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Transforming Industrial 
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Featured Report

Don’t Call It a Comeback: The Industrial Economy in 2026

At Cogenuity, we focus every day on the advanced industrial economy, and have deep experience investing in and operating businesses across advanced manufacturing, critical industrial services, infrastructure solutions, and industrial technology.  In...

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    Don’t Call It a Comeback: The Industrial Economy in 2026

    At Cogenuity, we focus every day on the advanced industrial economy, and have deep experience investing in and operating businesses

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    Perspectives on the Landscape for Critical Metallic Components

    At Cogenuity Partners, our work spans key segments of the advanced economy, with a particular focus on critical metallic components.

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    Perspectives on the Water Management Landscape

    At Cogenuity Partners, we believe water management is one of the defining infrastructure priorities of the coming decades. Reliable access

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    Driving Growth Through Operational Excellence in Fire Protection

    At Cogenuity Partners, we have deep experience as investors and operators in in the advanced industrial economy. We live by our

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    Perspectives on the Transforming Landscape of U.S. Power & Electricity

    At Cogenuity Partners, we have decades of experience as operators and investors across the power and infrastructure industry. The U.S.

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    Tyler Chen

    Vice President

    Education
    Claremont McKenna College, B.A. in Economics and M.A. in Finance

    Responsible for
    Evaluating, executing, and supporting platform and add-on investments from acquisition to exit.

    Prior Organizations
    Audax Private Equity, Deutsche Bank

    Personal Interests
    Although a native of the Bay Area, Tyler is a passionate Washington Commanders fan. Outside of football, sports are his lifeline and outside of work you’ll find him on the golf course, on the ski slopes, soccer field or running through Golden Gate Park.

    Fun Fact
    Tyler has spent 20+ years of his life playing soccer and even competed at the collegiate level. Despite playing in college, tennis is his preferred sport to watch – having been to 2 out of the 4 major tournaments with hopes to make it 3 in Australia.

    Joe Stapleton

    Business Intelligence Manager

    Education
    Georgia Tech, BS, Industrial and Systems Engineering

    Personal Interest
    Although Joe is a D.C. native, he became a devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter after attending his first Premier League match and derby at White Hart Lane in 2016. Spurs beat West Ham 3-0 that day, and Joe has made the pilgrimage to North London nearly every year since. Outside of work and Tottenham, he enjoys exploring California with his wife, Maddie, and finding any excuse to try a new restaurant or bakery.

    Prior Organizations
    DealCloud, Lam Research

    Fun Fact
    Joe has never been to prison, but he has escaped Alcatraz twice—swimming from the island back to the San Francisco shoreline. He also completed the Ironman California, fueled mostly by sour candy, gummy worms, and questionable race-day nutrition.

    Kit Smith

    Associate

    Education
    The Johns Hopkins University, BA, History

    Personal Interest
    In his free time, Kit enjoys playing the drums, going to concerts, and exploring new cities. He also has a serious sweet tooth and is especially fond of all things chocolate.

    Prior Organizations
    Foundation Investment Partners, Sterling Associates

    Fun Fact
    Kit spent time in London growing up and is a die-hard Arsenal F.C. supporter. Years of supporting the Gunners have taught him patience, resilience, and above all, to “trust the process.”

    Bob Linscott

    Operating Partner

    Education
    Tennessee Technological University, BS, Mechanical Engineering

    University of Tennessee, Lean Manufacturing Certification, Honeywell-Black Belt

    University of Minnesota, Executive Leadership Certification

    Responsible for
    Collaborating with leadership teams to improve operating systems, enable growth, optimize customer experience, and drive efficiencies.

    Prior Organizations
    Wynnchurch Capital, Danaher, Honeywell, General Motors, Pentair.

    Fun Fact
    My wife and I discovered that 3 years before we met, for over 18 months, we lived within 100 yards of each other in Shanghai. While living in China, we frequently traveled to the same resorts in Singapore and the Philippines (sometimes on the same weekend). Yet, we didn’t meet until years later in a Birmingham, Michigan restaurant, where neither one of us lived at the time. We just happened to be visiting friends in the area at the same time.

    Michael Ouyang

    Managing Director

    Education
    Dartmouth College, BA, Economics

    Responsible for
    Sourcing, underwriting, and monitoring prospective and current portfolio companies.

    Prior Organizations
    Neos Partners, Warren Equity Partners, Huron Capital

    Fun Fact
    Despite having lived in mostly sea-level and flat places, Michael is particularly passionate about alpine mountaineering. He has summited over 40 peaks so far, and has climbed in the Rocky mountains, the volcanos of Mexico and Ecuador, and the Peruvian Andes.

    Rebecca Kolde

    Principal

    Education
    Stanford University, BS, Management Science and Engineering

    Responsible for
    Sourcing, underwriting, and monitoring prospective and current portfolio companies.

