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Castanea

North America, Massachusetts, United States, Newton

Description

Castanea Partners is a private equity firm based in Newton, United States, specializing in middle-market investments within the consumer and marketing services sectors. Established in 2001, the firm focuses on companies with strong brands, differentiated offerings, and significant growth potential. Their investment philosophy centers on partnering with management teams to drive value creation through strategic guidance and operational improvements, aiming to build enduring businesses.

Castanea's investment strategy targets companies across branded consumer products, marketing services, and multi-channel retail/e-commerce. The firm seeks out businesses with enterprise values typically ranging from $50 million to $500 million. They are known for their hands-on approach, providing capital and expertise to accelerate growth, expand market reach, and enhance operational efficiency, often focusing on areas like digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and talent acquisition.

Since its inception, Castanea has demonstrated a consistent track record, having invested over $1 billion in equity across more than 25 companies. Their typical equity investment per transaction ranges from $20 million to $150 million. This substantial capital commitment enables them to take meaningful stakes in their portfolio companies, supporting initiatives such as product innovation, geographic expansion, and strategic acquisitions. The firm's long-term perspective and focus on fundamental business improvements distinguish its approach in the competitive private equity landscape.

Investor Profile

Castanea has backed more than 27 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 12 rounds, about 44% of its total and boasts 12 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Private Equity, Series Unknown, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on E-Commerce, Health Care, Retail.
  • Typical check size: $20M – $150M.

Stage Focus

  • Private Equity (85%)
  • Series Unknown (7%)
  • Series C (4%)
  • Series B (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (100%)

Industry Focus

  • E-commerce
  • Health Care
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Food And Beverage
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
  • Internet
  • Apparel
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Castanea frequently co-invest with?

Cowboy Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 1
Stone-Goff Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 1
Bain Capital Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
SC
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 1
Altos Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 1
Partnership Capital Growth Investors
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
West Capital Advisors
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 1
Amasia
North America, California, United States, Burlingame
Co-Investments: 1
Cota Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
FB
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does Castanea often collaborate with?

Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Castanea?

Orangetheory Fitness

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Orangetheory is a science-based group personal training workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training.

FitnessHealth CareWellness
Private EquitySep 10, 2018
Townshend's Tea Company

Eugene, Oregon, United States

Townshend’s Tea Company is a tea retailer with 9 locations in Oregon, Montana, and Utah.

Food and BeverageRetail
Private EquityFeb 6, 2018
Brew Dr. Kombucha

Portland, Oregon, United States

Brew Dr. Kombucha is produced entirely in-house, leaf to bottle.

Food and BeverageFood Processing
Private EquityFeb 6, 2018
Yasso

Quincy, Massachusetts, United States

Yasso operates as a frozen yogurt brand featuring stick bars.

CommunitiesConsumer GoodsFood and Beverage
Private EquityJan 18, 2018
Tatcha

San Francisco, California, United States

Tatcha offers a line of serums, moisturizers, mists, exfoliants, and cleaners.

BeautyE-CommerceHealth CareRetail
Private EquityOct 16, 2017
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
Simms Fishing Products

Bozeman, Montana, United States

Simms manufactures wader to keep customers dry, comfortable, and protected from the elements in any fishing conditions.

Consumer GoodsManufacturingOutdoorsTextiles
Private EquityJul 5, 2017
Memebox

San Francisco, California, United States

Memebox is a consumer company that provides customers with the Asian beauty products, culture, and trends.

BeautyConsumer GoodsCosmeticsE-Commerce
Series CDec 15, 2016
Amount Raised: $60,000,000
Jeni's Ice Creams

Columbus, Ohio, United States

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams offers a variety of ice cream and frozen yoghurts.

Food and BeverageFood Processing
Private EquityMar 29, 2016
4moms

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

4moms develops robotics technology-based products that cater to the prenatal to preschool needs of children.

BabyHardwareRoboticsSoftware
Series UnknownSep 29, 2015
First Aid Beauty

Newton, Massachusetts, United States

First Aid Beauty is a cosmetics company providing skin care and makeup products.

BeautyCosmeticsHealth CareManufacturing
Private EquityJul 27, 2015