Questions I Get Asked
About buying businesses, partnering with owners, and how I think about investing.
20+
Deals
15+
Years Operating
5+
Successful Exits
For Business Owners
Thinking about selling or finding the right partner
What types of businesses do you acquire? ▾
Established, profitable businesses in four sectors: business and industrial services, software and technology, healthcare services, and niche manufacturing. Typically $3M–$30M in EBITDA, based in the US or Canada. I’m drawn to businesses with recurring revenue, reasonable capex, and strong teams — where operational improvement can unlock meaningful growth.
How are you different from a traditional PE firm? ▾
I’ve built and run companies myself — including one I scaled to $70M in revenue and 1,000 employees before selling. When I look at a business, I’m not just reading a spreadsheet. I see the operational opportunities, the team dynamics, and the growth that’s been sitting on the table. I’m looking to bring in resources to support teams and accelerate growth.
What does the acquisition process look like? ▾
It starts with a confidential conversation — no pitch, no pressure. If there’s a fit, we work through a letter of intent, due diligence, and closing. We move swiftly through the closing process and communicate directly. We understand that sellers want certainty and respect, not a drawn-out process.
Do you invest in startups? ▾
Occasionally, but it’s rare. My core focus is established businesses with real revenue and proven teams. I’ve made a handful of early-stage investments over the years, but the vast majority of my time and capital goes toward partnering with existing business owners.
What happens to my employees after a sale? ▾
I prefer to keep teams intact. In most cases, the existing team is the business — and the reason I’m interested in the first place. We look to add resources to accelerate growth.
“I’m an operator who invests, not an investor who operates. That changes every conversation.”
— Shaun Gordon
For Operator Partners
The CEOX path from executive to owner
What is the CEOX program? ▾
CEOX is Astria Elevate’s path from executive to owner. If you’re an experienced operator who wants to run and own a business — not just manage one — we provide the capital, deal sourcing, and operational infrastructure. You bring the industry expertise and leadership. Day one, you’re the CEO and an equity owner. It’s designed for people who’ve spent their careers building someone else’s company and are ready to build their own.
What kind of executive makes a good CEOX candidate? ▾
Someone with deep industry experience, a track record of P&L ownership, and the drive to be an owner — not just a manager. Typically that means 10+ years in a sector, experience scaling teams and operations, and an entrepreneurial mindset. We’re looking for people who see ownership as the next chapter, not just the next title.
About Astria Elevate
How the firm operates and where we focus · astriaelevate.com
What sectors does Astria Elevate focus on? ▾
Four core sectors:
- Business & Industrial Services — facilities, field services, specialty contractors
- Software & Technology — vertical SaaS, workflow automation, data platforms
- Healthcare Services & Healthcare IT — provider services, compliance, health tech
- Niche Manufacturing — specialized products, technical materials, mission-critical components
Where is Astria Elevate based? ▾
Dallas, Texas. We invest across the US and Canada.
Ready to talk?
Whether you’re a business owner thinking about what’s next, or an operator ready to own — I’d love to hear from you.