At Lead Capital Partners, our strength lies in the collective expertise and dedication of our team. Each member brings a wealth of experience in investment management, private equity, and financial operations, positioning Lead Capital Partners as a premier partner for growth and value creation. Get to know the individuals who drive our success and make Lead Capital Partners a leader in the investment landscape.
Pryor Smartt – Managing Partner
As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Lead Capital Partners, Pryor Smartt brings a deep understanding of the investment world. His prior role as Director of Investments at Harbert Management Corporation (HMC), a significant institutional alternative asset manager, provided him with invaluable experience in navigating complex investment strategies. Earlier in his career, Mr. Smartt honed his financial acumen in the Investment Banking department at KeyBanc Capital Markets, where he focused on lower middle market merger and acquisition advisory, and at SunTrust Bank in their Corporate and Investment Banking division. His academic foundation, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Business Administration minor from Vanderbilt University, complements his practical experience, making him a driving force at Lead Capital Partners. Mr. Smartt’s leadership is instrumental in shaping the strategic direction and investment philosophy of Lead Capital Partners.
Tate McNeilly – Director
Tate McNeilly has been an integral part of Lead Capital Partners since 2014, serving as a Director and playing a crucial role in the firm’s deal lifecycle. His primary focus encompasses new deal origination, where he leverages his market insights to identify promising investment opportunities for Lead Capital Partners. Mr. McNeilly is also deeply involved in due diligence, transaction evaluation, and execution, ensuring thorough analysis and seamless deal closures. Furthermore, his responsibilities extend to portfolio management, contributing to the ongoing success of Lead Capital Partners’ investments. Mr. McNeilly’s background in economics, solidified by his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Sewanee: The University of the South, underpins his analytical approach and strategic contributions to Lead Capital Partners.
Carl Grote – Director
Carl Grote joined Lead Capital Partners in 2022 and immediately brought his extensive experience in investment banking to the team. As Director, he is actively involved in portfolio management, ensuring the health and growth of current investments. Mr. Grote also dedicates his expertise to new investment origination, identifying and pursuing strategic opportunities for Lead Capital Partners. His responsibilities further include transaction due diligence and execution, applying his meticulous approach to every deal. Prior to joining Lead Capital Partners, Mr. Grote gained significant experience in the Investment Banking departments of Janney Montgomery Scott and Robert W. Baird & Co., where he specialized in middle market M&A advisory and financing services. His academic credentials, a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Science from the University of Texas at Austin, provide a robust foundation for his contributions to Lead Capital Partners.
John Peake – Vice President of Finance and Fund Administration
John Peake, Vice President of Finance and Fund Administration at Lead Capital Partners since 2023, is the cornerstone of the firm’s financial operations. He expertly oversees accounting and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and transparency in all financial dealings of Lead Capital Partners. Mr. Peake also manages compliance and administrative operations, maintaining the firm’s adherence to regulatory standards and efficient internal processes. Before joining Lead Capital Partners, he was a Tax Senior Manager at LBMC, PC, specializing in tax consulting and compliance for investment partnerships, healthcare, and real estate. A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Peake holds a Master of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Georgia. His memberships in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Tennessee Society of CPAs further underscore his professional standing and commitment to excellence at Lead Capital Partners.
Brenna Thomson – Vice President of Business Development
Brenna Thomson, Vice President of Business Development, joined Lead Capital Partners in October 2024, bringing a dynamic approach to business growth. Her previous role as an associate at Caloah Private Equity in Vancouver saw her deeply involved in deal execution, from thesis development to capital raising. Ms. Thomson’s experience also includes her time as a Senior Associate in the Corporate Finance & Business Development team at KPMG LLP Toronto, focusing on market research and deal origination. Earlier in her career at Deloitte LLP Vancouver, she honed her skills in valuations and due diligence. Brenna also brings international experience from Barclays UK in London and the fintech startup Origin Markets. Her academic qualifications include an MSc in Finance and Banking from Cass Business School (London, UK) and a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from Western University (Canada). Notably, her background as a varsity track athlete and professional runner for Team Canada reflects her drive and competitive spirit, assets that greatly benefit Lead Capital Partners.
Chip Royal – Associate
Chip Royal, an Associate at Lead Capital Partners since 2024, is actively engaged in the firm’s investment activities. His focus areas include new investment origination, where he identifies and assesses potential opportunities for Lead Capital Partners. Mr. Royal also contributes significantly to transaction due diligence and execution, ensuring rigorous analysis and efficient deal processes. Furthermore, he participates in portfolio management, supporting the growth and performance of Lead Capital Partners’ investments. Prior to joining Lead Capital Partners, Mr. Royal was an Investment Banking Analyst at Stephens Inc., concentrating on mergers and acquisitions and capital raising solutions within various sectors. His academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Alabama and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, equipping him with a comprehensive skillset for his role at Lead Capital Partners.
Anthony Swenson – Associate
Anthony Swenson, who joined Lead Capital Partners as an Associate in 2024, brings a diverse background in consulting and finance to the firm. His responsibilities at Lead Capital Partners are centered around new investment origination, transaction due diligence and execution, and portfolio management. Before joining Lead Capital Partners, Mr. Swenson began his career at Bain & Company as a Management Consultant, specializing in growth strategy and commercial excellence across diverse industries. He further expanded his experience as Chief of Staff for Cortex Sustainability Intelligence, overseeing finance and investor relations. Mr. Swenson holds a Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University, providing him with a strong analytical and strategic framework that he applies to his role at Lead Capital Partners.
The team at Lead Capital Partners embodies a commitment to excellence, bringing together diverse expertise and a shared vision for investment success. Their combined experience and dedication are pivotal in driving value and achieving outstanding results for Lead Capital Partners and its partners.
