Guardian Capital Partners Secures $441 Million Fund IV to Expand Investments in Industrial Technology, Digital Infrastructure, and Specialty Business Services

Wayne, Pennsylvania-based private equity firm Guardian Capital Partners has successfully closed its latest investment vehicle, Fund IV, raising $441 million.

The milestone reflects strong support from a diverse group of investors, ranging from longstanding Limited Partners to new entrants such as university endowments, foundations, blue-chip fund of funds, and family offices.

The fundraising success highlights investor confidence in Guardian’s strategic approach and track record of identifying high-potential opportunities in the lower middle market.

Leadership Driving Focused Investment Strategy

At the helm of Guardian Capital Partners are co-founders Peter Haabestad and Scott Evans, who also serve as Managing Partners.

Under their guidance, Guardian concentrates on control investments in lower middle-market companies, specifically targeting sectors such as industrial technology, specialty business services, and digital infrastructure.

The firm differentiates itself through a research-informed and thematic investment methodology, focusing on sectors with strong long-term fundamentals and recurring opportunities to create value.

The Guardian Priority Sectors Program

A cornerstone of Guardian’s strategy is its Priority Sectors program, often called GPS.

This initiative enables the firm to streamline sourcing, due diligence, and operational support in areas where it has developed deep expertise and market knowledge.

Currently, the GPS program emphasizes four primary thematic areas:

1. Industrial Technology – Companies leveraging advanced manufacturing, automation, and engineering solutions.
2. Digital Infrastructure – Businesses supporting data centers, cloud services, and IT connectivity.
3. Non-Discretionary Services – Essential services that maintain consistent demand regardless of economic cycles.
4. Food & Beverage Manufacturing – Producers of food and beverage products, emphasizing efficiency and scale.

This approach allows Guardian to invest with precision, backing businesses that not only demonstrate strong growth potential but also align with long-term market trends.

A Proven Track Record

Since its founding in 2008, Guardian Capital Partners has completed over 80 transactions, representing more than $3.5 billion in total enterprise value as of September 30, 2025.

The firm’s experience spans multiple sectors, highlighting its ability to identify and nurture companies poised for sustainable growth.

What’s Next?

With Fund IV now closed, Guardian is expected to deploy capital across new and existing investments, leveraging its GPS strategy to drive growth and operational improvements.

The firm’s focus on research-driven sectors and control investments positions it to continue creating value for both investors and portfolio companies.

Additionally, the strong participation from global institutional investors signals potential for continued fundraising success in future funds.

Summary

Guardian Capital Partners’ closure of Fund IV at $441 million marks another chapter in its steady rise as a lower middle-market private equity firm.

Guided by co-founders Peter Haabestad and Scott Evans, the firm’s research-driven GPS approach allows it to target high-potential sectors like industrial technology, digital infrastructure, essential services, and food & beverage manufacturing.

With a track record of over 80 transactions totaling $3.5 billion, Guardian is well-positioned to continue generating value for investors and portfolio companies alike.