About
1852 Equity Partners
1852 Equity Partners is a boutique private equity firm that presents individually vetted deals to accredited investors, while offering a unique level of flexibility and control. Instead of investing into a fund and placing blind faith in the credibility of the fund’s GPs, our LPs rely on the fundamentals and merits of specific businesses in making their investment decisions.
After the 1852 team has sourced a potential deal, the target business must undergo and clear a thorough diligence process before it gets an opportunity to present to our LPs. Based on the allocation that 1852 commits to, a minimum investment level is set and our LPs either pass on the investment or make their capital commitments on a first- come, first-serve basis until the LP allocation is fully committed.
From there, 1852 leverages its operational expertise and influence (board seats, voting rights, etc.) to impact business strategy & operations and drive positive outcomes.
Meet Our Team
Mark Light
CJ Bacher
Executive Chairman of Bedrock Manufacturing (Shinola, Filson); former Chief Executive Officer of Signet Jewelers (Zales, Kay, Jared). Over 4 decades of executive leadership experience in retail.
Skills: Leadership, Negotiation, Strategic Planning
Chief Operating Officer at $150M energy company; co-founder of multi-million dollar service business. Chicago Booth MBA and former All Big Ten Quarterback at Northwestern University
Skills: Operations, Leadership, Strategic Management
Peter Banas
Joel Belding
Chief Financial Officer at Chicago-based Venture Capital firm; licensed CPA; Ernst & Young and JLL alum. Chicago Booth MBA
Skills: Finance, Accounting, Strategic Management
Owned and operated an insurance agency that was sold for several million; co-founder of multi-million dollar service business. Northwestern football alum
Skills: Business Development, Investor Relations