Star Mountain Capital Earns Dual Recognition in 2024: Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies and GrowthCap’s Top Private Debt Firms

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Star Mountain Capital, LLC (“Star Mountain”), a rapidly growing, employee-owned investment firm with over $4 billion in assets under management (AUM), is pleased to announce it has been named one of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America by Inc. and one of the Top Private Debt Firms by GrowthCap for the year 2024.

We believe these recognitions highlight Star Mountain’s growth, specialized investment approach, and ongoing focus on supporting established companies in the U.S. lower middle-market.

“We are honored to be recognized by both Inc. and GrowthCap for our efforts in serving businesses across the country,” said Star Mountain Capital Founder & CEO, Brett Hickey. “These achievements reflect the dedication of our team, the trust of our investors, and the strong relationships we have cultivated with business owners.”

The Inc. 5000 list features the fastest-growing privately held companies in America based on revenue growth over a three-year period. Star Mountain’s inclusion reflects the scalability of its business model and its ability to adapt to evolving market needs.

“Our growth is driven by consistent execution, alignment and strong long-term partnerships,” added Hickey. “With 100% of our U.S. full-time employees sharing profits, we believe this culture of ownership has been fundamental to building a resilient, purpose-driven team. Our continued engagement through the Star Mountain Charitable Foundation reinforces the culture of shared responsibility that drives our team and fuels the long-term success of the businesses and communities we serve.”

GrowthCap’s 2024 Top Private Debt Firms list recognizes firms that demonstrate collaborative approaches and flexible financing capabilities. Star Mountain was included for its investment expertise, organizational culture, and commitment to responsible investing in the lower middle-market.

“Our focus remains on being a thoughtful, lasting capital partner to the organizations we support. We continue to invest in our team, technology and infrastructure to help deliver strategic impact to both our portfolio companies and investors,” Hickey concluded.

Read the full press release here.

About Star Mountain Capital

With over $4 billion in AUM (committed capital including debt facilities as of 4/30/2025), Star Mountain specializes in providing scalable and data-driven investment solutions across two core strategies:

1. Direct Investments: Providing debt and equity capital to established lower middle-market businesses.
2. Secondary Investments: Acquiring LP interests, direct assets, and making primary LP commitments.

Star Mountain’s investors include public and private pensions, insurance companies, commercial banks, endowments, foundations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. Employee-owned and sharing profits with 100% of its U.S. full-time employees, the firm prioritizes alignment of interests to maximize value for stakeholders.

Since 2010, Star Mountain has completed over 300 direct investments and 50 secondary/fund investments in the North American lower middle-market. The firm has been recognized as one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies and a Best Place to Work by Crain’s New York Business and Pensions & Investments.

For more information, visit www.starmountaincapital.com.

Legal Disclaimer:

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase interests in any investment product. Awards and recognitions by third-party rating agencies, companies, or publications should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results or performance. They should not be considered as an endorsement, recommendation, or referral of Star Mountain Capital or its representatives by any client or third party. Rankings published by media and industry organizations are based on information provided by the recognized advisor. Additionally, readers should understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Award descriptions and selection methodologies may vary.

Awards and Recognition Disclosure:

Star Mountain Capital’s awards and recognitions are based on third-party evaluations and criteria, which may be subjective. These honors do not imply a guarantee of future performance or an endorsement by current or past clients.

Ranking Methodologies:

• Crain’s Best Places to Work: Evaluations were conducted through a two-part process, assessing workplace policies, practices, and employee satisfaction via surveys. Participation required a fee solely for survey processing purposes. More details are available at Crain’s eligibility criteria.
• Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work: Companies were evaluated based on surveys measuring employee engagement (75%) and employer policies (25%). Participation required a minimum of 20 U.S. employees and $100 million in discretionary assets under management. Further details can be found at P&I eligibility criteria.
• Inc. 5000 Rankings: Companies were ranked based on revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, firms had to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent, with revenue thresholds of at least $100,000 in 2019 and $2 million in 2022. More details are available at Inc. 5000 criteria.
• GrowthCap Top Private Debt Firms: Companies were selected based on GrowthCap’s evaluation of capabilities, partnership approach with portfolio companies, firm growth and track record, organizational culture, and commitment to ESG, among other factors. Information was obtained through nomination forms, online submissions, direct communications, and independent research. More details are available at GrowthCap.