#Astria Elevate #Shaun R. Gordon #John S. Ehlinger

Astria Elevate Launches Private Investment Firm

Astria Elevate, co-founded by Shaun R. Gordon and John S. Ehlinger, has officially launched as a private investment firm dedicated to operational growth. This innovative firm focuses on partnering with founder- and family-owned businesses, a market ripe for investment yet often overlooked by typical investors.

The Vision Behind Astria Elevate

The motivation behind Astria Elevate is rooted in the extensive experience of its founders. Gordon is an award-winning investor known for establishing AGI Partners, while Ehlinger has a rich background as a turnaround investor in the healthcare sector. Their combined expertise brings a hands-on approach that sets Astria apart from traditional investment firms.

Their vision is clear: to empower businesses that are critical to our society and help them realize their potential through growth strategies and operational excellence. The firm targets businesses with an EBITDA between $3 million and $20 million, focusing on companies with profitable operations and clear avenues for transformative growth.

A Unique Approach to Investment

What differentiates Astria Elevate is its commitment to add value beyond just financial investment. The firm aims to partner with management teams to identify growth barriers and implement strategies that can significantly improve sales, profitability, and market reach. Gordon explains, "We understand that true business value goes beyond numbers in a spreadsheet. We're here to leverage our expertise in operational performance and strategy to enhance our partner businesses' success."

The Team Behind the Firm

To kickstart its operations, Astria Elevate has appointed Matt Hawkins as Vice President, who brings a wealth of experience from Nonantum Capital Partners and the Boston Consulting Group. Hawkins will be instrumental in investment execution and portfolio management, supported by a multidisciplinary team of seasoned experts, including legal, strategic, and organizational advisors. This approach ensures that each company receives tailored support and strategic guidance as they pursue sustainable growth.

Astria Elevate’s methodology centers on collaboration, making them distinctly different from traditional lower-middle-market investors. Ehlinger emphasizes this point, stating, "By aligning with the entrepreneurs’ values and ambitions, we foster an environment conducive to innovation and sustained excellence. Successful organizations often know what they need to do to scale—they just require the right support and resources to make it happen."

Areas of Interest and Investment Strategy

Astria Elevate is actively looking for opportunities in several key sectors where its leaders have direct operational experience. These industries include:

• - Asset-light business services
• - Industrial automation
• - Technical services
• - Manufacturing
• - Experiential marketing
• - Healthcare services

This targeted approach allows the firm not only to invest but also to provide insights and operational strategies that are grounded in real-world experience. The company's backing from select family office investors and institutional equity partners provides a stable financial foundation and flexible investment terms designed specifically for founder and family-led businesses.

The Meaning Behind the Name

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