ClearCreek Partners Research
Advisory Approach
ClearCreek Partners is a Denver-based boutique investment bank founded in 1998 that specializes in serving emerging companies and founder-owned businesses in the lower middle market. The firm operates with a distinct philosophy: they are highly selective, working with only a handful of clients each year, and they stake much of their reputation and compensation on the mutual success of each engagement. This partnership-oriented approach means they turn away excellent companies where they believe they are not the right fit or where the timing is not optimal.
The firm's thesis centers on the belief that entrepreneurs building emerging companies need sophisticated financial advisory typically reserved for larger middle-market and public companies. ClearCreek provides this institutional-quality service with a more personalized, founder-friendly approach. They work across various stages—from pre-revenue businesses seeking their first institutional investor to established companies with positive cash flow exploring strategic opportunities.
Sector Focus
ClearCreek Partners has developed particular strength in software and SaaS businesses, especially B2B software companies serving vertical markets. Their transaction history demonstrates deep expertise in:
- B2B SaaS and Vertical Software: Charter Software (equipment dealer management), Second Phase (eCommerce and PIM for wholesale distributors), and SugarWOD (fitness community platform)
- Education Technology: Beat the GMAT (online test preparation platform)
- Energy and Clean Tech Software: HOMER Energy (microgrid and distributed generation power system design)
- Digital Platforms and Marketplaces: Everplans (digital life-planning platform), Botanical Interests (e-commerce seeds)
- Media and Entertainment: Soda Jerk Presents (live music production)
The firm's geographic concentration in Colorado's Boulder-Denver tech corridor has given them exposure to the region's vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in software, outdoor/active lifestyle technology, and natural products.
Deal Track Record
ClearCreek Partners has completed 40+ transactions across M&A advisories and capital raises. Notable completed transactions include:
Sell-Side M&A:
- Charter Software (family-owned business management software) to Constellation Software (NYSE: CSU, ~$30B market cap)
- HOMER Energy (microgrid optimization software) to UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
- SugarWOD (CrossFit community platform serving 620,000 athletes across 2,500 gyms) to Daxko (GI Partners portfolio)
- Second Phase (SaaS eCommerce and PIM solutions) to Billtrust
- Soda Jerk Presents (Colorado's largest independent music producer) to Live Nation (NYSE: LYV)
- Botanical Interests (seed packet company with 4,500+ store distribution) to Epic Gardening
- Everplans (digital life-planning platform) to Precoa
- Beat the GMAT (educational platform) to Hobsons
- Fidelity Comtech to Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB)
Capital Raising:
- Working Equity: Positioned company for Series A investment from Kleiner Perkins, completing the process in approximately 90 days
The firm has also facilitated numerous licensing agreements and strategic partnerships for their clients.
Process & Fee Structure
ClearCreek runs highly personalized, relationship-driven processes. Unlike bulge bracket banks that may run broad auction processes, ClearCreek's approach is more targeted and founder-centric. They leverage their deep networks in venture capital, private equity, and strategic buyer communities to identify the most appropriate partners for each client.
The firm emphasizes integrity and alignment with client long-term interests. Their testimonials consistently highlight that ClearCreek's advice was "grounded in what was in the best long-term interest for our business" rather than simply pursuing the highest immediate payout.
ClearCreek is FINRA-registered through ClearCreek Securities, LLC (CRD# 169774), with registrations in California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Utah. The firm has a clean regulatory record with zero disclosures.
Buyer Network
ClearCreek has facilitated transactions with a diverse range of buyers and investors:
Private Equity and Strategic Buyers: Daxko (GI Partners portfolio), Constellation Software, Billtrust, Live Nation, UL, Precoa, Trimble, Hobsons, Epic Gardening
Venture Capital: Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Hummer Winblad, Battery Ventures, Sevin Rosen, Summit Partners
The firm has successfully placed portfolio companies with both large public companies (Constellation Software, Live Nation, Trimble, UL) and private equity-backed platforms (Daxko/GI Partners, Billtrust).
Competitive Positioning
ClearCreek differentiates from other lower middle market banks through:
- Selectivity: They work with only a handful of clients per year, ensuring dedicated attention
- Founder-Centric Approach: Deep empathy for entrepreneur journeys, with testimonials highlighting their guidance and integrity
- Colorado Roots: Deep networks in Colorado's tech and startup ecosystems
- Stage Agnostic: Comfortable working from pre-revenue to established cash-flow-positive businesses
- Long-Term View: Willing to provide informal counsel over years before an engagement (as evidenced by their ~2-year relationship with SugarWOD before the acquisition)
Not a Fit If
Based on their positioning and deal size focus, ClearCreek Partners is typically not a fit for:
- Businesses below $3M in enterprise value (their stated minimum)
- Transactions above $30M (their stated maximum, though they've worked on larger deals)
- Founders seeking a rapid, transactional process without thoughtful strategic evaluation
- Companies in industries outside their expertise (heavy industrials, traditional manufacturing, etc.)
- Situations requiring massive auction processes with 100+ potential buyers
Team
ClearCreek Partners is led by Alexander Ooms, Managing Partner and CEO, who has over 20 years of finance industry experience and holds an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Caspar Alexander Ooms serves as CEO and Chief Compliance Officer, and Carol Ann Kinzer serves as Financial Operations Principal (FINOP). The firm maintains a lean team structure consistent with their boutique, selective approach.
Geographic Coverage
Headquartered at 1165 Delaware Street, Suite 130, Denver, CO 80204, ClearCreek Partners primarily serves the Colorado market and the broader Western United States. However, their transaction history demonstrates national reach, with clients in California, Massachusetts, New York, and other markets. The firm is licensed to operate in California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Utah.