Louisiana Launches New Impact Fund to Keep Jobs and Wealth!

A new Louisiana-based private equity fund has launched with the goal of keeping company ownership, jobs and long-term wealth rooted in the state.

Louisiana Impact Fund (LIF) announced its initial closing this week, unveiling plans for a $100 million lower middle-market fund focused exclusively on investing in businesses located in or meaningfully connected to Louisiana. The fund will target established companies through majority or significant minority ownership stakes, with an emphasis on founder transitions, recapitalizations and growth capital.

LIF is led by co-founders and managing partners Joseph Seremet, Jared Quoyeser and Joshua Cummings, who say the fund was created to give Louisiana business owners an in-state alternative to selling to out-of-state buyers.

“Our purpose is simple: help founders grow or transition their companies without exporting ownership and decision-making,” Quoyeser said. “We want to keep headquarters, jobs and leadership here at home.”

The fund has drawn support from a broad coalition of Louisiana employers, family offices and institutions. Among those backing the initiative are Ochsner Health, b1BANK, the Reilly Family, the Stream Family and other business leaders from across the state. While not an investor, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is partnering with LIF to help identify and support promising Louisiana companies.

“The Louisiana Impact Fund reflects our commitment to helping businesses grow and remain part of our state’s economy,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “When ownership stays here, we create quality jobs, attract new investment and strengthen communities statewide.”

LIF’s investment strategy focuses on sectors critical to Louisiana’s economy, including:

• Industrial services
• Engineering and construction
• Energy technology
• Infrastructure
• Advanced manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Logistics
• Software

Fund leaders say portfolio companies will receive hands-on operational support while remaining headquartered in Louisiana.

“Our goal is straightforward,” Cummings said. “Build stronger companies that can grow in place, while keeping ownership, jobs and wealth in Louisiana.”

Fund leaders say Louisiana’s deep base of entrepreneurs, combined with a shortage of locally aligned growth capital, made the launch timely.

“Too many successful Louisiana companies are sold out of state,” Seremet said. “This fund is about changing that trajectory and building long-term prosperity right here.”