Garden City Equity, a people-first holding company focused on acquiring and growing family- and founder-owned businesses for the long term, said it has raised $255 million for its next tranche of investments. The firm targets lower middle-market businesses in the South and Southwest United States with up to $25 million of EBITDA.
Founded in 2020 by CEO Michael Arrieta, a former global vice president and chief of staff at DocuSign, Garden City positions itself as a long-term partner to existing leadership teams, emphasizing continuity of operations and employee support as central to its investment model. The firm said it has supported eight companies since its inception, representing more than 500 team members across its portfolio.
Garden City said its employee-focused approach extends beyond wages and benefits into non-traditional workplace and community initiatives. Examples cited include upgraded company uniforms, access to a company chaplain focused on well-being, financial literacy and language classes, no-interest loans for short-term financial challenges, and funding for therapy and marital counseling, among other programs.
The firm said the capital was raised from approximately 200 mission-aligned shareholders, including athletes, business executives, public figures, and artists. Garden City said the investors were aligned with its strategy of using minimal debt, maintaining a long-term ownership orientation, and leveraging its shareholder network to help portfolio companies grow.
KEY QUOTES
“Growing up as the son of Puerto Rican parents working blue-collar jobs, I saw firsthand that working hard didn’t necessarily lead to opportunities to thrive. I founded Garden City Equity not only to generate returns for investors, but also to partner with existing leaders who would continue to run their businesses, and to create lasting impact where every portfolio company team member is treated with dignity, respect, and purpose.”
“The average American spends over 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, and we believe providing for team members in the workplace is one of the most powerful ways to impact people and our country.”
“I am grateful for such an esteemed group of patient shareholders to support Garden City Equity in our effort to build great businesses and create lasting impact in the communities where we have a presence. Our people-first ethos resonates with these investors and founders who believe there are alternative ways to invest that improve people’s lives and give back to the community.”
Michael Arrieta, Founder and CEO, Garden City Equity
“Michael is a unique servant and steward. Not only do we like Garden City because of their investment values, but the returns they generate support the model.”
John C. Maxwell, Investor; #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author and Leadership Expert
