M/C Partners
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Private equity, Venture capital |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | David Croll, Jim Wade |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | United States, Global |
| Products | Growth equity funding for emerging companies in media and telecommunications sectors |
M/C Partners is a private equity firm that concentrates on growth equity funding for emerging companies within the media and telecommunications sectors. The firm provides capital across various phases of development, including early, middle, and late stages, as well as turnaround situations and buyouts. Previously known as Media Communications Partners, M/C is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional offices located in San Francisco and London.
Established in 1986 as a spin-off from the venture capital firm TA Associates, M/C was founded by David Croll and Jim Wade, both of whom had been part of TA's Media/Communications Group. Since its founding, the firm has accumulated approximately $3.0 billion through nine investment funds.
History
The origins of M/C Partners date back to 1986 when the Media/Communications division separated from TA Associates to become an independent entity. Its inaugural fund, Media/Communications Partners, secured $283 million in 1987. Following funds raised include $167 million in 1992, $265 million in 1996, $230 million in 1999, and a record-setting $550 million fund in 2000.
While initially concentrating on U.S.-based telecommunications providers and IT services related to communications, M/C has expanded its focus to include wireless broadband operators, wireline operators, managed IT service companies, media content businesses, and developers of communications infrastructure software.
In 2006, the firm completed fundraising for its sixth fund at $550 million, specifically aimed at later-stage growth capital investments.
Investments
M/C Partners targets emerging information technology enterprises connected to communications both within the United States and globally. Currently, the firm is deploying capital from its ninth fund, M/C Partners IX, a $350 million growth equity vehicle raised in 2023.
Prominent portfolio companies include AccentHealth, Airband, Cellular One, Fusepoint Managed Services, HyPerformix, ICG Communications, Legendary Pictures, MetroPCS, Mobi, Nuvox, PlumChoice, Inc., Revol Wireless, Triton PCS, Western Wireless Corporation, and Zayo Bandwidth.