Toshinori Ono

Overview

Marathon Capital Partners Inc., founded by Toshinori Ono in 2021, is a private equity firm dedicated to investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan. The firm focuses on business succession and accelerating exponential growth for these companies. Marathon Capital Partners aims to manage assets worth hundreds of billions of yen in the future, contributing to the growth of the Japanese economy by enhancing the productivity of SMEs that constitute half of Japan's GDP. The firm's assets under management have grown to 45 billion yen, with a goal to reach 500 billion yen while maintaining a net leverage ratio of approximately 2.0x. Prior to establishing Marathon Capital Partners, Toshinori Ono gained extensive experience in private equity and M&A advisory services. He joined ACA in 2010 and later became the head of the investment team at Japan Growth Capital in 2019. At these firms, he built the foundation for small-scale investments by private equity funds and succeeded in generating risk-adjusted returns that led investors to regard him as a top performer among domestic funds. His investment philosophy emphasizes delivering top-tier returns while maintaining conservative leverage ratios, distinguishing his approach from many private equity funds that rely on high leverage multiples. In addition to his investment activities, Toshinori Ono established the Japan Association for Professional Managers in 2019, aiming to create an ecosystem where professional managers can thrive and contribute to a more vibrant Japan. The association currently has approximately 2,000 management candidates registered as members, reflecting his commitment to fostering leadership talent within the country. Marathon Capital Partners' investment strategy is centered on identifying and nurturing SMEs with high growth potential, particularly those facing business succession challenges. By providing capital and strategic support, the firm seeks to enhance the operational efficiency and market competitiveness of its portfolio companies, thereby driving sustainable growth and value creation in the Japanese economy. Toshinori Ono's leadership and vision for Marathon Capital Partners underscore a dedication to revitalizing Japan's SME sector through strategic investments and hands-on support, aiming to establish the firm as a leading private equity player both domestically and internationally.

Investment Focus

• Established business with a proven track record
• Strong management team
• Clear growth potential
• Willingness to engage in business succession planning
• Commitment to operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives