Mike Pompeo, Ex-OEP Execs Launch Private Equity Firm

Two former One Equity Partners (OEP) executives have joined forces with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to start a new private equity firm.

Niobrara Capital Partners will focus on strategic investments in technology and technology-enabled services, seeking to invest in companies “benefitting from mega trends in the evolving technology landscape.”

The firm will invest as either a control partner or a minority partner in businesses with EBITDA between $15 million and $100 million.

Headquartered in New York with a planned initial team of approximately 15 professionals, Niobrara is led by managing partner Chip Schorr, a veteran tech investor who left OEP in January.

Schorr has completed over 30 platform investments and 100 acquisitions in software, fintech, IT services, semiconductors and cloud services.

Schorr is joined by Todd Bradley, former lead operating partner at One Equity Partners, as well as former Pompeo, a trained engineer and entrepreneur in the oilfield and aerospace industries.

“Technology has been reshaping our economy for 60 years, but the pace of change continues to accelerate,” said Pompeo. “Leveraging our team’s relationships with global technology leaders and policymakers will enable us to partner with well-positioned companies, helping them manage threats and take advantage of key opportunities.”

Niobrara recently announced its first transaction, a $175 million control equity investment in Polar Semiconductor.