Our Approach

Together with our companies, we prioritize long-term sustainable growth, and investing in people and innovation, including how best to leverage AI to drive opportunity and mitigate risk.

Our people, processes, and point of view are our points of differentiation.

When Accel-KKR was founded, we had a different kind of private equity firm in mind—one that championed founders and entrepreneurs, and one that achieved strong returns while maintaining integrity, teamwork, humility and transparency. These values are integral to everything we do, and we look for partners that share these tenets.

We’re methodical, disciplined, and thoughtful in our approach. That discipline matters most during moments of rapid change. AI is reshaping how software is built, sold and priced, and the companies that are navigating it well are the ones making deliberate choices rather than reactive ones. Together, we chart a path forward with you, and we proactively respond to market changes to ensure that we achieve our shared vision.

Our focus on software and tech-enabled services is singular and exclusive. We believe this specialization not only drives success, but gives us a nuanced point of view that is not often seen in the industry including a clear perspective on where AI creates durable advantage for our companies. 

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"Accel-KKR is a great partner for founders because they let founders run their businesses. They give the right kind of support and guidance. There's no playbook: every situation is different and Accel-KKR understands that. That's a big differentiator."

Kevin Leininger
Co-Founder & Former CEO

"Working with Accel-KKR is great because I’m able to pick up the phone and discuss business issues alongside strategic decisions we have to make."

Joseph Shamir
Co-Founder & Former CEO

"If you’re looking for a company (that) takes the time to understand you, your business (and) what your customers need, Accel-KKR will be your right partner. They will support you to be successful."

Dushyant Sharma
CEO

"I’d say the real differentiator for me with Accel-KKR was the people. We spent quite a bit of time really getting to know each other, and at the end of the day, you’re going to be working with the investors—whoever you go with, they’re going to be on your board."

Jon Roskill
Former CEO

"I really appreciate the collaborative approach Accel-KKR takes when working with our management team. They are quick to understand our challenges, offer relevant advice, and in the end, trust our team to determine direction and execute on results. Their people are authentic and incredibly smart. They are a true partner."

Jill Davie
Chief Customer Experience Officer

"One of the best things about working with Accel-KKR is the people. They bring new ideas, they’re collaborative. And the phrase that sums it up perfectly is “as promised”.

Laird Rixford
CEO

"The main thing that I would say about Accel-KKR is that they are in the boat with you. They’re rolling up their sleeves, they’re in there with us. So, whether that’s M&A activity, day-to-day operations, helping us open doors in terms of getting to potential customers and prospects. They’re willing to do anything and everything to help the business."

Wayne Roberts
Former CEO

"Accel-KKR is not just about top line growth, they are about building a great company."

Bird Blitch
Founder & Former CEO

"Having a trusted partner in the boardroom can't be underestimated."

Chris Dillie
Co-Founder & Former CEO

"Accel-KKR is really human-driven; they have that special thing."

David Ortiz
CEO

"Accel-KKR has a lot of integrity, their words match their actions. They have done exactly what they said they would with and for us."

Jim Jacobs
Co-Founder & CCO

For over two decades, Accel-KKR has invested solely in mid-market software and technology enabled services firms across buyout, growth capital, and credit funds.

Investment Criteria

Investment Size
Company Size Up to $200+ Million in Revenue
Investment Target
Founder-Owned or Closely-Held Private Companies
Structures
Buyouts; Minority Growth Capital; Corporate Carveouts; Take-Privates; Credit Investments; Secondaries
Market
Software and Tech Enabled Services

A global approach to investing

The firm’s track record over twenty-six years speaks for itself — with portfolio companies significantly increasing revenue growth rates, expanding EBITDA margins and creating value for stakeholders.

Menlo Park, CA
Atlanta
London
Chicago
New York

A sector specialist who has made 500+ software investment spanning more than two decades. That focus translates into a powerful network and know-how. Lean on our deep expertise and resources in technology to advance your software company's journey.

Leadership Programs

We offer a range of cohort-based executive leadership programs aimed to build well-rounded software leaders within our portfolio companies

C-Level Operating Summits

Each year, we host a number of C-level summits for operating executives to promote cross-portfolio knowledge sharing and best practices

Private Community Groups

Central Hub, Accel-KKR’s private online community for virtual networking and continuous idea sharing

Frameworks & Best Practices

We have frameworks and best practices that help companies assess challenges and opportunities in the business, and proactively identifies the right course of action

AI Advance

AI Advance, AKKR's programmatic approach combining AI expertise, tooling, and peer learning to help our companies move from experimentation to scale and impact, and ultimately to value creation.