NextGen Growth Partners

ETA-focused private equity with EIRs

NextGen Growth Partners

ETA-focused private equity with EIRs

Overview

NGP is a Chicago private equity firm using an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition model, partnering with Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who search for, acquire, and then serve as CEO of a company. It backs each deal with committed capital to remove seller financing risk and provides hands-on support from partners and advisors. The focus is on asset-light, mission-critical B2B services in the lower middle market with EBITDA of $1–$7 million. Its goal is to deliver a smooth founder exit and preserve the business legacy while driving growth under new leadership through structured succession and active portfolio management.

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About NextGen Growth Partners

Simplify's Rating

Why NextGen Growth Partners is rated

C+

Rated C on Competitive Edge

Rated B on Growth Potential

Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Venture CapitalFinancial Services

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, IL

Founded

2016

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Simplify's take

What believers are saying

NGP closed three platforms in 2025: Texas EcoGrow, Plumbing and Drain Professionals, TriStar Building Services.
2026 Annual Letter says Fund III has two platforms and four CIRs deployed.
Mike Eisinger joined in March 2026 to drive origination, underwriting, and portfolio value creation.

What critics are saying

2025 deployment slowed because competition for small assets stayed intense, forcing NGP to walk away.
Fund III still needs more acquisitions after only two platforms, leaving return pressure through 2027.
If NGP misses exits, Fund III becomes a stranded small-cap buyout platform by 2028.

What makes NextGen Growth Partners unique

Committed capital removes seller financing risk; Fund III closed at $165 million in August 2024.
NGP pairs each acquisition with a CEO-in-Residence who becomes the post-close operator.
NGP's September 2026 cohort keeps sourcing operators for mission-critical B2B services.

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Benefits

Remote Work Options

Company News

Business Wire

Mar 31st, 2026

NextGen Growth Partners adds Mike Eisinger as managing director with 15 years of private equity experience

NextGen Growth Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has appointed Mike Eisinger as Managing Director, Investments. He will lead industry thesis development, deal origination, underwriting, transaction execution and portfolio value creation. Eisinger brings nearly 15 years of private equity experience in business services and manufacturing. He most recently served on Kinzie Capital Partners' investment team and Investment Committee. Previously, he was a Director at Parallel49 Equity and worked at Stout and Arbor Investments. He holds a BA in Financial Management and Economics from the University of St. Thomas and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Eisinger joins as NGP expands its investment team and deploys its third fund into new platform investments.

The Mirror Democrat and Savanna Times-Journal

Mar 31st, 2026

NextGen Growth Partners grows executive team.

NextGen Growth Partners grows executive team. * 1 hr ago NextGen Growth Partners ("NGP"), a leading private equity firm that partners with entrepreneur-operators and management teams to invest in sustainable, growing companies, announced today that Mike Eisinger has joined the firm as Managing Director, Investments. In this role, Mike will lead industry thesis development and deal origination efforts, while playing a central role in underwriting, transaction execution, and portfolio value creation. "Mike brings a rare combination of deep investing experience, thoughtful partnership, and a strong track record of execution," said Brian O'Connor, NGP Founder and Managing Partner. "He has spent his career working closely with founders, operators, and management teams, and that approach aligns directly with how we invest and build businesses at NGP. We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the team." Eisinger joins NGP with nearly 15 years of private equity experience across business services and manufacturing sectors. Most recently, he was a senior member of the investment team at Kinzie Capital Partners, where he was responsible for deal evaluation and execution, origination, and portfolio company management, and served on the firm's Investment Committee. Prior to Kinzie, he was a Director at Parallel49 Equity, where he played a key role in investment execution and served on multiple portfolio company boards. Earlier in his career, Eisinger worked in the investment banking group at Stout and as a member of the investment team at Arbor Investments, where he was involved in acquisitions, recapitalizations, and portfolio company oversight. "I'm excited to join the team at NextGen Growth Partners," said Eisinger. "NGP has built a differentiated model centered around partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to acquire and grow businesses. The firm's approach, culture, and track record strongly resonated with me, and I'm looking forward to contributing to its continued success." Eisinger earned his B.A. in Financial Management and Economics from the University of St. Thomas, graduating summa cum laude, and his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he graduated with high honors as a Wallman Scholar and served as a teaching assistant for the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition course. Eisinger joins NGP at an exciting time as the firm continues to expand its investment team and deploy its third fund into new platform investments. About NextGen Growth Partners Headquartered in Chicago, NextGen Growth Partners is a private equity firm that partners with the best and brightest entrepreneurial talent to acquire, operate and grow lower middle market businesses across a variety of industries. The team has a strong track record of creating value through growth and operational improvement in middle market businesses.

The Optima Team

Feb 10th, 2026

2025 Advisor Industry Awards Presented by Axial Names Optima M&A Top Industrials Deal

2025 Advisor Industry Awards presented by Axial names Optima M&A top Industrials deal. Home " Blog " 2025 Advisor Industry Awards presented by Axial names Optima M&A top Industrials deal. Dallas, Texas - February 10, 2026 - Optima Mergers & Acquisitions is pleased to announce that it has been honored at the 2025 Advisor Industry Awards, presented by Axial, for its leadership in the sale of Texas EcoGrow to NextGen Growth Partners. The transaction was recognized as a premier deal in the Industrials category, marking a significant achievement in the lower middle-market M&A landscape. The transaction involved the sale of Texas EcoGrow, a commercial landscaping and outdoor services company specializing in environmentally responsible soil health and sustainable land use. Represented by Lane Carrick of Optima M&A, the company was acquired in February 2025 by NextGen Growth Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm. The deal's unique focus on environmental sustainability attracted significant market interest. After being brought to market via the Axial platform in March 2024, the process generated: * 746 recommended buyers. * 126 active pursuits. * 3 nominations for the 2025 M&A Advisor Awards, including Private Equity Deal of the Year and M&A Deal of the Year ($10M-$25M category). "This was a challenging deal for a number of reasons, and I'm proud of our team for getting it to the finish line," said Lane Carrick of Optima Mergers & Acquisitions. "It was our first deal for which we sourced a buyer through Axial, and we look forward to many more of these outcomes." The acquisition provides Texas EcoGrow with a strategic financial partner equipped to scale its sustainable operating model. The success of this transaction underscores Optima M&A's ability to navigate complex industrial deals and connect specialized service providers with the right capital partners. About Optima Mergers & Acquisitions Optima Mergers & Acquisitions provides expert advisory services to middle-market business owners, specializing in strategic sales and acquisitions. With a commitment to maximizing value and ensuring smooth transitions, Optima helps companies navigate the complexities of the M&A process across a variety of sectors. February 4, 2026 Selling a business is a major financial decision, and the two years prior often presents a dilemma: should you chase a high "dream price" or focus on pushing up current earnings? January 5, 2026 Private equity funds prioritize growth and maximizing returns, often seeking businesses with scalability, durable earnings, and strong valuation potential. Optima M&A helps business owners navigate the complexities of selling to private equity with expert advisory and strategy. December 2, 2025 From overlooked compliance issues to disorganized financials, Optima M&A explains how thorough internal due diligence, early preparation, and expert guidance can prevent surprises and ensure a smoother, more successful business sale. Stay ahead with M&A insights. Get expert perspectives on selling your business, market trends, and deal strategies - delivered straight to your inbox.

Business Wire

Feb 10th, 2026

Al Ludwig named CEO of Practice Made Perfect to scale marketing for plaintiff law firms

Practice Made Perfect, a marketing firm serving plaintiff law firms and a portfolio company of NextGen Growth Partners, has appointed Al Ludwig as chief executive officer. Ludwig brings over a decade of experience leading marketing organisations in the plaintiff legal sector. Most recently, Ludwig served as marketing director at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys in Louisiana, where he managed cross-functional teams in a competitive market. At PMP, he will focus on deepening client relationships and investing in capabilities that support sustainable growth. PMP provides full-service marketing to plaintiff law firms nationwide, including digital advertising, branding, website development, SEO and lead generation. The company differentiates itself by understanding the business realities of law firms beyond marketing tactics.

The Bakersfield Californian

Oct 28th, 2024

NextGen Growth Partners Announces Key Promotions as Fund III Gains Momentum

NextGen Growth Partners (NGP), a leading private equity firm specializing in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), is proud to announce the promotion of three key team members: Eric Wilson to Partner, Portfolio Operations, Nick Olmstead to Vice President, Investments, and Jenna Schmitt to Senior Finance Associate.

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