Brentwood Associates

Founded in 1972, Brentwood Associates is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm that has historically operated both leveraged buyout and venture capital groups. In 1999, the firm's venture capital business was spun off into Redpoint Ventures (information technology) and Versant Ventures (healthcare). Since then, the firm has primarily focused on acquiring mature businesses through its buyout practice.

The firm's investment history includes over 50 companies across diverse sectors, including consumer products, restaurants, and retail. Brentwood typically targets middle-market investments, having raised a $1.15 billion fund in 2017. Its historical venture arm was a prominent player during the 1990s internet boom, investing in early-stage software and healthcare companies.

In recent years, Brentwood has remained active in the consumer and service sectors, completing notable acquisitions such as Chicken Salad Chick and MedBridge. The firm generally targets investments where they can provide between $20 million and $200 million of equity capital.