Montage Partners Achieves Sixth Year on Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors List

Montage Partners Named to Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors List

Montage Partners, a private equity firm that prioritizes relationships with its founder-led businesses, has received honors on Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors list for the sixth year in a row. This prestigious recognition showcases firms that have proven their ability to support and empower entrepreneurs navigating the complex landscape of private equity and venture capital.

What This Means for Montage Partners

With offices located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Salt Lake City, Utah, Montage Partners has gained a reputation for being more than just a source of capital. In the modern funding environment, companies are increasingly seeking partners that can offer strategic advice, mentorship, and resources beyond just financial investment. According to Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc., today's founders seek partners who genuinely invest in their business ethos and offer meaningful guidance.

"Founders want true partners who believe in their business and can provide the crucial advisement and strategic support they need to reach their full potential," Ghosh explains. This sentiment resonates with Montage Partners, which has consistently aimed to maintain strong, lasting relationships with those they invest in.

Insights from Montage's Leadership

Jordan Tate, co-Managing Partner of Montage Partners, affirms the significance of this recognition, stating, "Six years on this list means a lot to us because of where it comes from. Inc. asks the founders, and founders are the ones who see how we show up when a decision gets hard, long after the day we close."

The impact of this philosophy is evident through the success Montage Partners has enjoyed in recent years. In 2025, they exited investments in Equity Methods and Puroflux and were honored with PE Hub's Deal of the Year award for their 2024 exit of Southwest Data Products.

In January 2026, they announced a successful sale of Advantco, a software integration company, illustrating their strategic approach to exits and positioning themselves as trusted partners during pivotal business transitions. Furthermore, their commitment to nurturing founder-led businesses is demonstrated through their recent investment in Lighten Up, a company that specializes in premium lighting design.

Embracing Founder-Friendly Values

Since its inception in 2004, Montage Partners has adhered to six fundamental values that guide its operations: people, transparency, integrity, accountability, mutual respect, and excellence. These values are integral to their Montage Accelerate™ program, which affords hands-on assistance in strategy, marketing, operations, and recruiting—resources typically associated with larger firms, yet tailored specifically for lower middle-market, founder-owned businesses.

Rob Wolfman, co-Managing Partner, adds a nuanced perspective regarding what being 'founder-friendly' truly means: "This year was a good reminder that founder-friendly looks different for every company. With Advantco, it meant supporting a leadership transition and seeing it through to a strong next chapter. With Lighten Up, it meant earning Nathan's trust that we understood the culture he and his team spent more than twenty years building."

Understanding the Selection Process

To compile the Founder-Friendly Investors list, Inc. consulted with entrepreneurs who have previously sold their companies to private equity or venture capital firms. The founders provided insights into their experiences and evaluated how effectively each investor supported them throughout the investment journey.

Montage Partners' continued presence on this list underscores their dedication to ensuring that entrepreneurs feel valued and supported, establishing a win-win dynamic that promotes sustainable growth.

Closing Thoughts

Montage Partners exemplifies what it means to prioritize relationships in the private equity space. Their commitment to people-driven investment strategies, transparent communication, and genuine founder support has allowed them to stand out among their peers. As they look toward the future, one thing remains clear—Montage Partners will continue to strive for excellence, driven by their unwavering focus on empowering entrepreneurs and fostering founder-led businesses.

For more information about Montage Partners and to view the complete list of honorees, please visit Inc. Founder-Friendly Investors.