with Stiltsville Capital](https://www.stiltsvillecapital.com) to discuss your portfolio goals and learn how our diligent underwriting and aligned interests can help you achieve them.
Disclaimer: Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offering is made only through definitive offering documents (e.g., private placement memorandum, subscription agreement) and is available solely to investors who meet applicable suitability standards, including “Accredited Investor” status under Rule 501 of Regulation D. Investments in private real estate involve risk, including loss of capital, illiquidity, and no guarantee of distributions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Verification of accredited status is required for participation in Rule 506(c) offerings.