Proven businesses in manufacturing, distribution, and business services. Whether you are an owner considering a transition, a manager looking to buy, or an intermediary with a client — we provide the capital, operating experience, and long-term commitment.
Cloudbreak Capital is a private equity firm with over two decades of experience acquiring and building lower middle market businesses. We are financial buyers with deep operating capabilities — we don't just write checks, we roll up our sleeves.
We focus on fundamentally sound business franchises that benefit from our capital, expertise, and network. If you are a business owner considering your next chapter, or an intermediary with a client in our target market, we want to hear from you.
Our Story & ThesisWe bring real-world operational knowledge to every acquisition — not just capital allocation theory.
We build long-term partnerships with management teams and intermediaries. Integrity is non-negotiable.
Our lean structure means fast decisions and direct principal access throughout every transaction.
We have navigated multiple economic cycles and built a proven track record with 21+ investments and 13+ exits.
We move quickly, communicate clearly, and treat every situation with the discretion it deserves.
Start with a confidential call. We want to understand your business, goals, and timeline — with no pressure or obligation on either side.
Once we align on fit, we move quickly through our diligence process and deliver a clear, straightforward letter of intent — typically within weeks.
We close with certainty and stay actively engaged post-close — working alongside your management team to drive growth and build lasting value.
We seek established, profitable businesses with durable competitive advantages that are ready for a new chapter of growth.
Annual revenue with demonstrated history of consistent cash flow generation.
Cash operating earnings in excess of $1 million demonstrating sustainable profitability.
Primarily U.S.-based operations across all geographic regions and time zones.
Industrial, commercial, and specialty manufacturers with defensible niches.
Specialty distributors with strong customer relationships and repeat revenue.
Service businesses with recurring revenues, contracted customers, and scalable models.
Whether you are a business owner evaluating your options or an M&A intermediary with a client in our target market, we encourage you to reach out. We move quickly, maintain strict confidentiality, and treat every inquiry with the discretion it deserves.
An investment platform built on discipline, operational expertise, and a genuine commitment to the businesses and people we partner with.
Cloudbreak Capital was founded in 2006 by Andrew Dumke with a clear conviction: that the lower middle market — those profitable, established American businesses generating $5 million to $50 million in annual revenue — represented the most compelling and consistently underserved segment of the private equity landscape.
Over the past two decades, we have built a portfolio of manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses across the United States. We have partnered with founders preparing for retirement, management teams executing buyouts, and family owners transitioning ownership to the next chapter. Each situation is different. Our approach is not.
We are operators first, investors second. Our principals bring hands-on experience building and running businesses — which means we understand what drives EBITDA, what threatens it, and how to build durable value at the operating level. We do not manage by spreadsheet. We engage directly with management, customers, and operations.
Our investment thesis centers on the premise that fundamentally sound businesses with strong franchises and loyal customer bases — when given access to patient capital, strategic guidance, and operational resources — can achieve performance well above what they achieve as standalone entities. We are not turnaround investors. We acquire businesses that are already good and work to make them exceptional.
We are proud to have completed over 21 investments since inception, with 13 successful exits across our target sectors. Our track record reflects not only financial discipline but also the quality of the partnerships we have built with management teams, intermediaries, and advisors across the country.
"We look for fundamentally sound business franchises that will benefit from our capital and our expertise. What we bring is not just a check — it is two decades of operational experience, a network of resources, and a genuine commitment to building something lasting."
— Cloudbreak Capital Investment PhilosophyWe are disciplined, focused investors. Understanding our criteria will help you quickly determine if your business or your client's business fits our mandate.
While Cloudbreak evaluates opportunities across the lower middle market, we bring particular depth and conviction to four industries where we have direct operating and investing experience.
We have extensive experience acquiring and building manufacturers of industrial, commercial, and specialty products. We understand the economics of production — from supply chain to floor operations to quality systems.
Specialty distributors with strong customer relationships, value-added services, and repeat revenue streams. We favor distributors with proprietary sourcing relationships or exclusive product lines.
We target service businesses with contracted or recurring revenues, high customer retention, and scalable delivery models. Professional services, outsourced services, and technology-enabled services are all within our scope.
We focus on businesses generating between $5M and $50M in annual revenue — the core lower middle market where we have the deepest experience and strongest deal flow.
Cash operating earnings in excess of $1 million are required. We look for businesses with healthy margins and evidence of operating leverage that can be improved with the right resources.
We seek businesses with defensible market positions, loyal customers, and competitive moats that can sustain performance through economic cycles and management transitions.
We acquire businesses with primary operations in the United States. We are sector-focused within our three target industries and actively evaluate opportunities across all U.S. regions.
Typical equity investments from Cloudbreak range from $2 million to $10 million, supporting total transaction sizes of $5 million to $75 million. Cloudbreak generally invests and sources and structures the full capital for a transaction — including senior debt, mezzanine, and equity. We also co-invest or allow a select group of co-investors, which can increase these ranges proportionately.
Cloudbreak Capital is an experienced financial buyer with the flexibility to structure transactions to meet the needs of sellers and their advisors. We invest primarily as the lead investor in MBO, LBO, and divestiture transactions involving a complete change of control. We are firm believers in aligning management incentives with investment returns — our ownership structures are designed to align management and employee ownership with Cloudbreak's interests.
Founder or family owner seeking full or partial liquidity after years of building a business.
Management teams seeking to acquire the business they operate from an owner or corporate parent.
Non-core divisions or subsidiaries being divested by larger corporate parents.
Partial liquidity events allowing owners to de-risk while retaining upside in continued growth.
Established businesses seeking capital to accelerate organic growth or pursue acquisitions.
Platform investments in fragmented industries where we can serve as the anchor acquirer.
In addition to standalone platform investments, Cloudbreak Capital actively pursues add-on acquisitions for its existing portfolio companies. Add-ons allow us to build scale, expand product lines, enter new geographies, and eliminate redundant overhead within businesses we already understand deeply. Add-ons may be smaller than our typical platform thresholds.
Discuss an OpportunityBuilding value across manufacturing, distribution, and services since 2006 — 21+ investments and 13+ successful exits.

