Centana Growth Partners Hires Investment Industry Veteran Sarah Kim as Partner

Rhea-AI Summary

Centana Growth Partners has appointed Sarah Mears Kim as a partner, expanding its senior investment team. Kim brings over 20 years of experience in investing and operations across various industries, including technology and financial services. She has served on the board of Corsair (Nasdaq: CRSR) and held positions at Archipelago Analytics and ICONIQ Capital. Her expertise in insurance and private equity aligns with Centana's investment strategy aimed at fostering innovation in financial services. The firm is focused on supporting growth within its portfolio through strategic investments.

Positive

• Sarah Mears Kim's extensive background enhances Centana's investment capabilities.
• Kim's experience in technology and financial services is expected to identify new growth opportunities.

Negative

• Potential concerns about continuity and experience gaps due to Kim's new role.

NEW YORK & PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Centana Growth Partners, a specialized growth equity firm, has expanded its senior investment team with the addition of Sarah Mears Kim as partner.

Kim joins Centana with more than 20 years of experience as an investor and operator in the technology, financial services, insurance and business services industries. Her background includes direct investing, fund investing, and co-investments across buyouts, growth equity, venture capital and other private markets. She currently serves on the board of directors of Corsair (Nasdaq: CRSR) and previously served on the board of directors for ABR Re, a Bermuda based reinsurer.

“Centana’s investment thesis and approach are unique and well-respected in the industry. I look forward to working alongside a talented team and network of executives to identify and invest in companies at the forefront of innovation in the financial services industry,” said Kim.

“As a seasoned veteran, Sarah’s pragmatic approach to investing brings a competitive edge that will elevate Centana’s portfolio,” said Ben Cukier, partner. “She will be an instrumental part of our investing activity, identifying and supporting opportunities for immense growth.”

“Sarah’s proven track record and deep expertise in insurance and private equity provide her with a perspective that fits well with Centana’s strategy and is very additive to our team,” said Eric Byunn, partner. “We are excited for her to leverage her unique skill set to discover new investment opportunities and support our existing portfolio.”

Prior to joining Centana, Kim served as the chief financial and business officer of Archipelago Analytics, an insurtech platform serving the global real estate and insurance industries. Before Archipelago, she was the senior director of the Investment Strategy Group at ICONIQ Capital where she led investing efforts in private equity and venture capital funds and co-investments. She was also a director in private equity at Stanford Management Company (“SMC”), the group that manages Stanford University’s $25+ billion endowment.

Earlier in her career, Kim worked on the private equity investment teams at Symphony Technology Group and Lightyear Capital, where she focused on making direct investments in the technology, insurance and financial services industries. She previously served as the vice president of finance at The Climate Corporation, a “big data” insurance technology company developing and deploying statistical models of climate conditions. Sarah also worked in corporate development at Willis Towers Watson, the third largest global insurance broker. Kim received a B.S in industrial engineering from Stanford and an MBA from The Wharton School, where she graduated as a Palmer Scholar.

About Centana Growth Partners
Centana is a specialized growth equity firm that invests in the future of finance. The firm collaborates with companies across the entire financial services ecosystem, from institutions to fintech disruptors, to add strategic and long-term value to its portfolio companies. Centana empowers entrepreneurs with a combination of capital, network, and expertise to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies. The Centana team taps into decades of financial services expertise and insight to invest in companies that bring real value and innovation to the industry.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005259/en/

PR

Dakota Weatherford

dakota.weatherford@fullyvested.com

+1 615 477 9543

Source: Centana Growth Partners

FAQ

What is the significance of Sarah Mears Kim's appointment at Centana Growth Partners?

Sarah Mears Kim's appointment as a partner is significant as it enhances Centana's investment capabilities with her 20+ years of experience in various industries, including technology and financial services.

How might Kim's background impact Corsair (Nasdaq: CRSR)?

Kim's extensive experience could positively influence Corsair's strategic direction, given her role on its board, although there may be concerns about continuity.

What are Centana's investment goals with the new team expansion?

Centana aims to identify and invest in innovative companies within the financial services sector, leveraging Kim's expertise to enhance its portfolio.