Runway Growth Capital and BC Partners Credit Announce $131 Million Financing Commitment to VertexOne to Accelerate Growth and Execute a Strategic Acquisition

Rhea-AI Summary

Runway Growth Capital and BC Partners Credit have announced a $131 million financing commitment to VertexOne, a leading provider of software solutions for utilities. The funding will enable VertexOne to refinance existing obligations, acquire Accelerated Innovations for $32.5 million, and enhance its platform capabilities.

The strategic acquisition of Accelerated Innovations and its MyMeter technology will strengthen VertexOne's position in the electric, gas, and water utility markets. The integration will create a comprehensive platform combining customer information systems with advanced analytics, billing solutions, and real-time customer engagement.

As part of the financing arrangement, Greg Greifeld, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Runway, will join VertexOne's Board of Directors. VertexOne has been a Runway portfolio company since December 2021.

Positive

• Secured substantial $131 million financing commitment
• Strategic acquisition of Accelerated Innovations for $32.5 million
• Platform expansion into new utility markets
• Integration of MyMeter technology enhancing product offerings

Negative

• Taking on additional debt obligations through refinancing
• Integration costs and risks associated with acquisition

Insights

Investment Banker

This $131M financing deal represents a strategic milestone for RWAY, showcasing their ability to structure complex deals and expand their portfolio company relationships. The transaction's structure - combining refinancing with acquisition funding and growth capital - demonstrates sophisticated deal execution capabilities. The $32.5M acquisition of Accelerated Innovations at approximately 25% of the total facility indicates a balanced approach to capital deployment.

The co-lending partnership with BC Partners Credit, which manages $8B in assets, validates RWAY's market position and could open doors for future large-ticket deals. The deal structure allows VertexOne to optimize its capital structure while pursuing strategic growth without immediate equity dilution. The appointment of Greg Greifeld to VertexOne's board strengthens RWAY's oversight and strategic influence in the investment.

Technology Analyst

The strategic acquisition of Accelerated Innovations and its MyMeter technology represents a significant vertical integration play in the utility software market. By combining customer information systems with real-time engagement capabilities, VertexOne is positioning itself at the intersection of two critical utility industry trends: customer experience enhancement and operational efficiency optimization.

The timing is particularly strategic as utilities face increasing pressure to modernize their digital infrastructure and improve customer engagement. The integration of MyMeter technology could accelerate VertexOne's market penetration by offering a more comprehensive solution that addresses both back-office operations and customer-facing functionalities. This positions them well against competitors in the utility software space who typically excel in either operational or customer engagement solutions, but rarely both.

Funding will enable VertexOne to optimize its platform, expand market presence, and support the acquisition of Accelerated Innovations.

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Runway Growth Capital LLC ("Runway"), a leading provider of growth loans to both venture and non-venture-backed companies seeking an alternative to raising equity, and BC Partners Credit, today announced a $131 million financing commitment to VertexOne. BC Partners Credit is the $8 billion credit arm of BC Partners, an alternative investment firm with approximately $40 billion AUM.

VertexOne has been a Runway portfolio company since December 2021 and is a leading provider of vertical market software solutions for electric, gas, and water utilities.

The capital will enable VertexOne to refinance existing obligations, acquire Accelerated Innovations ("AI") for $32.5 million, and invest in platform enhancements to deliver transformative customer engagement solutions.

"VertexOne's strategic growth trajectory and commitment to innovation have been exemplary," said Greg Greifeld, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Runway. "We are excited to provide this capital alongside BC Partners Credit to support VertexOne's continued success, including their acquisition of Accelerated Innovations."

As part of the financing, Mr. Greifeld will join VertexOne's Board of Directors.

"We are grateful for the partnership and investment from Runway and BC Partners Credit," said Andrew Jornod, President and CEO of VertexOne. "This funding not only strengthens our financial position but also enables us to deliver superior value to our energy and utility clients, empowering them with innovative tools to improve customer experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability outcomes."

"VertexOne has demonstrated impressive growth and resilience since our initial investment," said Keith Pennell, Managing Partner at DFW Capital Partners. "This latest financing is a testament to VertexOne's market leadership and vision. The acquisition of Accelerated Innovations and the deployment of additional capital will significantly enhance VertexOne's ability to deliver advanced, customer-focused solutions to energy and utility providers. We look forward to VertexOne's continued success as it expands its market presence."

The acquisition is expected to strategically position VertexOne to expand its reach in the electric, gas, and water utility markets as well as the electric and gas retail markets. By integrating Accelerated Innovation's technology, MyMeter, with VertexOne's existing solutions, the company will be able to offer a comprehensive platform that combines customer information systems with advanced analytics, seamless billing and payment solutions, and real-time customer engagement.

About Runway Growth Capital LLC
Runway Growth Capital LLC is the investment adviser to investment funds, including Runway Growth Finance Corp. (Nasdaq: RWAY), a business development company, and other private funds, which are lenders of growth capital to companies seeking an alternative to raising equity. Led by industry veteran David Spreng, these funds provide senior term loans of a target of $30 million to $150 million to fast-growing companies based in the United States and Canada. For more information on Runway Growth Capital LLC and its platform, please visit www.runwaygrowth.com.

About BC Partners & BC Partners Credit
BC Partners is a leading international investment firm in private equity, private debt, and real estate strategies. BC Partners Credit was launched in February 2017, with a focus on identifying attractive credit opportunities in any market environment, often in complex market segments. The platform leverages the broader firm's deep industry and operating resources to provide flexible financing solutions to middle-market companies across Business Services, Industrials, Healthcare and other select sectors. For further information, visit www.bcpartners.com/credit-strategy.

About VertexOne
VertexOne is the leading provider of cloud-based SaaS solutions, powering the next generation of customer experience for utilities, energy retailers and energy transition providers. With more than 30 years of experience and 400 customers in the cloud, we capitalize on our deep expertise to provide a wide range of innovative solutions for digital transformation, revenue optimization and data-driven efficiency operations surrounding the customer. We empower our clients to deliver a compelling customer experience, reduce costs to serve, increase operational efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. For more information on how VertexOne allows you to enhance the digital customer experience, improve revenue management and leverage data analytics, visit www.vertexone.net.

About DFW Capital Partners
DFW Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm focused on lower middle-market companies. With over $2 billion under management, the firm concentrates on service companies, with an emphasis on outsourced business and industrial support services, and healthcare companies. DFW has established a 20+ year track record of success in both building companies and generating returns for its investors. DFW is headquartered in New York, New York and maintains an office in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Additional information is available on our website at www.dfwcapital.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance, condition, or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Runway's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Runway undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/runway-growth-capital-and-bc-partners-credit-announce-131-million-financing-commitment-to-vertexone-to-accelerate-growth-and-execute-a-strategic-acquisition-302346308.html

SOURCE Runway Growth Capital LLC

FAQ

What is the value of the financing commitment received by VertexOne (RWAY)?

VertexOne received a $131 million financing commitment from Runway Growth Capital and BC Partners Credit.

How much is VertexOne paying for Accelerated Innovations acquisition?

VertexOne is acquiring Accelerated Innovations for $32.5 million.

What will VertexOne use the RWAY financing for?

The financing will be used to refinance existing obligations, acquire Accelerated Innovations, and invest in platform enhancements.

How will the Accelerated Innovations acquisition benefit VertexOne?

The acquisition will expand VertexOne's reach in utility markets and integrate MyMeter technology to create a comprehensive platform combining customer information systems, analytics, billing solutions, and customer engagement.

When did VertexOne become a Runway Growth Capital portfolio company?

VertexOne has been a Runway Growth Capital portfolio company since December 2021.