Pioneer in solid-state lighting and indication products — panel mount indicators, light pipes, LEDs, switches, and membrane switches for aerospace, industrial, medical, and IoT applications worldwide. Andrew Dumke serves as Chairman.
vcc.co →
Full-service precision metal fabrication and web handling equipment manufacturer. Serving complex industrial and commercial customers from prototype through turn-key production. Andrew Dumke serves as Chairman.
vortexengineering.com →
Specialty e-commerce provider of professional-grade culinary infusion and whipped cream equipment for food service professionals and home chefs nationwide. Acquired by Cloudbreak Capital in May 2023.
creamright.com →
Leading premium natural foods brand known for award-winning granola, oatmeal, and cereal products. Nationally distributed at major retail chains with a loyal health-conscious consumer following.
purelyelizabeth.com →
Upskilling and workforce development platform training diverse professionals in data science, digital marketing, and technology. Raised $119M+ in financing with mentors from Google, Microsoft, Disney, and Netflix.
entityacademy.com →Global membership platform connecting aspiring and qualified pilots with leading airlines and flight schools. Breaking down barriers to make airline pilot careers accessible to a diverse, worldwide aviation community.
theairlinepilotclub.com →
Award-winning San Francisco craft chocolate maker. Sold to Japanese confectionery conglomerate Ezaki Glico. Board role held by Andrew Dumke.
tcho.com →
Enterprise ERP software provider for manufacturing and distribution. Successfully merged into Epicor Software Corporation.
epicor.com →
MRO enterprise software serving Boeing, GE, Goodrich, and the U.S. Navy. Co-founded by Andrew Dumke. IP acquired by Infospectrum.

Developer of Calman® color calibration software — the industry standard trusted by Hollywood studios and display manufacturers worldwide.

Manufacturer of patented personal infection control products. Successfully sold to TIDI Products, a leading provider of single-use healthcare safety products.

Provider of dynamic card security and payment authentication solutions for financial institutions and card networks. Exited February 2019.

West Coast internet service provider delivering dedicated high-speed broadband access. Acquired by RCN Telecom Services in July 1999.

