Broadwing Capital Joins Inc.’s 2026 Investor List

Broadwing Capital has been named to Inc.’s 2026 Founder-Friendly Investors list for the first time. The Dallas private equity firm invests in lower middle-market manufacturing, distribution, and services businesses. Co-Founder and Managing Partner Eliot Kerlin, Jr. was also included in Inc.’s 2026 Founder Champions list of 36 investors. The recognition follows Broadwing’s August close of a $465 million inaugural fund, above its $350 million target.

Founder Focused Selection

Inc.’s Founder-Friendly Investors program recognizes private equity firms, venture capital firms, and lenders that support founder-led businesses. As part of its selection process, Inc. speaks directly with founders at each applicant’s portfolio companies about their experience working with the firm.

Broadwing often serves as the first institutional capital partner for the businesses it backs. Before an investment, the firm works to understand what owners have built and what they want from outside investment.

“This recognition is especially meaningful to us because it reflects the experience of the founders we partner with. When a founder chooses Broadwing, they are putting their trust in our team to help carry forward something they have worked years, sometimes generations, to build. We take that responsibility seriously. For us, being founder-friendly is not a tagline. It is how we believe partnerships should work.”

Resources After Closing

After a deal closes, Broadwing works with management teams to provide resources and support intended to accelerate growth while preserving the people and values of each business.

“We are proud to be honored with Inc.'s Founder Friendly Investor Award because our approach to working with founders and families is core to our strategy. Our role is to bring the capital, people and operational resources that can help a business reach its full potential, while protecting the culture, relationships and entrepreneurial spirit that made it successful in the first place.”

A Milestone Year

Broadwing Capital Fund I LP closed with $465 million in total capital commitments after exceeding its $350 million target. Broadwing has invested in 26 lower middle-market companies and manages more than $700 million of regulatory AUM.