Fort Ashford Funds

Overview

Established in 2001 by Susan and Frank Kavanaugh as a family office, Fort Ashford Funds is a privately held investment firm and thought partner. The firm manages direct investments across asset classes, with specific focus on business growth equity, real estate, and social impact investments that engage and elevate communities. Fort Ashford Funds has invested over $250 million of its capital into more than 30 small and mid-size companies and raised over $500 million of additional capital. The firm's managing directors have senior management experience in technology, finance, education, real estate, and social responsibility, having started or turned around several Inc. 500 companies. Notably, they grew a defense company from $1 million to over $1 billion in revenue. Fort Ashford Funds seeks to add value by acquiring equity or debt and then participating in restructuring or reorganization. Depending upon the investment, the team focuses on supporting operational improvements or assisting in financing. Their sweet spot is between $2-10 million, with the capability to go higher depending upon the opportunity and with external partners. The firm emphasizes collaboration over control, aiming to build long-term relationships with management committed to the best interests of their communities, clients, employees, and shareholders, focusing on long-term value. Fort Ashford Funds is based in Newport Beach, California, and operates primarily within the United States, focusing on sectors such as financial services, real estate, education, technology, and healthcare. They invest in companies and leadership who value their experience and are committed to working together towards personal and organizational growth. The firm is known for its quick deployment of capital, investing up to $10 million in companies and up to $20 million in real estate, providing partners with certainty that they will follow through, close transactions, and honor commitments. Their approach is centered on relationships, viewing investments as partnerships rather than transactions, and bringing a combination of capital, insight, relationships, and experience to the table. Fort Ashford Funds is a privately held investment firm specializing in real estate, education, and small public companies with market capitalizations under $100 million, focusing on financial services and businesses connected to real estate.