Entertainment-focused private investment firm, Coral Tree Partners, has announced the successful closing of its first funding round, securing approximately $470 million in committed capital. This figure significantly surpasses the initial target of $350 million, highlighting strong investor confidence in the firm’s strategy and leadership.
According to Coral Tree Partners, the inaugural fund was “significantly oversubscribed above its original hard cap,” demonstrating substantial demand from the investment community. The fund attracted notable support from a diverse group of high-quality institutional investors. These include endowments, foundations, insurance companies, pension plans, institutional family offices, and funds-of-funds, indicating broad institutional appeal.
Founded by Will Wynperle and Alan Resnikoff, both formerly partners at Shamrock Capital Advisors, Coral Tree Partners concentrates on investments within the media, entertainment, marketing services, and communications sectors. The firm’s investment strategy encompasses lower middle market buyouts and late-stage growth equity investments, targeting companies poised for expansion within these dynamic industries.
Based in Los Angeles, Coral Tree Partners has already made two strategic investments. The first is Loaded, a Santa Monica, California-based global talent management and marketing agency specializing in the rapidly growing gaming influencer market. The second investment is Subject Matter, a Washington, D.C.-based firm renowned for its expertise in strategic communications, creative content, advertising, and government relations. These initial investments reflect Coral Tree Partners’ focus on high-growth areas within their target sectors.
In addition to founders Wynperle and Resnikoff, the Coral Tree Partners team includes experienced professionals Mike DiLorenzo, Matt Greenzang, and Jake Simons, all of whom have prior working history with the founders. Further bolstering their expertise, Coral Tree Partners has assembled a team of executive advisors. This advisory group comprises several former CEOs from leading companies such as Giant Creative, Learfield Sports, MarketCast, and Questex, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and operational experience to the firm.
“Our deep investment experience within our sectors, combined with our specific focus on the lower middle market, sets us apart in the competitive landscape,” stated Wynperle. He further added, “Our investors recognize and appreciate our differentiated strategy and value-add approach, and we are very pleased to have them as long-term partners of Coral Tree.”
Credit Suisse served as the placement agent for Coral Tree’s successful inaugural fundraise. Legal counsel was provided by Simpson Thacher, completing the team of advisors involved in this significant milestone for Coral Tree Partners.
