John Stewart, Founding and Managing PartnerAs a private equity firm, MiddleGround Capital is committed to rebuilding the industrial backbone of the U.S. by investing in businesses that are ready for transformation. The firm was founded by operators who have actually worked and driven change on the shop floor. Their experience fuels a strategy focused on operational excellence, innovation, and long-term value creation that endures well beyond the life of a deal.
"At MiddleGround Capital, we don't just invest, we build. By applying operational expertise and industrial insight, we transform underinvested companies into resilient engines of long-term growth," says John Stewart, Founding & Managing Partner.
Growth through Operational Expertise
MiddleGround drives change that can be measured. It upgrades outdated systems, streamlines production by implementing LEAN manufacturing practices, and installs custom automation solutions to maximize efficiency. It also strengthens sales and procurement so they become engines of growth rather than afterthoughts. Central to this effort is its in house operations team, which works closely with company leaders to tackle complex problems and deliver solutions that are sustainable, not temporary.
MiddleGround combines structure, discipline, and collaboration to build lasting momentum. This approach renews strength across industrial businesses, supporting growth today and securing the future of American manufacturing.
Private Equity with Grit, Transparency, and Hands-On Expertise
MiddleGround Capital grew out of the experience of operators who know what it feels like to run a plant, lead a team, and fix problems in real time. That lived experience shapes the way it approaches private equity. Instead of chasing value creation through financial engineering, it works inside businesses that have great potential for growth with the right level of operational support and investment. The focus is not only on performance but on rebuilding companies so they can stand tall in the future of the North American industry.
At MiddleGround Capital, we don't just invest, we build. By applying operational expertise and industrial insight, we transform underinvested companies into resilient engines of long-term growth
Transparency is central to MiddleGround Capital’s identity. MiddleGround shares insights through podcasts, transaction breakdowns, and educational content that simplify the complexities of private equity. Making information clear and accessible builds trust with founders and management teams while challenging conventional industry perceptions.
MiddleGround’s tagline is “Leaving the world better than we found it”, and it takes that commitment seriously by integrating ESG into every aspect of its work. While many firms treat ESG as a compliance task, MiddleGround sees it as a performance driver. It embeds sustainability into operations to boost efficiency and long term value. It treats ESG as a competitive advantage rather than a burden.
The results go beyond financial returns. Companies become healthier, people find new momentum in their work, and communities benefit from stronger employers. MiddleGround proves that private equity does not have to be distant or transactional. It can be personal, it can be practical, and it can drive renewal in ways that touch both industry and society.
