Global venture and growth equity investment firm Norwest has expanded its Growth Equity team by appointing two experienced professionals to key leadership positions.
The new hires are expected to strengthen the firm’s investment capabilities and operational leadership as it continues to back high-growth businesses across multiple technology sectors.
The appointments reflect Norwest’s ongoing focus on supporting portfolio companies while broadening its expertise in both investment strategy and internal operations.
Shawn Devilla Joins as Growth Equity Principal
Shawn Devilla has joined Norwest as a Principal on the Growth Equity team, where he will concentrate on identifying and investing in technology companies spanning software, IT and technology-enabled services, cybersecurity, and infrastructure.
Devilla brings extensive private equity and investment experience to the role.
Before joining Norwest, he spent more than a decade at Carlyle, leading teams responsible for growth and buyout investments in software and technology-enabled services businesses.
During his tenure, he also established Carlyle’s West Coast private equity office in Menlo Park, helping expand the firm’s presence in the region.
His background is expected to strengthen Norwest’s ability to identify and support companies operating in rapidly evolving technology markets.
Leslie Foard Takes Over Growth Equity Operations
Norwest has also named Leslie Foard as Head of Operations for its Growth Equity team.
In her new position, she will oversee the team’s operational strategy, including talent management, recruitment, employee development, strategic planning, internal communications, and day-to-day operating processes.
Foard joins the firm after spending more than six years at Alpine Investors, where she led Firm and People Operations.
During that period, she played a key role in supporting the firm’s expansion and organizational growth by helping build operational systems and develop its workforce.
Her experience is expected to help strengthen the internal structure of Norwest’s Growth Equity platform as the firm continues to grow.
Focus on Supporting High-Growth Companies
Norwest invests in companies at various stages of development, ranging from early-stage startups to mature growth businesses.
Its investment strategy spans enterprise technology, consumer markets, and healthcare, while providing portfolio companies with operational guidance, industry expertise, and access to an extensive network designed to help founders and executives accelerate growth.
The firm’s Growth Equity team plays an important role in partnering with businesses that are scaling rapidly and require both financial backing and strategic support.
Global Investment Platform Continues to Expand
Norwest manages more than $15.5 billion in capital and has built a broad global investment platform since its founding.
Over the years, the firm has invested in more than 700 companies and currently works with more than 230 businesses across its venture and growth equity portfolio.
With offices in Menlo Park and San Francisco in California, as well as Mumbai, India, and Tel Aviv, Israel, Norwest continues to expand its global presence while supporting innovative companies across a diverse range of industries.