Manufacturer of power conditioning and surge protection equipment for professional audio, video, and broadcast applications.

Cloud-based ERP platform for eCommerce, accounting, inventory, and supply chain management serving direct-to-consumer and B2B merchants.

Provider of enterprise promotional marketing and loyalty technology solutions. Successfully sold to strategic acquirer.

Specialty distributor of food and beverage ingredients serving manufacturers across the United States.
Experienced operators and investors who have built businesses, navigated cycles, and delivered consistent results over two decades.
Andrew is the Founder and Managing Member of Cloudbreak Capital, where he has led LBO and MBO transactions across manufacturing, distribution, and services since the firm's founding in 2006. He currently serves as Chairman of VCC Optoelectronics, a pioneer in solid-state lighting and indication products, and on the boards of other Cloudbreak portfolio companies.
Prior to Cloudbreak, Andrew was Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Avexus — an enterprise software company ranked in the Software 500, delivering lifecycle management solutions to the global aerospace and defense industry. Avexus solutions were selected by Boeing, GE, Goodrich, the U.S. Navy, and other tier-1 A&D firms.
Before Avexus, Andrew was a General Partner at PMF, a private investment firm specializing in acquiring, financing, and building companies. At PMF, Andrew managed successful investments in Brainstorm, Ingredients International, Portrait Displays, Furman, and Assist Cornerstone, as well as Dataworks, which completed a successful IPO.
Earlier in his career, Andrew founded Wave Software, which designed and licensed financial applications for Windows, and co-founded Sterling Pacific, a software company that ported UNIX typesetting tools to the desktop PC platform. He studied computer science and accounting at the University of Utah.
Andrew serves on the Board of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. He is a licensed multi-engine and rotary aircraft pilot and flies a Phenom 300. He has a passion for aviation, cooking, skiing, golf, art, and spending time with his three kids.
Cloudbreak Capital works with a select group of operating advisors, functional specialists, and senior advisors across our target industries. This network allows us to bring deep sector expertise and operational capabilities to every investment — without the overhead of a large institutional platform.
Current headlines and perspectives on private equity, lower middle market M&A, and the industries we invest in.
Cloudbreak Capital acquires the remaining equity interest in VCC held by Wedbush Capital, consolidating full control of the platform. VCC is a global leader in HMI components, solid-state lighting, and PCB assembly for aerospace, industrial, and medical markets.
Cloudbreak Capital acquires Waterline (operating as CreamRight), a specialty e-commerce provider of professional-grade culinary infusion and whipped cream equipment for food service professionals and home chefs nationwide.
Cloudbreak Capital participates in the management buyout of Purely Elizabeth, the leading premium natural foods brand known for its award-winning granola and oatmeal products distributed nationally at major retail chains.
Cloudbreak Capital makes a minority investment in Entity Academy, a fast-growing EdTech platform training diverse professionals in data science, digital marketing, and technology. Entity Academy has since raised over $119M in financing with mentors from Google, Microsoft, Disney, and Netflix.
Cloudbreak Capital relocates its principal offices from La Jolla, California to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, establishing its current headquarters in South Florida.
Cloudbreak Capital successfully exits FiTeq (formerly Privasys), a provider of dynamic card security and payment authentication solutions for financial institutions and card networks.
VCC acquires Wilbrecht LEDCO, a specialist manufacturer of LED pilot lights and indicators for industrial and aerospace applications, strengthening VCC's position as the definitive HMI component platform in North America.
TCHO Ventures is acquired by Japanese food conglomerate Ezaki Glico — maker of Pocky — in a strategic transaction. Cloudbreak Capital served as a board-level investor from its initial investment through this exit.
VCC, the Cloudbreak Capital portfolio company and global leader in HMI indication components, acquires Data Display Products, further expanding its solid-state lighting and display product capabilities for industrial and aerospace customers.
Cloudbreak Capital acquires Vortex Engineering, a California-based precision metal fabrication and web handling equipment manufacturer. Andrew Dumke serves as Chairman of the acquired platform.
Cloudbreak Capital exits Portrait Displays, developer of Calman® — the industry-standard color calibration software trusted by Hollywood studios and display manufacturers including Dell, Sony, LG, and Panasonic worldwide.
