Woman-led private equity · Miami
The next generation of founder-built companies
2ndGenPartners is an independent sponsor investing in lower middle market businesses. We partner with founders and families on succession, recapitalization, and growth.
Where we invest
Three sectors, one company at a time
We look for profitable, founder-led businesses where hands-on partnership and the right capital can change the trajectory.
Lifestyle Medicine Services
Service businesses focused on prevention and healthier living, including nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress, and longevity. We look for loyal clients and room to add locations.
Food Distribution
Specialty and regional distributors that keep kitchens, grocers, and institutions supplied. These businesses run on relationships, reliable routes, and service.
Tech-Enabled Business Services
B2B services companies where software, data, and better processes improve delivery and make growth repeatable. Software is the advantage, not the product.
How we partner
A clear process, built around the owner
Confidential conversation
We start by listening to your goals for the business, your team, and your family.
Fit and structure
If there's a fit, we propose a structure built around your goals: succession, a recapitalization, or growth capital.
Diligence and capital
We lead diligence and bring in capital partners aligned with the plan.
Partnership after closing
We work alongside management on strategy, talent, and growth.
“Every morning you’ve got to wake up with a healthy fear that the world is changing, and a conviction that, to win, you have to change faster and be more agile than anyone else.”
Indra Nooyi, former Chair and CEO of PepsiCo
Meet the founder
Melanie Santos Grant
Founder & Managing Partner
Founded in 2022. Re-established in 2026.
Melanie founded 2ndGenPartners to partner with founders and families at turning points in their businesses. Her career spans capital markets, corporate law, and operations. She started at Goldman Sachs, practiced M&A law at Morgan Lewis, served as Assistant General Counsel at Aramark, and was Chief Transformation Officer at Burlington. She speaks often on independent sponsorship and the lower middle market.
J.D., University of Virginia · B.A., Rutgers, Phi Beta Kappa
Let's talk about what you've built
Founders thinking about succession, advisors with an opportunity, and capital partners are all welcome. Please don't send confidential information in a first email.