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More than 30 Years Focused on the Smaller End of the Middle Market
The Riverside Company was founded in 1988 by Béla Szigethy with a simple and transparent approach
Working from his apartment on Riverside Drive, Béla chose the name “Riverside Company” because it accurately reflected the firm at the time — a single person building a business. The name avoided overstating scale or capital and established a foundation of honesty that continues to define Riverside today.
Riverside began investing in the smaller end of the middle market out of necessity — and remains there by choice
In its early years, the firm focused on smaller transactions because of limited capital. Over time, that focus became a strategic advantage, allowing Riverside to develop deep experience in this segment.
Today, Riverside continues to specialize in the lower middle market, applying decades of experience, a consistent investment approach, and a long‑term commitment to helping companies grow.
Focusing on the lower middle market reflects both Riverside's origins and its long‑term strategy.
What began as a practical starting point has evolved into a deliberate specialization — one that allows Riverside to partner effectively with management teams and support businesses in building lasting value.
How We Got Here - Riverside's Timeline
By staying disciplined about its niche while thoughtfully scaling its global platform, Riverside has grown into a diversified international investment firm with more than 30 years of experience, hundreds of employees worldwide, and a record of building lasting value alongside founders and management teams.
1988
The Riverside Company is founded on Riverside Drive in New York City by Béla Szigethy
1989
The first platform investment with aerospace company Future Metals
1989
The first European office opens in Budapest
1993
Stewart Kohl joins as an equal partner to Béla Szigethy and establishes the Cleveland office
1997
Riverside launches its second product with Riverside Europe
1997
Riverside hires its first operating partner
2002
Riverside significantly expands its origination capabilities
2004
Riverside surpasses $1 billion in Assets Under Management
2005
Riverside Micro-Cap launches under the leadership of Loren Schlachet
2008
Riverside Australia launches
2013
Riverside launches its first Flexible Capital strategy - Riverside Strategic Capital
2016
Riverside Acceleration Capital launches
2017
Riverside welcomes Parkwood LLC as a minority stakeholder
2019
Riverside Value launches
2021
Riverside Exit Milestone: firm completes its 200th exit of a portfolio company
2023
Riverside Investment Milestone: firm surpasses 1,000 total investments across its global private equity and flexible capital strategies
2024
Riverside establishes its Responsible Investment Committee
The Riverside Company takes pride in our growth-oriented approach to our investments