Duff and Phelps

Avante Capital Partners, founded in 2009, is a prominent private credit firm based in Los Angeles that specializes in the lower middle market. With nearly $1 billion in assets under management, it is recognized as one of the largest women- and minority-owned private credit firms in the United States, focusing on strategic partnerships with high-quality investors and management teams. The firm adopts a distinctive investment approach known as the "Avante Way," which emphasizes creating opportunities and fostering growth within the market. By leveraging its expansive ecosystem, Avante is committed to supporting top-tier sponsors and management teams while transforming the lower middle market landscape. Generated from the website

First Beverage Group, based in Los Angeles, specializes in nurturing emerging beverage brands by providing founders with essential resources beyond just capital investment. With decades of industry expertise and a robust network, the team supports companies in areas such as distribution, supply chain management, strategic planning, and marketing. The firm is committed to understanding the unique culture and goals of its partner companies, creating tailored solutions that drive success. Clients, including notable brands like Health-Ade and Essentia, highlight the invaluable support and strategic guidance provided by First Beverage as key to their growth and operational achievements. Generated from the website

Aspiriant, formerly known as Kochis Fitz, is one of the leading, independent wealth management firms in the United States. It has expertise in implementing personal wealth strategies and managing clients investment portfolios. The firm provides a range of investment management and financial planning services. Aspiriant offers stock compensation, financial independence, philanthropy, wealth transfer and risk management solutions. Its investment management services include portfolio management and research. The firm specializes in optimizing stock-based and other compensation programs. Established in 1991, Aspiriant provides various deferred compensation, profit sharing and pension, as well as stock options. It offers risk management services for property loss, health and disability. The firm works with independent insurance brokers.