October 31, 2023

Gauge Capital Named to Inc.’s 2023 List of Founder-Friendly Investors

Southlake, TX – Inc. today announced its fifth annual Founder-Friendly Investors list, honoring the private equity, venture capital, and debt firms with the best track records of success backing entrepreneurs. 

The final list recognizes 218 firms that remain actively involved with the businesses they invest in, and that have earned the trust of the entrepreneurs they support to help drive growth. 
 
“Now more than ever, founder-led companies need financing partners that offer guidance, expertise, and understanding—not just capital. These are the private equity, venture capital, and debt firms that have founders’ backs when it comes to accelerating growth,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.

“Gauge is honored to be recognized by Inc as a leading Founder-Friendly investor for the 4th year in a row,” said Drew Johnson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Gauge. “Investing in and supporting founder-led businesses is our passion.” 

“We are flattered to be included in this year’s Founder-Friendly List and believe that financial alignment is vital in establishing true partnerships. Gauge’s substantial GP commitment enables an environment of trust and collaboration that resonates with entrepreneurs seeking another level of growth and success for the companies they have built” said Tom McKelvey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Gauge.

Gauge Capital is the largest investor in all their funds, representing approximately 30% of assets under management. This is approximately 6x the industry average and helps foster a culture of alignment and trust among stakeholders. Gauge will continue to invest behind Founder’s that are seeking a capital partner to support and accelerate their growth plans. 
 
To compile the list, Inc. went straight to the source: entrepreneurs who have sold to private equity and venture capital firms. Founders filled out a questionnaire about their experiences partnering with private equity, venture capital, and debt firms and shared data on how their portfolio companies have grown during these partnerships.
 
To see the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors/2023 
 
Introduced in 2019, the Founder-Friendly Investors list quickly established itself as one of Inc.’s most resourceful franchises. It has become a go-to guide for entrepreneurs who want to grow their companies while retaining an ownership stake.