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MSD Partners

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

MSD Partners, originally established in 2009 to manage the capital of Michael Dell and his family, underwent a significant transformation in 2022 by merging with BDT & Company to form BDT & MSD Partners. This strategic combination created a leading merchant bank focused on providing long-term capital and strategic advice to family- and founder-led businesses. The firm operates with a distinctive approach that integrates advisory services with principal investing, aiming to build enduring partnerships with its portfolio companies.

BDT & MSD Partners employs a multi-asset class investment strategy, deploying capital across private equity, credit, real estate, and public equity. Their private capital arm, BDT & MSD Partners Private Capital, specializes in making control and significant minority investments in market-leading companies. These companies typically possess enterprise values ranging from $500 million to several billion dollars, reflecting the firm's focus on established, scalable businesses with strong fundamentals.

The firm's investment philosophy emphasizes a patient, long-term perspective, often providing bespoke capital solutions tailored to the unique needs of founders and families. This approach allows them to support companies through various stages of growth, succession planning, and strategic transitions. With substantial resources at its disposal, BDT & MSD Partners manages over $50 billion in assets, enabling them to execute large-scale transactions.

For their private capital investments, BDT & MSD Partners typically deploys equity checks that can range significantly based on the size and nature of the deal. While their investments are highly customized, a typical first cheque for a significant minority or control stake generally falls between approximately $75 million and can extend to over $1 billion for larger, more complex transactions. This broad range underscores their capacity to engage in a wide spectrum of private market opportunities, from substantial growth equity to large-scale buyouts.

Investor Profile

MSD Partners has backed more than 24 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 12 rounds, about 50% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Post Ipo Equity, Series E, Series D rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Bermuda, Israel.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, FinTech.
  • Typical check size: $75M – $1000M.

Stage Focus

  • Post Ipo Equity (17%)
  • Series E (13%)
  • Series D (13%)
  • Series C (8%)
  • Series Unknown (8%)
  • Series B (8%)
  • Post Ipo Debt (8%)
  • Private Equity (8%)
  • Series I (4%)
  • Series H (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (88%)
  • Bermuda (4%)
  • Israel (4%)
  • Cayman Islands (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Information Technology
  • Fintech
  • Machine Learning
  • Biotechnology
  • Asset Management
  • Banking
  • Financial Services
  • Finance
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
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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 MSD Partners frequently co-invest with?

WestCap
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
SoftBank Vision Fund
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Citi Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Temasek Holdings
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3
BlackRock
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Affiliated Managers Group
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Prides Crossing
Co-Investments: 2
Andreessen Horowitz
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
Blackstone Group
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
BNY
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Fidelity
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does MSD Partners often collaborate with?

SN
North America, Florida, United States, Miami
Shared Deals: 1
LT
North America, California, United States, San Jose
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by MSD Partners?

Chelsea Avondale

Hamilton, Hamilton, Bermuda

Chelsea Avondale is a property and casualty insurance company.

InsuranceProperty Insurance
Series CMay 23, 2023
Stripe

South San Francisco, California, United States

Stripe is an API technology company that provides online payment processing and commerce solutions for Internet businesses.

FinanceFinTechMobile PaymentsSaaS
Series IMar 15, 2023
Amount Raised: $6,500,000,000
Forward Networks

Santa Clara, California, United States

Transforming networks to be more agile, reliable, and secure

ComputerInformation TechnologyNetwork SecuritySoftware
Series DJan 24, 2023
Amount Raised: $50,000,000
SiMa.ai

San Jose, California, United States

SiMa.ai is a developer of machine learning technology to deliver a software-centric platform.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Embedded SystemsMachine LearningSemiconductorSoftware
Series BOct 26, 2022
Amount Raised: $37,000,000
Verkada

San Mateo, California, United States

Verkada is a cloud-based physical security platform provider helping enterprises operate safer, smarter buildings.

Cloud SecurityEnterprise SoftwareInternet of ThingsNetwork SecuritySmart Building
Series DSep 14, 2022
Amount Raised: $205,000,000
Guesty

Covina, California, United States

Guesty’s advanced technology optimizes, automates, and streamlines every aspect of managing a hospitality business, all from one platform.

Information TechnologyProperty ManagementPropTechRentalRental PropertySoftware
Series EAug 16, 2022
Amount Raised: $170,000,000
Flexport

San Francisco, California, United States

Flexport is a full-service global freight forwarder and logistics platform using modern software to fix the user experience in global trade.

Freight ServiceLogisticsShippingSoftwareSupply Chain Management
Series EFeb 7, 2022
Amount Raised: $935,000,000
6sense

San Francisco, California, United States

6sense arms revenue team with the data and visibility that needs to create and convert pipeline into revenue.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)B2BBig DataBusiness Information SystemsMachine LearningMarketingSalesSoftware
Series EJan 20, 2022
Amount Raised: $200,000,000
East West Manufacturing

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

East West Manufacturing is an engineering company offering design, engineering, and supply chain solutions.

Industrial EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Private EquityJan 7, 2022
Amount Raised: $76,939,125
iCapital Network

New York, New York, United States

iCapital Network is a fintech platform for alternative investments and investors.

Asset ManagementBankingFinancial ServicesFinTech
Series UnknownDec 23, 2021
Amount Raised: $50,000,000