The Riverside Company

Founded in 1988, The Riverside Company is a global investment firm focused exclusively on the smaller end of the middle market. It provides private equity and flexible-capital solutions, including non-control investments that can fund growth, acquisitions, recapitalizations, or shareholder liquidity without requiring a full sale.

Riverside invests across seven stated sectors: business services, consumer brands, education and training, franchisors, healthcare, software and IT, and specialty manufacturing and distribution. Its approach combines investment capital with operating resources to support organic growth, operational improvement, international expansion, and add-on acquisitions.

The firm is especially associated with hands-on support for smaller companies and management teams. Its operating model includes dedicated professionals, vetted advisors, purchasing programs, deal-sourcing support, and industry expertise; healthcare and business services are among its deepest sector areas by disclosed investment count.