BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT
Lorenna Buck Feature Story– Managing Director, Ariel Alternatives
As a funding partner focused on fair access to capital, what impact are you most proud of in helping underserved businesses strengthen their financial footing?
I recognize that I represent just one form of capital, which may not be the right fit for every founder. I first listen to and understand what business owners want and need, then offer an honest perspective on the full range of capital options and their trade-offs and help founders navigate to the right partner – whether that leads to us working together or leads them to another capital partner who is a better fit.
How does your firm help businesses build capacity and strengthen their competitiveness for broader supply-chain opportunities?
We pursue a demand driven strategy. Before we invest in a business, we look to understand where its current and potential customers have demand for incremental supplier capacity. So that when we make the investment, we can help that company invest in both organic and inorganic growth opportunities that will fulfill the critical supplier needs for their customers.
Talk about your most recent investment.
We just invested in Front Line Power Construction, a leading provider of electrical construction and power infrastructure solutions serving utilities, telecommunications providers and industrial customers around the Houston metro area. We believe Front Line’s strong culture and focus on safety and reliability will allow them to deliver long-term value to their customers. We maintain a number of senior utility relationships and look forward to leveraging them in supporting Front Line’s continued growth to meet their needs.
During Black History Month, what one action would you encourage to advance fair access to capital and business opportunities for all entrepreneurs?
The capital ecosystem can be intimidating and confusing for many founders. I encourage all of us to do our part in helping navigate talented entrepreneurs to the right partners who can support their growth.
