Altaline News & Insights

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Altaline Managing Director Rafael Telahun recently joined Trey Andrews and Jason Griffith of McGuireWoods LLP on the Deal-By-Deal Podcast to discuss one of Altaline’s core value creation strategies within the services sector.

In the conversation, Rafael shared how Altaline partners with founders and management teams to evolve traditional services businesses into technology-enabled solutions. By introducing digital tools, automation, and scalable platforms, Altaline helps companies improve efficiency, deepen customer relationships, and unlock new growth opportunities.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of aligning with leadership teams early in the investment process to build a shared vision for transformation. Altaline’s approach is rooted in collaboration—working side by side with operators to modernize their businesses and position them for long-term success.

The episode offers insight into how private equity firms can go beyond capital to drive meaningful operational change in today’s competitive landscape.

Altaline Capital Management, LLC, a newly launched Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on partnering with lower-middle market companies in the technology, business services, and financial services sectors, today announced a strategic growth investment in Brazos Safety Systems, LLC (“Brazos” or the “Company”), a leading provider of flight safety technology and analytics solutions for the global aviation industry.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Brazos Safety Systems (formerly Truth Data Insights) delivers state-of-the-art Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) analytics to a diverse range of rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators worldwide. Brazos serves critical sectors including emergency medical services, oil and gas, executive transport, logistics, and law enforcement, supporting more than 300 aircraft and analyzing data from over 200,000 flights.

“Brazos Safety Systems has established itself as a trusted partner to aviation operators by delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance flight safety and operational efficiency,” said Brian Maher, Principal at Altaline. “We are excited to support Brazos in its next phase of growth as the company expands its technology platform and broadens its impact across the aviation industry.”

Brazos Safety Systems is recognized for its highly configurable technology and exceptional analytics services which enable operators to implement customized FDM and FOQA programs that meet rigorous regulatory and operational requirements while powering improved flight safety. The company’s team of avionics experts, software developers, and flight data analysts is dedicated to providing actionable insights and tailored support to its clients.

“This partnership with Altaline marks a significant milestone for Brazos,” said Peter Henrikson, President of Brazos Safety Systems. “With Altaline’s support and strategic guidance, we are well-positioned to accelerate innovation, enhance our solutions, and deliver even greater value to our customers as we continue our mission to improve flight safety worldwide.”

“Brazos has all of the attributes we look for at Altaline, including a data-rich and mission-critical solution, strong client momentum, a leading position in its market segment of focus and strong customer loyalty and satisfaction,” added Rafael Telahun, Managing Director at Altaline. “We look forward to collaborating with the Brazos team to expand on the Company’s mission to leverage technology to improve flight safety globally.”

BakerHostetler, Elliott Davis LLC and Payne Enterprises LLC acted as legal, financial and commercial advisors to Altaline, respectively. AvStrategies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor while Cole Bryan PC served as legal advisor to Brazos.  

Altaline Capital Management, LLC, a new private equity firm founded by former professionals from TA Associates, H.I.G. Capital and KKR, today announced its official launch. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm seeks control-oriented partnerships with growing and profitable lower middle-market businesses across the technology, business services and financial services sectors in the U.S. and Canada.

With a team of seven seasoned professionals, Altaline brings together decades of collective experience in private equity investing and operational leadership. Approximately half of the firm’s team is dedicated to hands-on operational support, reflecting the firm’s commitment to partnering closely with management teams to drive transformational growth and long-term value creation.

“We believe that our operationally oriented approach, combined with deep sector expertise and a collaborative mindset, positions us to be a value-added partner to entrepreneurs and management teams,” said Brian Maher, Principal at Altaline. “Our team’s experience at leading global investment firms has instilled in us a disciplined investment philosophy and a passion for building enduring businesses.”

Altaline seeks to invest in companies with strong fundamentals and significant growth potential, providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance tailored to the unique needs of each business. The firm’s investment strategy is centered on supporting founder-led and entrepreneurial companies that are navigating inflection points, including expansion, technology or AI enablement, and operational scaling.

The founding team’s track record includes leadership roles and successful investments at globally recognized firms, with a history of partnering with management teams to accelerate growth, drive operational improvements, and achieve successful outcomes for all stakeholders.

“Our goal is to be more than just capital providers—we strive to be trusted partners who roll up our sleeves and work alongside management to unlock value and achieve shared success,” added Ian Balmaseda, Managing Director at Altaline.

“Our investment philosophy is anchored by a focus on enduringly profitable, recurring revenue-oriented businesses in defensive growth sectors where we can be a transformation agent and a catalyst for further growth,”  said Rafael Telahun, Managing Director at Altaline. “We get particularly excited by companies with meaningful intellectual property, exceptional technical talent, significant acquisition opportunities or who have become a repository of critical data for their clients.”

Altaline is actively seeking new investment opportunities and welcomes inquiries from business owners, entrepreneurs, and intermediaries.