Private equity firm Huron Capital is launching a new ExecFactor® initiative, Enterprise Application Services (EAS), in partnership with Gene Chao. The EAS Platform will provide services to drive positive business outcomes through the implementation, customization, and management of software application solutions, according to a statement.
ExecFactor is Huron Capital's proprietary, thematic investment strategy, through which the firm underwrites an industry and partners with an executive to deploy a build-and-build investment model.
Chao’s experience spans well-known technology consulting companies like IBM and Unisys as well as emerging technology companies such as Amelia.ai. Over the last decade, Mr. Chao enabled widespread adoption of intelligent automation, business process re-engineering, and new technology commercialization across AI/Machine Learning, RPA and IT Automation.
The number of applications companies use is increasing, but those applications usually support specific business processes, are underutilized and misaligned with optimal business processes, Huron said in the statement. They often require upgrades, replacement, or consolidation. Manual intervention is required to extract data for use across the enterprise, which is not efficient and does not encourage optimal workflows.
Chao commented on the news:
“I am looking forward to working with the Huron team to launch a full spectrum of offerings including consulting, design, implementation, and managed services. Huron’s deep expertise building platforms in professional services markets makes this team ideal for founders looking to grow and scale their businesses.”
Huron Principal and ExecFactor lead Mike Zukas added:
“Huron Capital is pleased to partner with Gene to build a company that supports customers as they navigate their technology transformation journey from process design through managed applications services. This initiative is another incredible example of how the ExecFactor model can create attractive opportunities for founders to accelerate growth organically and through M&A by deploying Huron’s buy-and-build playbook.”
Tony Pulice, Partner and Tech-Enabled Services Sector Captain at Huron, said:
“We have studied and even observed in our portfolio companies that the acceleration and application of advanced technologies have been some of the biggest drivers of growth for businesses. We see an opportunity to support companies in their technology transformations as they look to remain competitive and enhance their core capabilities.”
Recently closed ExecFactor investments include Exigent, a provider of mission-critical repair, maintenance, and replacement services to large facility operations for education, healthcare, industrial, government, and commercial customers.