    Prior Organizations
    Altamont Capital Partners

    Personal Interests
    In her free time, Rebecca loves being outdoors – whether she’s hiking with friends or road-tripping along the California coast in her beloved convertible. A proud Scandinavian-American, she has a soft spot for kringle pastries, minimalist design, and the occasional ABBA singalong. She’s also a passionate traveler, having explored over 35 countries – and always leaves room in her suitcase for local snacks.

     

    Fun Fact
    Rebecca’s competitive streak comes out in Bananagrams and music trivia. Her teenage archery career may be long past, but she still aims high.

    Jackson Roper

    Operating Partner

    Education
    Furman University, BA, Business Administration
    UNC Chapel Hill, MBA, Kenan Flagler Institute

    Responsible for
    Collaborating with management teams on revenue and profitability growth initiatives.

    Prior Organizations
    Ametek TPM, Controls Southeast Inc (CSI), Fruit of the Loom, RJR Nabisco, Procter & Gamble

    Personal Interests
    Shallow water fishing in the South Carolina backwaters dispels the myth of “if you build it they will come”.  On his relentless quest to one day transform himself from a fisherman to a catcherman, Jackson has been busted a time or two launching his drone to discover new water….some might say that’s cheating…he calls it efficiently unlocking idle potential :-)

    *Operating Partners are either employees or independent contractors that provide services to Cogenuity and portfolio companies of Cogenuity.

    Nick Wiesbrock

    Associate

    Education
    University of Illinois, BS, Industrial Engineering

    Responsible for
    Evaluating, executing, and supporting platform and add-on investments from acquisition to exit.

    Prior Organizations
    Hennepin Partners

    Personal Interests
    Nick started running during the pandemic, and for no particular reason just kept on going, until one day he found himself running marathons “for fun”. When not sprinting on deals, traveling, or admiring the real professional athletes, he can be found training for his next race, or limping around from his last.

    Morgan McCord

    Senior Associate, Business Development

    Education
    University of San Diego, BA, Business Administration & Real Estate

    Responsible for
    Sourcing new investment opportunities and cultivating/ managing intermediary relationships

    Prior Organizations
    Neos Partners, Tide Rock Holdings, Bainbridge Capital Advisory

    Personal Interests
    Morgan is a proud Canadian — which means she loves hockey, has strong opinions on maple syrup, and says sorry more than she probably should. Beyond her Canadian roots, she’s passionate about discovering the world and has traveled all over the world. She spent a year living with a host family in Switzerland, where she developed an affinity for the finer things in life: chocolate and cheese. She’s always in search of new food, people, music, cultures, and natural beauty.

    Fun Fact
    She once spent four months living on a ship, stopping in 11 countries along the way — turns out, Wi-Fi is hard to find in the middle of the ocean.

    Sarah Sheeder

    Executive Assistant & Deal Coordinator

    Education
    Louisiana State University, BA, Geography

    Responsible for
    Ensuring the seamless operation of all activities, personnel, and deal coordination.

    Prior Organizations
    i80 Group, AIMPERA Capital Partners, Vertex Ventures HC, FEMA

    Personal Interests
    Outside of work, Sarah can usually be found exploring the redwoods or strolling along Ocean Beach with her dog, Fred—who has strong opinions against frisbees but will happily chase the occasional stick. A proud LSU Tiger fan, Sarah never misses a chance to cheer on her alma mater. She’s especially passionate about Women’s Gymnastics (the Uneven Bars and Vault are her personal favorites) and Football—strictly in that order.

    Fun Fact
    Growing up in New Orleans, Sarah played the clarinet in her high school band and marched in over two dozen Mardi Gras parades.

    Graham Banks

    Director, Business Development

    Education
    Westminster University, BS, Business Management
    University of San Diego, Knauss School of Business, MBA, Finance

    Responsible for
    Sourcing new investment opportunities and cultivating intermediary relationships

    Prior Organizations
    Head, Silicon Valley Bank, Tide Rock

    Personal Interests
    Graham has reconnected with snowboarding now that it’s just for fun again, but also spends his free time surfing, fishing, spearfishing and boxing.

    Fun Fact
    In Graham’s previous career he was a professional snowboarder – and while many of his friends went on to win Olympic and XGames gold medals, he was able to walk (limp) away with the record for the most blown knees. 6 ACLs – and that’s just the left! 

    Andrea Frey

    Executive Assistant

    Education
    University of Amsterdam, BA, Organizational Sociology and Human Resources

    Responsible For
    Ensuring the seamless operations of all activities and personnel in the SF Office.

    Prior Organizations
    Event Producer / Project Manager for the Hakkasan Group and Angel Music Group

    Fun Fact
    Andrea created the reveal for the flashy overhead lighting vizualization at the Hakkasan Nightclub in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel when it debuted with Tiesto.  Not to worry though we’ve now got her as excited about critical products and services businesses as she once was about nightclubs.

    Spencer Mueller

    Associate

    Education
    University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration

    Responsible for
    Evaluating, executing, and supporting platform and add-on investments from acquisition to exit.

