Long-term partner for founders who care what happens next

Portola Growth Partners is an entrepreneur-founded partnership focused on acquiring and operating an exceptional business with care, commitment, and integrity.

Our Approach

At Portola Growth Partners, we’re not just investors — we’re operators, entrepreneurs, and long-term stewards of great businesses. We know firsthand what it takes to build an exceptional business, and we will bring that same level of care, commitment, and clarity to the business we partner with.

We’re not building a portfolio — we’re building a future with one exceptional business. That means no competing priorities and no short-term thinking. We dedicate 100% of our time and energy to growing the company we acquire — preserving its culture, supporting its team, and honoring its legacy.

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Our Values

  • People First: We believe that people are a company’s most valuable asset. We prioritize the experience of customers and employees through empathy, respect, and care.

  • Grit: We are natural problem solvers and love to get our hands dirty. With our diverse experience and strong team of advisors, we are confident that we can overcome any challenge.

  • Integrity: We lead with honesty and fairness — doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, because that’s how lasting partnerships are built.

  • Transparency: We lead with honesty and clarity, so no one’s ever left in the dark.

Our Focus

We’re seeking a majority investment (70%+) alongside a founder or leadership team that wants a thoughtful transition. Whether you're stepping away or staying involved, we’ll work with you to ensure continuity for your team, your customers, and your culture.

We bring more than capital — we bring full-time operational focus, strategic support, and a long-term mindset. Our goal is to grow the right business, the right way — with care, discipline, and shared success.

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Business Profile

  • B2B Focus: Serving other businesses with a proven, pain-solving product or service

  • Diversified Customer Base: No single-point dependency, loyal and sticky relationships

  • Strong Core, Clear Upside: A business that’s thriving today — with room to grow tomorrow

  • Experienced Team: A capable mid-level management team in place to support ongoing operations

Financial Criteria

  • $5M+ in annual revenue

  • $2M+ in EBITDA

  • 15%+ EBITDA margins

  • High degree of recurring or re-occurring revenue

  • Asset-light business model

Elise Testa, Managing Partner

Growing up in a family that deeply valued hard work, purpose, and making a difference, our dinner conversations often centered around people—how to help them, lead them, and leave something meaningful behind. That early grounding instilled in me a deep respect for those who build businesses with care and intention.

Over the past ten years, I’ve worked across investment banking, private equity, and corporate strategy. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with founders, operators, and investors—learning what makes a business not just successful, but enduring.

After spending years in finance, I pursued my MBA at The Wharton School, where I focused on entrepreneurship and leadership. That experience sparked something bigger: the desire to acquire a business with purpose. I founded Portola Growth Partners to do just that—combining operational know-how with a genuine respect for the legacy that owners have spent years creating.

I'm now thrilled to partner with market-leading businesses and help take them to the next level.

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Our Partners

  • Michael Aubrey

    Michael Aubrey

    Former CEO, Mission Veterinary Partners

  • Kevin Oxendine

    Kevin Oxendine

    Former CEO, Wistia

  • Gerald Risk

    Gerald Risk

    Vice Chairman, Asurion

  • Kyle Coots

    Kyle Coots

    Co-Founder, Miramar

  • Kent Weaver

    Kent Weaver

    Former CEO, Progressive Home Care

  • Lacey Wismer

    Lacey Wismer

    Founder, Hunter Search Capital

  • Andrew Saltoun

    Andrew Saltoun

    Former CEO, Integra 

  • G.J. King

    G.J. King

    Former CEO, RIA in a Box

  • Ryan Robinson

    Ryan Robinson

    Former CEO, OnRamp

  • Sandy Paige

    Sandy Paige

    Former CEO, Explora BioLabs

  • Clayton Sachs

    Clayton Sachs

    Vice President, Datacor

Our Process

Introductory Call

In a 30-minute video call, we’ll introduce ourselves, learn more about your business and vision, and explore whether we’re aligned as potential partners. It’s a confidential, two-way conversation — no pitch, no obligation, just a chance to connect.

In Person Meeting

I'll come visit you to spend time together in your world. This isn’t a formal site visit - it’s a chance to build trust and discuss what a potential partnership could look like.

Letter of Intent

If we’re aligned after our initial conversations, we’ll put together a Letter of Intent (LOI) that outlines the key terms of a potential partnership. This is a collaborative step to make sure we’re on the same page before diving into diligence. The goal is to craft a deal that works for you — financially, personally, and culturally.

Close

Together, we’ll finalize the transition and officially begin our partnership. From day one, we’ll work side by side to support your team, honor your legacy, and grow the business for the long term.

Due Diligence

Once the LOI is signed, we’ll begin a focused diligence process to better understand the inner workings of your business — from financials to operations, legal, and beyond. We’ll work closely with you to make the process as smooth and respectful of your time as possible.