LLR Partners has added Ira (Gus) Hunt, former Chief Technology Officer of the Central Intelligence Agency, as an operating partner. In his new role, Mr. Hunt will help LLR evaluate investment opportunities in the Security, Defense & Government Services sectors, as well as support the growth of LLR’s existing portfolio companies.
“Gus transformed the intelligence community’s use of technology. He was the first to understand the value that commercial innovations could bring to the US government and led the adoption of game-changing technologies at the CIA, including the switch to cloud-based infrastructure,” said Jason Rigoli, principal at LLR Partners. “Gus’ domain knowledge and relationships both inside and out of the government community will bring tremendous value to LLR’s Security, Defense & Government Services portfolio.”
As Chief Technology Officer for the Chief Information Officer at the CIA, Mr. Hunt was responsible for setting the strategic technology direction to enable CIA’s missions, and driving the insertion and adoption of new capabilities to keep pace with technology change in the commercial sector. Before joining the CIA in 1985, Mr. Hunt spent seven years in the private sector as an aerospace engineer designing advanced manned space flight systems and satellite orbital transfer vehicles. He holds an ME in Civil/Structural Engineering from Vanderbilt University.
“Joining LLR as an operating partner is an ideal next step after my retirement from the CIA,” said Mr. Hunt. “I’ve followed technology and investing trends for more than 20 years, seeking ways to meet our government’s objectives through the latest commercial technologies. This relationship with LLR will give me the chance to directly advise growth-oriented businesses as they look to expand in both the commercial and government markets.”
In September, LLR opened an office in Arlington, VA, and hired two industry veterans, Jason Rigoli and Michael Levenberg, to expand its Security, Defense & Government Services practice (LLR Bulks Up Team to Invest in Security, Defense & Government Services).
LLR Partners invests growth capital in technology and service businesses that have annual revenues of $25 million to $250 million in annual revenue, including those that serve commercial and government clients in the physical and cyber security markets, as well as government contractors to the US homeland security, defense, intelligence and healthcare agencies. LLR is currently investing out of its third fund with $800 million of capital commitments. The firm has over $2 billion of assets under management and has offices in Philadelphia, PA and Arlington, VA (www.llrpartners.com).
© 2013 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 11-15-13
