Searchlight Capital History and Business Operations

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Searchlight Capital has its roots in the private equity industry, dating back to 2013. The firm was founded by Paul Koenigsknecht, David Weiss, and Michael Kiernan.

The founders brought with them a wealth of experience from their previous roles at other private equity firms. They aimed to create a unique investment approach that would allow them to partner with exceptional management teams and provide strategic guidance to help their portfolio companies grow.

Searchlight Capital's investment strategy focuses on acquiring controlling interests in high-quality businesses across a range of industries. This allows the firm to take a long-term view and work closely with management to drive growth and value creation.

The firm's investment approach is centered around its core values of partnership, integrity, and discipline.

Founders and History

Searchlight Capital was founded in 2015, marking the beginning of a new era in private equity investing.

The firm's founders, including Alex James and Michael Kiernan, brought with them a wealth of experience and expertise in the sector.

Searchlight Capital's early success was built on its focus on investing in high-growth businesses in the consumer, media, and technology sectors.

Who Co-Founded?

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Erol Uzumeri is the Co-Founder of Searchlight Capital Partners.

Some companies have multiple co-founders, like Searchlight Capital Partners, who work together to establish the business.

Fund History

Searchlight Capital Partners has a history of launching successful funds, with a total of 15 funds under their belt. The most recent one, Searchlight Capital III, closed on November 18, 2020, with a staggering $3,400 million.

One of their earlier funds, Searchlight Capital II OPT Co-Invest Partners US, closed on January 23, 2020, with a relatively modest $50.1 million. In contrast, Searchlight Capital III PV closed on July 9, 2019, with a massive $1,249.42 million.

The exact details of two other funds, Searchlight Opportunities Fund LP and Searchlight Capital II, are not publicly available due to subscription requirements. However, we do know that they were closed on December 2, 2016, and December 16, 2015, respectively.

Here's a breakdown of the funds' closing dates and amounts:

The sources for this information are listed as 6, 1, 2, 10, and 10, respectively, which may be relevant to further research.

UK, LLP

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The UK's Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) structure was introduced in 2001 as part of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act, allowing for flexible business arrangements.

In the UK, an LLP is a hybrid of a partnership and a company, providing the benefits of both structures. It's a popular choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The LLP structure allows for limited liability protection, which means that each member's personal assets are generally protected in case the business incurs debts or liabilities. This is a key advantage over traditional partnerships.

Business Operations

Searchlight Capital's business operations are centered around its investment strategy, which focuses on the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. The firm's expertise in these areas allows it to identify and capitalize on opportunities that other investors may overlook.

One key aspect of Searchlight's business operations is its ability to leverage its network of relationships to source high-quality deal flow. This network is comprised of existing and former investors, operators, and other industry experts who provide valuable insights and connections.

Searchlight's team is comprised of experienced investment professionals who bring a range of skills and expertise to the table. They work together to identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities, and to develop and execute strategies for maximizing returns.

SIC Code

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Understanding SIC Codes is Essential for Business Operations.

The SIC code is a six-digit number assigned to businesses to categorize their industry and activities.

Searchlight Capital Partners has an SIC code of 628 and 62, which indicates its involvement in the Investment Firms and Security and Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges, and Other Financial Investment Activities sectors.

SIC codes can be found in various databases and are often used for statistical purposes, such as analyzing market trends and industry performance.

A well-organized business operation considers SIC codes when filing tax returns and reporting financial information.

Annual Revenue

Annual revenue is a crucial metric for any business, and Searchlight Capital Partners is no exception. Their annual revenue was $21.3 million in 2025.

Understanding the financials of a company is essential for making informed decisions, whether you're a business owner or an investor.

Customers

Customers are the lifeblood of any business, and understanding their needs and behaviors is crucial for success.

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A business can have a large customer base, but if they're not engaged, it's not worth much. This can be seen in the example of a company with 10,000 customers, but only 100 of them are active.

Effective customer service is key to building trust and loyalty. According to our data, a business that responds to customer inquiries within an hour is 6 times more likely to retain that customer.

Customer feedback is essential for making informed decisions. By analyzing customer reviews, a business can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

A happy customer is more likely to become a repeat customer and refer others to the business. In fact, a study found that 71% of customers are more likely to recommend a business to others if they have a positive experience.

By understanding customer needs and behaviors, a business can tailor its operations to meet those needs. This can include adjusting production schedules, inventory levels, and even employee training.

Acquisitions

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Searchlight Capital Partners has made 26 acquisitions, with their latest being Consolidated Communications on December 27, 2024. This acquisition was a take-private deal.

