We know we work well together, and we know we work well separately, having individually spent decades on the frontlines of dozens of successful growth companies, startups, mergers, acquisitions and shareholder liquidity events. We’re on a mission - we want to help companies grow (and grow quickly!) by offering our unique combination of individual experience and collective success.
We see a huge gap in entrepreneurial support in America today. There is plenty of help for startups, but the skills and expertise that make a successful startup don’t necessarily translate to rapid, efficient growth to and through the second stage. We know how to do it. Let us help you.
2nd Stage Partners conducts a thorough appraisal of mission-critical business areas in order to assess current capabilities and identify and prioritize areas of focus.
No business can focus on everything all at once, so we pinpoint the most capital-efficient priorities in order to quickly increase revenue and synchronize the business.
We offer “step-in” services where our experienced executives serve as mentors or coaches to existing staff or can serve as interim members of the executive team
2nd Stage Partners conducts a thorough appraisal of mission-critical business areas in order to assess current capabilities and identify and prioritize areas of focus.
No business can focus on everything all at once, so we pinpoint the most capital-efficient priorities in order to quickly increase revenue and synchronize the business.
2nd Stage Partners offers more than just a plan; we also offer “step-in” services that complement the existing team and accelerate growth. Our experienced executives serve as mentors or coaches to existing staff or can serve as interim members of the executive team by heading up the areas identified as the biggest priorities in Phase 2.
Early and 2nd Stage companies have a common problem: they get some money and then they literally can’t use it fast enough to be effective. They waste a lot of time hiring people that don’t work out, reinventing the wheel when it comes to building out various departments. 2nd Stage Partners can come in and tell you where you need to focus, what areas can afford to be ignored for awhile longer, and then they can actually do the work that needs to be done so that capital can be used efficiently and effectively for accelerated growth. Barry Goldsmith, Managing Partner at Updata Partners
There are unprecedented efforts underway in both the private and public sector to get companies started, and that’s a great thing. But then what? All too often, these companies find themselves with a lack of resources and expertise relevant to rapid growth. Companies need effective, experienced leadership to help them grow to the second stage. 2nd Stage Partners fills a critical gap in the landscape of business growth in America today. Michael Finney, President & Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The kinds of skills that make a great startup don’t necessarily translate to and through the second stage. These early-stage companies need the experienced, proven expertise offered by 2nd Stage Partners, not only to identify where they need help, but then to actually step in and execute the strategy, all while mentoring the staff who will be doing it long term. Kenneth Nisbet, Associate Vice President, Tech Transfer at University of Michigan
Early-stage and mid-stage companies have a huge synchronization problem. They may have a great product but no effective sales structure to sell it, or they may have a fantastic sales team but very little marketing, which makes selling inefficient. All too often it takes too long to bring those deficient areas up to speed and for the company to reach it’s potential. 2nd Stage Partners’ proposition--for which I believe there is real need--is to step in and fill the most mission-critical gaps to synchronize company efforts and drive maximum capital efficiency. Noah Walley, Head of Technology Investing at Investor Growth Capital
We see so many companies with fantastic ideas fall short when it comes to rapid, efficient growth. 2nd Stage Partners bring the experience and expertise to not only know what to do, but to actually do it. Companies that work with 2nd Stage Partners will benefit greatly. Conor Mullett, Managing Director and Co Founder at Red Oak Growth Partners
Accelerating to and through the second stage is the next big problem facing early-stage companies in America, and it’s a problem that receives very little attention and support. The executives of 2nd Stage Partners have done it all, from startups and high-growth companies to mergers and acquisitions, showing again and again that they know how to attain liquidity for shareholders. Paul Krutko, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ann Arbor SPARK; Chair of the International Economic Development Council
Our partners bring proven executive experience with the most mission-critical business functions, having gained that collective experience on the frontlines of dozens of successful growth companies, startups, mergers, acquisitions and shareholder liquidity events. Our partners’ active participation and proven experience puts capital to work effectively and efficiently while your company accelerates growth.
Larry was the President and CEO of ForeSee, leading the company from inception to successful exit in 2013. He has more than 30 years of executive experience, including serving as CTO at BankOne. He is a widely-recognized speaker and author of two books, and specializes in rapid-growth executive strategies for early- and second-stage companies.
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John has more than 30 years of executive experience helping small, medium, and large technology companies accelerate growth and enhance operational efficiency through strategic alignment. John has extensive experience in product strategy and execution, professional services leadership, line-of-business management, definition and execution of go-to-market strategy, R&D, and organizational alignment.
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Aaron is a seasoned executive whose career includes a remarkable series of successful exits that yielded substantial returns for equity holders. With nearly 20 years in online business and technology he has held leadership positions in organizations of varied size and maturity, helping all of them substantially increase their levels of success.
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Cia has more than 25 years of experience in human resources and recruiting as well as organizational development and growth. With experience in both early-stage and mature company environments, Cia specializes in supporting rapid, cost-efficient growth through effective management of the best human capital, including hiring and training.
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Sarah has more than 15 years of experience creating, overseeing, and implementing strategic marketing and communications plans for private and public organizations of all sizes. She specializes in differentiated marketing and public relations that helps companies cut through the clutter and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
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Most Recent Post:
2ndStage Partners helps early stage and second stage companies efficiently increase the velocity of revenue growth in order to achieve business maturity. But what really is this 2nd stage? The Edward Lowe Foundation gives the following definition:
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Larry Freed, Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast
| 21 Oct 2014Mlive.com - Larry Freed, CEO Podcast | Conversations on Economic Opportunity
| 21 Oct 2014Larry Freed Launches 2nd Stage Partners LLC
| 15 Apr 2014MLive.com - Larry Freed, other former Foresee execs launch consulting firm to help grow Michigan businesses
| 15 Apr 2014Crain's - Former ForeSee execs' new venture to grow companies to 2nd stage businesses
| 15 Apr 2014
