Shore Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm with offices in Nashville, announced the close of two new investment vehicles totaling approximately $850 million in capital commitments. The firm closed its sixth Shore Capital Healthcare Partners Fund (Healthcare Fund VI) and its second Shore Search Partners Fund (Search Fund II), bringing total capital raised in 2025 to nearly $1.3 billion and total assets under management to more than $14 billion.
The fundraising underscores Shore’s continued leadership in the lower middle market and marks another milestone in its steady growth. Since 2019, the firm’s AUM has expanded from about $1 billion to more than $14 billion. To support its expanding platform, Shore has strengthened its internal capabilities by promoting more than 40 employees, including 15 on its senior investment team, and hiring over 50 new professionals during the past year.
Shore Capital was founded on a sector-focused strategy, partnering with management teams in industries such as healthcare, food and beverage, business services, industrials, and real estate. The firm provides strategic capital, operational expertise, and an extensive network to help founders and management teams grow their businesses more efficiently and sustainably.
Healthcare Fund VI, which closed with over $625 million in commitments, continues Shore’s long track record in microcap healthcare investing. Led by Founding Partner Ryan Kelley, along with Partners Don Pierce and Chris Mioton, the fund will target healthcare companies with revenues between $5 million and $200 million. The fund aims to build on nearly two decades of investing in high-performing operators and innovative healthcare businesses by emphasizing operational collaboration and shared best practices across portfolio companies.
Search Fund II, led by Partners Michael Aubrey and Cameron Perkins, closed with nearly $225 million in commitments and will continue to back experienced executives pursuing acquisition opportunities in the traditional search fund model. The strategy is designed to empower entrepreneurial leaders to identify, acquire, and scale promising lower middle market businesses using Shore’s operational playbook, network, and leadership development programs.
The firm’s recent momentum and diverse fund lineup reflect its long-term commitment to the lower middle market and its focus on cultivating future business leaders. By combining capital resources with deep operational support, Shore aims to drive growth, mitigate risk, and deliver meaningful value creation for portfolio companies and investors alike.
Advisor: Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to Shore Capital Partners during the fundraising process. The firm did not use a placement agent.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our growth over the past six years reflects the strength of our team, our disciplined sector-focused strategy, and our continued commitment to serving founders and management teams in the lower-middle market. With three new funds closed this year, we continue to build on the depth and specialization that guide our investment approach.”
Justin Ishbia, Founder and Managing Partner, Shore Capital Partners
“Healthcare Fund VI represents the next chapter in Shore’s long-term commitment to the healthcare industry. We continue to see meaningful opportunities to invest behind strong operators and innovative businesses that are shaping the future of healthcare. The close of our sixth fund vintage builds on nearly two decades of microcap partnerships across the industry.”
Ryan Kelley, Founding Partner, Shore Capital Partners
“At Shore, our focus has always been on empowering great people to build great businesses. Search Fund II continues that legacy by equipping talented entrepreneurs with learnings from over 1,000 microcap partnerships and providing the tools, mentorship, and partnership to lead and grow successful companies.”
Michael Aubrey, Partner, Shore Capital Partners
