SSM Partners

The firm is led by Managing Partners Casey West and Hunter Witherington. They oversee a team that includes Principals Chris McGanity and Ed Nenon, alongside a cadre of Operating Partners like Jim Tallman, Jim Lackey, and Meg Crosby who are integrated into the investment and portfolio-support process. The firm's website emphasizes a collegial, partner-operator model rather than a single star investor.

SSM Partners writes equity checks between $15 million and $30 million. The firm targets companies with $5 million to $30 million in revenue that are profitable and demonstrate at least 20% annual revenue growth. This places them in the lower-middle-market growth and buyout space.

The firm focuses exclusively on sectors where it has deep networks: B2B verticalized technology and tech-enabled services, and healthcare companies serving providers, payors, and pharmaceuticals. This dual focus on software and healthcare technology defines their deal pipeline and operational expertise.

SSM operates with a dedicated team of Operating Partners who work directly with portfolio company leaders on assembling leadership teams, refining internal systems, and improving revenue visibility. The firm explicitly frames its role as helping founder-leaders build enduring businesses, driven by a culture of shared values and incentive alignment.

SSM Partners is headquartered in Memphis and describes itself as one of the largest private equity firms in the Southeast. While the firm may pursue opportunities elsewhere, its identity and historical investment activity are anchored in the Southeastern United States, leveraging regional networks and relationships.