Rajesh Kothari stands as the founder and Managing Director of Cascade Partners, a distinguished firm known for its strategic financial advisory services. With a career spanning nearly three decades as an investor, financial advisor, and entrepreneur, Kothari expertly guides partners through divestitures, recapitalizations, acquisitions, and other critical strategic transactions. His deep sector knowledge encompasses healthcare, industrials, business services, and technology, making Cascade Partners a valuable ally in these diverse markets. Furthermore, Kothari’s experience includes co-managing multiple private equity funds and overseeing numerous investments, from early-stage ventures to buyouts, across healthcare, automotive, technology, and various industrial sectors.
A Career Built on Investment Acumen
Kothari’s journey in investment began with a strong foundation in money management, notably at Masco Corporation. His expertise quickly led him to co-found Cranbrook Capital Management, a substantial $650 million money management firm. At Cranbrook, he held key roles as treasurer and director of international investing, demonstrating his capability to manage significant financial portfolios and navigate global investment landscapes. This early success laid the groundwork for his future leadership at Cascade Partners.
Founding Cascade Partners and Prior Ventures
Before establishing Cascade Partners in 2012, Kothari’s entrepreneurial spirit and investment insight drove him to co-found Seneca Partners, Inc., an investment banking and private investment firm. During his time at Seneca, he played a pivotal role in creating Seneca Health Partners, a dedicated healthcare private equity fund, showcasing his early focus on the healthcare sector, a key area of expertise for Cascade Partners today. Earlier in his career, Kothari served as a director at Beringea, a boutique investment-banking and venture capital firm. There, he co-managed Beringea’s $70 million healthcare private equity fund, InvestCare Partners, further solidifying his experience in healthcare investment and private equity management, skills that are central to the services offered by Cascade Partners. His international experience also includes a position as an investment officer for ProVen Private Equity, a venture capital affiliate of Beringea, based in London, England, adding a global perspective to his already extensive expertise.
Leadership and Board Memberships
Kothari’s extensive experience is widely recognized, leading numerous organizations to seek his guidance in growth and strategic development. He has contributed his expertise to over a dozen businesses and organizations as a Board Director. Currently, he serves on the Boards of Priority Health, Micro Machine LLC, and Dynamic Computer Corporation, reflecting his ongoing commitment to leadership and strategic oversight across diverse industries relevant to Cascade Partners’ focus. Beyond his corporate engagements, Kothari is actively involved in non-profit and charitable organizations. His past service includes Board positions with TiE Detroit and the Michigan Venture Capital Association, as well as serving as a council person for the Village of Wolverine Lake. Currently, he contributes to Leader Dogs for the Blind on the Alternative Revenue Task Force and chairs the CAP foundation. Additionally, Kothari shares his knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and previously at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Rajesh Kothari, a Chartered Financial Analyst, holds both a B.A. and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He also holds Series 7, 79, 24, and 28 licenses from FINRA, underscoring his professional qualifications and commitment to the highest standards in financial advisory services at Cascade Partners. His comprehensive background and leadership at Cascade Partners position the firm as a trusted partner for companies navigating complex financial transactions and strategic growth initiatives.