    Prior Organizations
    Cascadia Capital

    Fun Fact
    When he’s not working, Spencer enjoys hitting the ski slopes, pretending his golf game is improving, and—apparently—meeting his sushi before eating it, like during this totally unplanned, absolutely-not-staged moment with an octopus. He swears it just swam right up.

    Richard Cao

    Vice President

    Education
    Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, B.S.B. Finance and Accounting

    Responsible for
    Evaluating, executing and supporting platform and add-on investments from acquisition to exit.

    Prior Organizations
    Industrial Growth Partners, HSBC Securities

    Personal Interests
    An avid learner, outside of work you will find Richard playing guitar covers at small gatherings, shooting travel photography, taking calculated risks at the poker table, or searching for the next travel destination.

    Brian Rappl *

    Principal, Portfolio Operations

    Education
    University of Minnesota, Bachelors Mechanical Engineering, MBA

    Responsible for
    Collaborating with management teams on revenue and profitability growth initiatives.

    Prior Organizations
    Arcline Investment Management, Boston Consulting Group, Ingersoll Rand

    Fun Fact
    In 7th grade Brian was the runner up in his middle school spelling bee after using a K instead of a C in Bicuspid.  The winner got to advance to a regional competition for spelling Banana correctly and all these years later that still just doesn’t seem fair.

    *Operating Partners are either employees or independent contractors that provide services to Cogenuity and portfolio companies of Cogenuity.

    Sam Adler

    Managing Director

    Education
    University of Wisconsin-Madison, BBA (Finance & Accounting)

    Responsible for
    Sourcing, underwriting, and monitoring prospective and current portfolio companies.

    Prior organizations
    Industrial Growth Partners, Robert W. Baird

    Fun Fact
    If you’re reading this then Sam is definitely taller than you which makes his dreadful fear of heights terribly ironic.  His passions include skiing, hiking, and conquering his fears to take pictures with his fiancé on top of really tall things.

    Kathryn Seni *

    Operating Partner

    Education
    Wake Forest University, BA in Psychology, MAEd in Counseling

    Responsible for
    Overseeing human capital across the Cogenuity ecosystem and driving talent value creation initiatives in the portfolio.

    Prior Organizations
    Consulting with multiple PE firms; Vista Equity Partners; Keystone Partners; Fidelity Investments/J. Robert Scott

    Fun Fact
    In addition to being an active aunt, godmother, and dog-mom, Kathryn is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with extensive training in energy and consciousness. After all, quantum transformation is the ultimate value creator and growth accelerator.

    *Operating Partners are either employees or independent contractors that provide services to Cogenuity and portfolio companies of Cogenuity.

    Brett Johnson

    Managing Partner & CFO

    Education
    Northwestern University, BA, Economics

    University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA

    Responsible for
    Finance, investor relations, legal and compliance, as well as firm operations

    Prior Organizations
    Industrial Growth Partners, Pantheon Ventures, University of California Regents, and One Equity Partners

    Personal Interests
    Brett is an avid NBA fan and has been blessed to bear witness to the Jordan era and the Curry era while living in Chicago and the Bay Area, respectively. He is closing in on 20 national parks visited and is on a quest to see them all!

    Daniel Niccum

    Managing Partner & Operating Partner

    Education
    Wake Forest University, BS, Finance

    Responsible for
    Overall firm strategy, investing in exceptional leadership teams, and leading the Collaborative Operations group in partnering with management to create value.

    Prior Organizations
    Voltyx, North American Substation Services, Stifel

    Personal Interests
    Daniel is a self-proclaimed swirling mix of contradictions – an executive with tattoo sleeves, a playlist of 90’s rap and showtunes, a homebody who has visited over 40 countries, and the social stamina of an introverted extrovert who still recovers from a big night by napping in his closet, despite being out of one since his 20s.

    Fun Fact
    Daniel’s snazzy-dressing labradoodle (who insists on always wearing a bandana) can trace his name, Link, to three different sources, each representing Daniel’s varied interests:

    1. Link from the Legend of Zelda (90’s era NES gold cartridge for the win!)
    2. Link Larkin – a character from Broadway’s Hairspray (he has seen well over 50 shows and invested in several)
    3. Linkin Park (one of Daniel’s favorite bands, not the Chicago suburb, which is far too cold for Daniel’s California sensibilities) – in fact, Link’s full name is “Linkin Bark”

    Dan Delaney

    Managing Partner & Founder

    Education
    California Polytechnic State University, BA, Business Administration 

    University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA

    Responsible for
    Firm leadership and strategy, investment decisions & management, and investor relations

    Prior Organizations
    Industrial Growth Partners, Glencoe Capital, A.G Edwards

    Personal Interests
    Dan originally decided to skip college and chase his dream of becoming a professional tennis player. Armed with ambition (and his trusty 1986 navy blue 4Runner as a makeshift home), he hit the road. After a few months of competing, earning a whopping $750 in prize money (pre-tax, of course), and learning the true meaning of “living the dream,” Dan realized that maybe—just maybe—a college education could serve him well. A few phone calls later, Dan traded the pro tour for a spot as a student-athlete at Cal Poly, where his next chapter began.