Their acquisition history is quite impressive, with a significant number of take-private deals. In fact, they've acquired companies like Gresham House and Hyve through similar means.

Here's a breakdown of their acquisitions:

Note that some of their earlier acquisitions have been hidden behind a paywall, but it's clear that they've been actively involved in the market for several years.

Portfolio and Exits

Searchlight Capital has a strong track record of creating value through its portfolio companies.

The firm has invested in leading companies across various industries, including media, technology, and consumer products.

One notable example is its investment in The Weather Company, which was acquired by IBM for $2 billion in 2015.

Searchlight Capital's portfolio companies have also achieved significant growth and success, with some companies experiencing multiple-fold increases in revenue.

Assets and Funds

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When it comes to managing your assets and funds, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your financial situation.

A well-diversified portfolio can be a key asset in achieving long-term financial goals, as seen in the example of a startup company that invested in a mix of stocks, bonds, and real estate.

Having a solid emergency fund in place can provide peace of mind and help you avoid going into debt, just like the entrepreneur who set aside three to six months' worth of living expenses.

Cash flow is critical in managing assets and funds, as it can help you stay afloat during lean times and take advantage of investment opportunities.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for a cash reserve that covers at least three to six months of living expenses, as seen in the example of the entrepreneur who prioritized saving for a rainy day.

Regularly reviewing and adjusting your investment portfolio can help ensure that your assets are aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Investments

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Searchlight Capital Partners has made 31 investments. Their latest investment was in Wefox as part of their Loan - III on January 1, 2025.

Searchlight Capital Partners' investment history is quite extensive, with a total of 31 investments under their belt.

Portfolio Exits

Searchlight Capital Partners has a significant track record of successful portfolio exits, with a total of 15 exits to date.

Their latest portfolio exit was Flowbird, acquired by EasyPark on January 15, 2025, for an undisclosed valuation of $XXM.

In addition to Flowbird, Searchlight Capital Partners has also exited Ziply Fiber, which was acquired by Bell on November 4, 2024, also for an undisclosed valuation of $XXM.

Another notable exit was MediaMath, which was sold as an asset to Infillion on August 23, 2023, for a valuation of $XXM.

Here are the details of Searchlight Capital Partners' 15 portfolio exits:

Team and Providers

Searchlight Capital has a strong team with a proven track record of success. The firm's team has a deep understanding of the industries they invest in, which enables them to make informed investment decisions.

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Their investment team has significant experience in the private equity industry, with a combined total of over 100 years of experience. This experience has allowed them to develop a unique perspective on the markets and identify opportunities that others may miss.

Searchlight Capital partners with a variety of providers to support their investments, including financial institutions, strategic partners, and other private equity firms.

Employment Count

The team behind Searchlight Capital Partners is a force to be reckoned with, with 149 people employed at the company.

Their impressive size allows them to tackle complex projects with ease, and their staff is likely to be highly skilled and experienced in their respective fields.

The number of employees at Searchlight Capital Partners is a significant indicator of their capabilities and the scope of their operations.

Team

Our team is comprised of experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for delivering exceptional results. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

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Our team leader has over 10 years of experience in project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of our operations and ensuring that our projects are completed to the highest standard.

We also have a dedicated team of engineers who have expertise in various fields, including software development, network architecture, and cybersecurity. They work closely with our clients to understand their needs and develop customized solutions that meet their unique requirements.

One of our engineers has a specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which has been instrumental in developing our cutting-edge solutions.

Three Service Providers

As we explore the team and providers behind Searchlight Capital Partners, let's take a closer look at the service providers they work with.

Searchlight Capital Partners has 3 service provider relationships.

One of the service providers is Evercore, which has been involved in a take-private round.

Evercore's role as an investment bank is crucial in providing financial advisory services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What companies does Searchlight Capital own?

Searchlight Capital Partners owns top holdings in Consolidated Communications, Liberty Latin America, Uniti Group, and Liberty Latin America. These companies are key components of its investment portfolio.

How big is the searchlight capital fund?

Searchlight Capital's Fund III is a $3.4 billion investment fund. It surpassed its initial target of $2.75 billion when it closed in November 2020.

How many employees does Searchlight Capital have?

Searchlight Capital Partners has a team of 148 employees working together to drive their investment strategies forward. Learn more about their investment approach and team expertise.

Angel Bruen

Copy Editor

Angel Bruen is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. Her expertise spans a variety of sectors, including finance and insurance, where she has honed her skills in crafting clear and concise content. Specializing in articles about Insurance Companies of Hong Kong and Financial Services Companies Established in 2013, Angel ensures that each piece she edits is not only accurate but also engaging for the reader.

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