Cloudbreak Capital exits PTI Marketing Technologies, a provider of enterprise promotional marketing and loyalty SaaS solutions, via a strategic sale to Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Cloudbreak Capital makes an investment in TCHO Ventures, the San Francisco-based craft chocolate brand. Andrew Dumke joins the board of directors, supporting the company's expansion as a premier single-origin chocolate maker.
Cloudbreak Capital and Wedbush Capital back VCC in the simultaneous acquisition of Leecraft, Littlelites, and Chicago Miniature Lighting from Revstone Industries, significantly expanding VCC's HMI lighting product portfolio and market reach.
Cloudbreak Capital and Wedbush Capital complete the acquisition of VCC (Visual Communications Company) in a management buyout. VCC is a pioneer in solid-state lighting and HMI indication products for aerospace, industrial, and medical applications. Andrew Dumke assumes the role of Chairman.
Cloudbreak Capital exits Furman, a manufacturer of power conditioning and surge protection equipment for professional audio, video, and broadcast applications, via a sale to a strategic acquirer.
Cloudbreak Capital exits TMI, a manufacturer of patented personal infection control products, via a strategic sale to TIDI Products. The investment generated a return on invested equity of greater than 70x — one of Cloudbreak's highest-returning exits on record.
Cloudbreak Capital acquires majority control of Timely Medical Innovations, Inc., a manufacturer of patented personal infection control products for healthcare and medical settings. The company is subsequently renamed TMI.
Cloudbreak Capital is founded in La Jolla, California — named after the iconic surf break off Tavarua Island in Fiji. The firm begins managing several legacy assets carried forward from prior partnerships.
Cloudbreak Capital exits DataWorks, an enterprise ERP software provider for manufacturing and distribution, via a strategic sale to Platinum Software, which subsequently rebranded as Epicor Software Corporation.
Industry news sourced from public RSS feeds. Content is the work of respective publishers.
You built something remarkable. When it's time for your next chapter, you deserve a partner who understands that — and will honor it.
Behind every small business is an owner — someone who traded nights and weekends, took risks, made payroll, and built something that employs real people and serves real customers. That story matters to us.
Cloudbreak Capital is not a financial engineer. We are operators. When we acquire your business, our goal is simple: keep what makes it great, and build on it. We do not buy businesses to strip them down. We buy businesses to grow them.
The values, relationships, and culture that made your business successful are not a footnote — they are the foundation we build on.
With our capital, operational expertise, and network, your business will reach a scale and strength you may not have achieved alone.
You have earned the right to step back. Whether that means a graceful retirement, your next passion play or simply more time for what matters most, we structure transitions that let you exit on your terms — with confidence that the business is in good hands.
Every transition is different. We have experience across the full range of ownership transitions and can structure a deal that fits your situation.
You're ready for your next chapter and want to ensure the business you built continues to thrive under capable stewardship.
You want liquidity now while staying involved — keeping equity upside in the business as it grows alongside a financial partner.
The business is performing well but you need capital and expertise to take it to the next level — new markets, acquisitions, or capacity.
A co-owner wants to exit and you need a capital partner to facilitate the transition cleanly and keep the business moving forward.
The next generation isn't ready or isn't interested, and you want to find the right long-term home for something you spent a lifetime building.
Your management team is ready to own the business and you want to see them succeed — Cloudbreak can provide the capital to make it happen.
We understand this is one of the most significant decisions of your professional life. We move at your pace.
A private conversation to understand your business, your goals, and your timeline. No pressure, no obligation. We sign an NDA at your request.
If we are a fit, we move quickly and decisively — delivering a transparent letter of intent that reflects what your business is genuinely worth.
We close with the capital committed and the team aligned. Then the real work begins — building on the foundation you created.
There is no obligation and no pressure. If the fit is right, we move quickly. If it isn't, we will tell you honestly. Either way, you will walk away with a clearer picture of your options.
Investment bankers, business brokers, and M&A advisors — we are the counterparty that makes you look good to your clients.
You've spent years building relationships with business owners. When you bring a deal to Cloudbreak, we respect that — and we treat your client with the same discretion and professionalism you would expect for yourself.
We are a principal buyer. No committees, no lengthy approval chains. When you submit an opportunity, you hear back quickly — and when we pass, we tell you exactly why, with feedback honed from over two decades of evaluating lower middle market businesses. That candor makes your process easier, not harder.
