Our Approach Why Level?
The Case For a Specialist
Seventeen years, more than 130 investments, and more than 78 exits in middle market software have given us an intimate understanding of what is required to scale at each stage of growth, how to prioritize at a time when focus is critical, and how to prepare a business for a great exit. There is no substitute for the experience, repetition, and an obsessive focus on innovation that we bring to this market.
What Sets Level Apart
Here are some ways our specialization has a direct impact on the companies we back.
As middle market software specialists, we speak the same language as our companies. We know the metrics that matter, the buyers these businesses sell to, and what running a software company actually demands as it grows.
We have invested through multiple technology and market cycles. Most situations we encounter we have seen some version of before, and this enables us to provide better, steadier guidance.
Level is plain-spoken by nature. We provide direct answers to questions, clear reasoning for our positions, and transparency on how our process works. We strive to be the kind of partners we’d want to work with ourselves.
AI is a central opportunity and risk facing every software business today. We see tremendous opportunity for software in an AI-enabled world, and we think there has never been a more important time for specialization as an investor as we help our companies navigate the rapidly changing AI landscape.
What Our CEOs Say
The best case for Level is made by the teams we back.
"The Level team has really good instincts and intuition. They also have a very balanced approach to growth and to building a very successful business, with open dialogues and a direct line of communication."
"Level has been a great partner to Planet DDS from the beginning. The firm is filled with high-integrity people whose actions have always followed their words. The team at Level has a keen understanding of what motivates CEOs, allowing executives the room to solve problems while providing the support necessary to increase the likelihood that those decisions are correct."
"I can confidently say that Level Equity is a top-notch investment firm that truly cares about the success of their portfolio companies. Their team is made up of seasoned experts who not only bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table but also a genuine passion for entrepreneurship. Their approach is collaborative, transparent, and always focused on creating value for their partners."
"Level has been an exceptional partner who provided guidance and insight that made us a much better company that helped us build Fusion into a market-leading global brand."
"Level has been an awesome partner for Instaclustr right from the get-go and all along the way. Having a global firm that could help us scale internationally was crucial for us as we expanded the business around the world and their depth of experience in transacting really came through in what was to become the next step of our journey. Whether things were going well, or there were hard decisions to make, Level was incredibly supportive and valuable to the founding team."
"Level is a great partner because they’re excited to help and highly capable of doing so, but also happy to give you space to execute as a CEO. There’s a reason I chose to work with Level in back-to-back companies: they amplify success but with a low-ego, partnership approach."
"Level Equity was a fantastic partner for CloudCheckr. They were easy to work with, supportive and a great resource for the management team. They took the time to understand a complex business and were willing to invest into long-term initiatives. They were instrumental in helping us shape and pursue our vision. Their style is hands on, but not intrusive and extremely supportive."
"Level took the time to understand the nuances of what made simPRO tick and what made us unique. They’ve empowered us to work as a unit and as a team, and we’ve leveraged their expertise and knowledge to be successful."
Mr. Brooks-Williams is the former CEO of HVR, a former portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is a current investor in a fund managed by Level, and this statement is therefore a testimonial. He received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level’s prior investment in HVR and his investment in a fund managed by Level. See Testimonial and Endorsement Disclosure.
Mr. Giesecke is the CEO of Planet DDS, a portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is not a current Level client or fund investor and received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level's investment in Planet DDS. See Endorsement Disclosure.
Mr. Morse is the founder and former CEO of Tripleseat, a current portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is a current investor in funds managed by Level, and this statement is therefore a testimonial. He received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level’s investment in Tripleseat and his investment in funds managed by Level. See Testimonial and Endorsement Disclosure.
Mr. Nolan is the founder of Fusion Risk Management, a current portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is not a current Level client or fund investor and received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level’s investment in Fusion Risk Management. See Endorsement Disclosure.
Mr. Lilley is the founder and former CEO of Instaclustr, a former portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is not a current Level client or fund investor and received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level’s investment in Instaclustr. See Endorsement Disclosure.
Mr. Ferrara is the former CEO of Wombat, a former portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is not a current Level client or fund investor and received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level’s investment in Wombat. See Endorsement Disclosure.
Mr. McKinnon is the former CEO of CloudCheckr, a former portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is not a current Level client or fund investor and received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level’s investment in CloudCheckr. See Endorsement Disclosure.
Mr. Diljore is the former CEO of simPRO, a current portfolio company of funds managed by Level. He is not a current Level client or fund investor and received no compensation from Level for this statement, but has a material conflict of interest as a result of Level’s investment in simPRO. See Endorsement Disclosure.
Depth From Experience
NextLevel Operations is Level's in-house operating team, offering hands-on operational guidance across the functions a growing software business depends on.
We help companies with product, AI, sales, finance, operations, talent, marketing, and retention. Our operators have held these roles inside software companies and now bring both their own experience and learnings from across the portfolio to each individual company, with strategic and operational value crafted specifically for the priorities of each business.
The Values That Drive
Our Approach
We make the following core commitments to our partners: to stay focused on our market, to be steady, and to be transparent. Growth is rarely a straight line, and how a partner behaves in the harder stretches is usually what founders, managers, and investors remember.
We have had a singular focus on middle market software since inception. This focus directly benefits the companies that we partner with.
We are long term investors in middle market software. We have experience navigating market and technology cycles, and we are calm, steady, and consistent partners across changing environments.
We are straightforward, plain speaking, and direct in our feedback. If we see an opportunity for improvement, we’ll raise it and come with ideas on how we can help.
We work alongside management as partners. We listen first, align on goals together, and offer support that is tailored to the needs and wants of each company and management team.
TESTIMONIAL DISCLOSURE: The statements provided herein are made by certain founders or executives of Level’s past and/or current portfolio companies. Each of these individuals is a current investor in one or more private funds managed by Level, and their statements are deemed “testimonials” because they are made by a current private fund investor and indicate approval, support, or a recommendation of Level, or describe the individual’s experience with Level. None of these individuals has been directly compensated for making these statements; however, Mr. Carey is a current Level employee and is compensated by Level for his services. However, the portfolio companies in which these individuals hold or held a significant equity interest may have received financial investment from Level through one or more funds managed by Level. As such, these individuals may have an indirect financial interest in the success of Level’s activities or in presenting Level in a favorable light. In addition, as investors in funds managed by Level, these individuals have a direct financial interest in the performance of those funds, which creates an additional conflict of interest.
These individuals’ statements reflect past, subjective experiences and are not indicative of future performance or success. Any testimonial made by these individuals does not guarantee that future clients or portfolio companies will have similar experiences or achieve similar outcomes. Investment outcomes are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that any investment will achieve its objectives or that investors will not experience losses. The statements made by these individuals should not be considered specific investment advice, do not take into account any specific situation, and are not intended to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed.