TRF Private Equity
 
About Us | Investing in Growth. Creating Jobs.
At TRF Private Equity, we manage funds that invest in businesses with the potential to generate significant financial returns for our investors and job opportunities for low-and middle-income workers. Our funds target investments in companies with proven business models, experienced management teams, and the desire to build substantial businesses. Investment opportunities are evaluated based on each company’s ability to grow and support a double bottom line: strong financial returns and job creation.

We have successfully invested with businesses in the mid-Atlantic region for the last eight years. As active board members we work closely with management teams to develop and/or enhance their strategic planning. We draw on our strong relationships within the private equity, investment banking, strategic consulting, entrepreneurial, economic development and governmental communities to help our portfolio companies attract the capital, people and other resources necessary to succeed. 

In addition, TRF Private Equity also offers portfolio companies a unique suite of human resource consulting services. We work collaboratively with each company and without cost to the company, to define its workforce needs, develop recruitment and training solutions. We also help them implement quality HR practices and policies as well as enhance the wealth creation capabilities of its employees. Our goal is to support the company’s growth and sustainability while improving productivity and opportunities for its employees.

TRF Private Equity manages two funds which in combination have generated almost 1500 jobs for low- and middle-income workers. Our original fund, DVCRF Ventures was launched in 1998 and has been fully invested in 11 ventures, four of which remain in portfolio. Urban Growth Partners (UGP) is TRF Private Equity's second venture fund and with $48.5 million in commitments. Part of UGP, The Baltimore Fund, focuses exclusively on investments in Baltimore and the surrounding five counties.

Investment Criteria

TRF Private Equity typically plays the role of lead investor and frequently co-invests with other institutional funds. Generally, investments are structured either as preferred equity or subordinated debt, depending on the company’s financial history and capitalization requirements.  

Our funds primarily target:

  • Companies that are beyond the technological, organizational and developmental challenges of start-up and seed stage firms.

  • Companies with revenues between $5 and $50 million that are either profitable or on a well documented path to profitability within 12 months.

  • Companies that support job creation for lesser skilled and entry level positions.

  • Companies that have a sound business model, defensible points of difference and strong competitive advantages, in high-growth markets.

  • Companies with total investment requirements of $1 - $10 million, where our portion of the investment would range from $1 - $4 million. 

Questions? Email us at Info@trfprivateequity.com or call 215-574-5800.