We respond to every submission within one business day. No black holes. You always know where you stand.
If it's not a fit, we tell you why — clearly and specifically. Decades of deal experience means our feedback is actually useful to your process.
Our letters of intent are thorough and specific. We work through the key issues upfront so there are no late-stage surprises for you or your client.
Your client relationship is protected.
Use this to quickly determine whether a client fits our mandate before reaching out. We are focused and disciplined — knowing our criteria saves everyone time.
Annual revenues with consistent cash flow history. We are comfortable with cyclical businesses if the underlying franchise is strong.
Demonstrated operating earnings. Add-backs considered where reasonable. We perform our own normalization analysis.
All U.S. geographies considered. We travel and conduct on-site diligence regardless of location.
Contract, component, and specialty manufacturers. We understand operations, equipment, and production economics.
Specialty and value-added distributors with loyal customer bases and repeat revenue characteristics.
Service businesses with recurring or contracted revenues. Fragmented markets with roll-up potential are of particular interest.
We run a clean, efficient process that respects your timeline and your client's confidentiality at every stage.
Send us a teaser or CIM — or just pick up the phone. We respond within one business day with a clear indication of interest or a pass with specific reasoning.
If there is mutual interest, we move quickly to a management meeting, followed by a letter of intent that reflects our genuine valuation — not an anchor we plan to walk back.
We conduct focused, organized diligence and close on schedule. We use experienced legal and accounting advisors who know how to move efficiently.
Send us a teaser, a CIM, or simply reach out to start the conversation. We handle every submission with strict confidentiality and will respond the same business day.
Contact Cloudbreak CapitalIf you are running a business you don't own, Cloudbreak can help you change that — with capital, structure, and a genuine commitment to making management successful.
The best operators we have ever met are not always the ones with the capital to buy the business they run. Cloudbreak exists, in part, to solve that problem. We provide the capital — you provide the operational expertise, the relationships, and the leadership.
We structure our deals with meaningful equity participation for management. We believe that managers who own a piece of what they build make better decisions, stay longer, and create more value — for themselves and for the business. Skin in the game is not optional at Cloudbreak; it is the point.
We provide the equity capital to acquire the business — so the transaction can happen even if management cannot fund a full buyout independently.
We structure generous equity participation for management from day one, with real upside tied to the performance of the business you are building.
We are not silent investors. We work alongside management — providing strategic guidance, financial discipline, and access to our network — without micromanaging.
There is no single template. We have partnered with management teams in a variety of situations and can structure a deal that fits yours.
The owner is ready to exit and you want to acquire the company. Cloudbreak provides the capital to make the transaction happen and partners with you to grow it.
You have identified a business you want to acquire and run, but need a capital partner. We back experienced operators who bring deal sourcing and operating ability to the table.
We actively look for strong operators to lead businesses within our portfolio. If you are a proven executive seeking your next operating role with equity upside, let's talk.
We move at a pace that works for you. Every situation is different, and we take the time to structure something that aligns everyone's interests properly.
We start with a conversation about your background, the opportunity you're pursuing, and what a partnership might look like. No commitment, just a real dialogue.
We work with you to structure a transaction that gives management a meaningful ownership stake from day one — aligned with the performance of the business.
Post-close, you run the business with the full support of Cloudbreak behind you — capital, strategic guidance, and a financial partner with the same goal you have: building something great.
Tell us about yourself, the opportunity you're pursuing, or the business you currently run. Every conversation is confidential and there is no obligation.
Contact Cloudbreak CapitalWe welcome introductions from business owners, entrepreneurs, and M&A intermediaries. We treat every inquiry with strict confidentiality.
Whether you represent a business that fits our investment criteria, or you are an intermediary with a client in our target market, we would like to hear from you. All inquiries are handled with discretion.
We will respond within one business day.
Thank you for reaching out. We will be in touch within one business day.