Darcy Partners, a market intelligence firm focused on technology within the energy sector, has announced a significant growth investment led by Pacific Lake Partners and Bain Capital Credit. This investment marks a pivotal moment for Darcy as it aims to scale its operations and expand its reach within the rapidly evolving energy landscape.
The funding round, which also included participation from other private investors, was orchestrated by The Outpost Companies, led by Sam Long and Phil Kantor. As part of this transaction, Long and Kantor will take over the leadership roles at Darcy Partners, assuming the positions of CEO and President, respectively. The founders of Darcy Partners, Hossein Rokhsari and Jeremy Sweek, will remain integral to the company’s future, continuing as members of the executive team and retaining their shareholder status.
Founded in 2015 and based in Houston, Texas, Darcy Partners has established itself as a key resource for energy companies seeking to navigate the complexities of technology adoption and innovation. The company’s core offering revolves around facilitating connections between established energy players and emerging technology innovators. Through its online platforms and research, Darcy Partners empowers its members to identify, evaluate, and implement cutting-edge technologies relevant to their business needs.
Darcy’s flagship product, the Darcy Connect software platform, has been instrumental in driving the company’s recent growth. This platform provides users with access to Darcy’s extensive research database, technology frameworks, and curated information on thousands of energy technology startups and vendors spanning various sectors, including Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities, Energy Transition, and Sustainability. The platform serves as a central hub for industry collaboration and technology discovery.
According to Jeremy Sweek, co-founder of Darcy Partners, the launch of Darcy Connect was a turning point for the company, enabling them to deliver their market intelligence at scale. He expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Pacific Lake Partners, Bain Capital Credit, and the new leadership team, stating their confidence in the investor group’s vision for the energy sector and their ability to lead Darcy in building the industry’s most talented innovation team.
Hossein Rokhsari, Darcy’s CEO from its inception until this leadership transition, highlighted the strategic timing of this investment. He emphasized the substantial growth experienced since the introduction of Darcy Connect and the expansion into Power, Energy Transition, and Sustainability channels. Rokhsari noted that the digital platform offers a unique solution, now utilized by over 100 corporate clients to foster innovation in a structured and quantifiable manner.
David Healey, Vice President at Bain Capital Credit, underscored the significance of this partnership in the context of the energy transition. He acknowledged Darcy Partners’ continued growth and its proactive approach in assisting leading energy companies to efficiently assess technologies crucial for powering the energy transition. Bain Capital Credit’s investment reflects their belief in Darcy’s role in facilitating this critical industry shift.
Sam Long, the incoming CEO of Darcy Partners, expressed his and Phil Kantor’s excitement about joining the Darcy team. He affirmed their commitment to enhancing the value proposition for existing members and expanding the Darcy network by attracting new members and users. Their leadership, backed by the investment from firms like Pacific Lake Partners, signals a new phase of growth and development for Darcy Partners.
About Darcy Partners
Darcy Partners (www.darcypartners.com) is dedicated to helping the energy industry overcome its most challenging technology hurdles. Through its membership model, Darcy provides a platform for energy companies to access, screen, and implement new technologies, and to collaborate with industry peers on best practices for innovation. Darcy Connect, their proprietary software platform, offers an intuitive and searchable database of research reports, frameworks, and innovator profiles. Darcy Live, their virtual event series, facilitates weekly interactive technology showcases and discussions among members.
About Bain Capital Credit
Bain Capital Credit (www.baincapitalcredit.com) is a leading global credit specialist managing approximately $42 billion in assets. With a broad investment mandate, Bain Capital Credit invests across the capital structure and throughout the credit spectrum. Beyond credit, Bain Capital’s investment activities span private equity, public equity, venture capital, and real estate, leveraging a shared platform to capitalize on strategic opportunities across diverse asset classes.
About Pacific Lake Partners
Pacific Lake Partners (www.pacificlake.com) is the most experienced and largest investment firm focused on partnering with search fund entrepreneurs and supporting their success. Pacific Lake collaborates with talented entrepreneurs to identify and acquire promising companies and accelerate their growth. They provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, including searcher workshops and post-acquisition value creation initiatives. Pacific Lake’s investment in Darcy Partners exemplifies their strategy of backing high-potential companies poised for growth within dynamic sectors.
About The Outpost Companies
The Outpost Companies (www.outpostcompanies.com) is an entrepreneurial holding company founded by Sam Long and Phil Kantor. Supported by leading growth investors and operators, Outpost focuses on acquiring and scaling a select portfolio of recurring revenue services businesses with a long-term ownership perspective. Their role in assembling the investor group for Darcy Partners highlights their expertise in identifying and facilitating strategic investments.
