Brentwood Associates

Founded in 1972 in Los Angeles, Brentwood Associates is a long-standing private equity firm that initially operated both leveraged buyout and venture capital groups. In 1999, the firm's venture capital business was spun out into Redpoint Ventures and Versant Ventures, allowing Brentwood to focus primarily on acquiring more mature businesses through leveraged buyouts. Since its inception, the firm has invested in more than 50 companies across various industries.

The firm's investment strategy focuses on consumer-oriented businesses, healthcare, and software-as-a-service platforms. Notable recent activities include a $1.15 billion fund raised in 2017 and the acquisition of consumer brands like Chicken Salad Chick and MedBridge. Historically, Brentwood was a prominent player during the 1990s internet boom through its venture group, backing companies like WebTV Networks and Documentum before narrowing its focus to buyouts of mature middle-market companies.