Luminate Capital Partners stands as a prominent private equity firm dedicated to the software and technology sectors. Based in the vibrant hub of San Francisco, the firm is propelled by a team of seasoned investment professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and a strategic vision to foster growth and innovation. Understanding the leadership behind Luminate Capital Partners is key to appreciating their focused approach and deep industry expertise. This article delves into the profiles of the key individuals who shape the direction and success of this dynamic firm.
Hollie Haynes, Founder & Managing Partner at Luminate Capital Partners
Hollie Haynes: Founder & Managing Partner
At the helm of Luminate Capital Partners is Hollie Moore Haynes, the Founder and Managing Partner. Her extensive background in software private equity investing is the cornerstone of Luminate’s focused strategy. Prior to establishing Luminate Capital, Hollie honed her expertise at Silver Lake, a leading technology-focused private equity firm. Her career also includes significant roles in private equity at Hellman & Friedman and in investment banking at Morgan Stanley & Co. Hollie’s academic foundation is as impressive as her professional journey, holding an A.B. in Economics from Harvard University and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, equipping her with a robust understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of investment and business management.
Andrew Baldwin, Partner at Luminate Capital Partners
Andrew Baldwin: Partner
Andrew Baldwin is a Partner at Luminate Capital Partners, contributing his deep expertise in venture debt and equity investing to the firm. Before joining Luminate, Andrew was immersed in the venture capital landscape at Western Technology Investment (WTI). His prior experience includes private equity roles at BDT Capital Partners and within the Bank Debt Portfolio Group at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Andrew’s educational background includes a B.S. in Finance from Indiana University and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, providing him with a comprehensive skill set for navigating the complexities of technology investments and financial markets.
Dave Ulrich, Partner at Luminate Capital Partners
Dave Ulrich: Partner
Dave Ulrich brings his expertise as a Partner at Luminate Capital Partners, further strengthening the firm’s investment capabilities. His prior experience includes a role as an investment professional at Mainsail Partners, a growth equity firm focused on bootstrapped software companies. Earlier in his career, Dave worked in technology investment banking at RBC Capital Markets. He holds an M.A. in Finance and a B.A. in Economics from Claremont McKenna College, which underpin his analytical approach to identifying and fostering high-growth technology businesses within Luminate Capital Partners’ portfolio.
Lucy Li, Partner, Portfolio at Luminate Capital Partners
Lucy Li: Partner, Portfolio
Lucy Li serves as Partner, Portfolio at Luminate Capital Partners, bringing a unique blend of operational and investment experience to the team. Her background includes significant roles in finance and business planning at Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.), providing her with insights into the operational scaling of technology companies. Lucy’s investment experience also spans private equity at Genstar Capital and investment banking at JPMorgan. Her academic credentials include a B.S. in Management Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), along with an MBA and an M.A. in Education from Stanford University, reflecting her commitment to both business acumen and strategic portfolio management.
Kate Scott, CFO at Luminate Capital Partners
Kate Scott: CFO
Kate Scott is the Chief Financial Officer at Luminate Capital Partners, overseeing the financial operations and compliance of the firm. Her previous experience includes roles in finance and compliance at Western Technology Investment (WTI), and prior to that, with Deloitte & Touche in both London and San Francisco, focusing on audit and mergers & acquisitions accounting. Kate holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.Sc. in European Political Economy from The London School of Economics. She is also a chartered accountant in England and Wales, demonstrating a strong foundation in financial governance and international finance.
Amy Hsiao, Principal at Luminate Capital Partners
Amy Hsiao: Principal
Amy Hsiao is a Principal at Luminate Capital Partners, contributing to the firm’s investment strategy and execution. Before joining Luminate, Amy was an investment professional at Sixth Street, a global investment firm. Her background also includes investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Amy received her B.A. from the Ivey Business School, known for its rigorous business programs, which has equipped her with a strong analytical and financial skill set applicable to private equity investing.
Mark Foreman, Vice President at Luminate Capital Partners
Mark Foreman: Vice President
Mark Foreman serves as Vice President at Luminate Capital Partners, playing a key role in deal sourcing, execution, and portfolio management. He graduated from the University of Georgia Honors Program with a B.B.A. in Finance and a minor in Mathematics, providing him with a strong quantitative background for financial analysis and investment decisions within the technology sector.
Max Horland, Vice President at Luminate Capital Partners
Max Horland: Vice President
Max Horland is also a Vice President at Luminate Capital Partners, adding to the firm’s capacity for in-depth market analysis and investment oversight. His prior experience includes technology investment banking at Citigroup and JP Morgan, where he focused on advising technology companies on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. Max graduated with distinction from Stanford University with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Spanish, showcasing a blend of analytical and communication skills valuable in the global investment arena.
Kevin Gu, Associate at Luminate Capital Partners
Kevin Gu: Associate
Kevin Gu is an Associate at Luminate Capital Partners, supporting the firm’s investment activities through detailed research and analysis. Before joining Luminate, Kevin was part of the Technology & Services Investment Banking Group at Raymond James. He graduated from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Finance, building a solid foundation in financial principles and market dynamics relevant to the technology investment space.
Nolan Hellickson, Senior Associate at Luminate Capital Partners
Nolan Hellickson: Senior Associate
Nolan Hellickson is a Senior Associate at Luminate Capital Partners, bringing experience from the Strategic Capital Group at Cowen. His academic foundation includes an A.B. in Economics from Harvard University, underscoring his analytical and strategic approach to investment opportunities within the technology sector.
Eddie Mleko, Associate at Luminate Capital Partners
Eddie Mleko: Associate
Eddie Mleko is an Associate at Luminate Capital Partners, contributing to the firm’s deal execution and portfolio support. His prior experience includes the Technology Investment Banking Group at Barclays. Eddie graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Economics, providing him with a strong understanding of economic principles and financial markets, essential for his role in technology-focused private equity.
Chris Murphy, Operating Partner at Luminate Capital Partners
Chris Murphy: Operating Partner
Chris Murphy serves as an Operating Partner at Luminate Capital Partners, based in Atlanta, GA, bringing extensive operational expertise to the firm. His impressive background includes serving as Chief Revenue Officer of BlackLine, where he spearheaded revenue growth from $40M to over $200M and played a key role in the company’s IPO. Chris also spent 10 years at Infor, contributing to its growth from $130M to over $2B in sales. His education includes undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina and an MBA from DePaul University, equipping him with both strategic operational skills and a deep understanding of business management, crucial for supporting Luminate’s portfolio companies.
In conclusion, Luminate Capital Partners is distinguished not only by its focused investment strategy in software and technology but also by the caliber of its leadership team. Each member’s unique background and expertise contribute to the firm’s robust approach to identifying, nurturing, and growing innovative technology companies, solidifying Luminate Capital Partners as a key player in the private equity landscape.
