40+ years of realizing value in the lower-middle market

Based in Iowa, AAVIN Equity Advisors embodies a 'Main Street' approach to private equity investing. We manage committed funds to deploy capital into established, profitable businesses situated in underserved domestic geographies within the lower segment of the middle market. We specialize in leading buyout and recapitalization transactions of founder- or family-owned businesses, relying on our years of experience and collaborative approach to generate substantial value throughout the investment's lifespan.

Experienced Team

Our investment team has completed over 300 investments in lower-middle market companies.

Partner for Growth

AAVIN works collaboratively with management teams and sellers to execute shared objectives that enhance performance and value.

Flexible Structure

We creatively structure deals using a combination of debt and equity to ensure the financing structure fits the goals of the transaction.

1959

An SBIC License in Cedar Rapids, IA

AAVIN's predecessor organization, MorAmerica Capital, received one of the first licenses as a Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”). This spawned an investment strategy focused on providing capital to underserved geographies in the lower end of the lower-middle market.

1981

Allsop Venture Partners (“Allsop”) formed out of MorAmerica

The investment team at MorAmerica managing the SBIC license spun out and raised a series of funds that generated top-quartile returns in the 1980s and 1990s.

1999

AAVIN created to continue the legacy of Allsop Venture Partners

Jim Thorp and Paul Rhines (both part of the investment team at Allsop) formed AAVIN to continue the proven strategy of Allsop and MorAmerica.

2022

AAVIN closed its largest fund and received another SBIC license

AAVIN has raised larger funds, but has not moved its focus from the lower end of the lower-middle market. We continue to believe that small businesses offer the best investment value and opportunities for growth.