Hunter Equity Capital, LLC is a private equity investment firm with offices in Chicago, IL and Naples, FL.
HEC is focused on providing growth capital and liquidity to companies in the lower middle market.

Majority Control
Recapitalizations

Family Succession
Recapitalizations

Management
Buyouts

Industry
Consolidations
We buy and build smaller, niche businesses that other professional investors typically overlook. Not bound by conventional investment wisdom or any “cookie cutter” private equity approach, we gladly partner with small, unique businesses, provide solutions to issues of an owner or family transition and assist management needs with direct involvement. A partnership with Hunter Equity Capital can provide liquidity for owners, capital for growth and acquisitions, managerial augmentation and a path to significant equity appreciation for management.
Hunter Equity Capital is experienced with the unique nature of lower middle market transactions having completed over 10 transactions throughout the past decade. We understand the flexibility necessary, in both structure and process, to meet the needs of business owners and we aim to build a partnership with management over a long-term investment horizon. Our typical investment period is between five and 10 years, but we have the flexibility to invest for either shorter or longer durations.
Exclusive focus on small business with particular expertise in all areas of the equipment rental industry and industrial services sectors.
Hunter Equity Capital is experienced with the unique nature of lower middle market transactions having completed over 17 transactions throughout the past decade.
“Mangrove Equity Partners had the good fortune to partner with Doug Smith in a consolidation in the equipment rental and light manufacturing sector, where Doug possesses considerable industry expertise. Together, we have nearly quadrupled the company’s profits. In addition to a wealth of deal making skills, Doug also brings operations knowledge to the table, allowing him to be materially helpful to companies in making the right moves to create optimal value, including situations where the owners wish to implement a management transition. Doug’s uncommon capabilities are matched by his unquestionable character, and partner-like approach. We are grateful to call Doug our partner and friend.”
“Doug brings a wealth of financial and investment expertise to the privately owned company seeking to grow through geographic expansion or the addition of new products. At Delta Rigging & Tools, Doug and I worked together for 10 years growing Delta from a company with one location, 35 employees and $10 million in revenues to 17 locations, over 500 employees and revenues in excess of $180 million. Aside from knowing how to get tough deals done, Doug is a great partner to work with, willing to get into details on the operating side as needed as well as assist in putting together the overall strategy and plan for significantly growing the business.”
“Mr. Smith and I had the opportunity to work together while involved with a regional Electrical and Power-line Construction Company in the Midwest. Our team navigated together through many business challenges, sometimes against seemingly unbeatable odds, time after time repeatedly with victory.Mr. Smith and the team at Hunter Equity Capital continuously provided the strategic business planning, financial models and framework that navigated everyone involved through the storms to excellent resolution. Mr. Smith lead the way with a professional, resolute, and unyielding focus.
Hunter Equity Capital has the resources, persistence, determination, and fortitude to accomplish anything your business needs to grow, flourish, and succeed. Truly an absolute partner and MVP for any business team.”
“From the beginning of the process through closing, Doug and his team at HEC put forward a fair offer for our client and didn’t waiver. Doug’s willingness to be actively involved with the business post-closing and relevant industry experience made HEC a perfect fit for my client.”
“Through Doug’s valuable guidance and specialized expertise, we look forward to strategically growing our business to a new level. We have gratefully found Doug to be an extraordinary listener and an efficient processor of the environment around him. These qualities have parlayed into a team atmosphere with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm for the future. Doug’s value of our company culture and employee input, as well as his thoughtful implementation of change, has made bringing on a financial partner a seamless transition for our company. Doug’s teamwork approach allows every employee to be a part of the company’s success going forward, and Doug’s leadership and commitment is inspiring.”