Cervano Capital Announces Strategic Investment in From The Ground Up
FEBRUARY 11, 2025 — NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA — Cervano Capital ("Cervano"), a specialized lower middle market investment firm, today announced its inaugural investment in From The Ground Up ("FTGU"), a leading provider of commercial landscape services in Minnesota, in partnership with Konza Valley Capital. The transaction closed on December 5, 2024, and financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded and led by Mitch Mulert, FTGU has earned recognition as a trusted leader in commercial landscaping maintenance, property enhancements, and winter services. The company's success stems from its customer-focused approach and strong culture, delivering exceptional service to a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial clients in Minnesota.
“FTGU is thrilled to partner with Cervano for our next phase of growth,” said Mitch Mulert, founder and president of FTGU. “Our shared Midwest values and entrepreneurial mindset make this partnership particularly compelling. Cervano’s extensive facility services expertise and proven track record of supporting entrepreneurial growth align perfectly with our vision. We look forward to leveraging their resources and experience to accelerate our expansion into new markets.”
Cervano brings substantial industry expertise through its successful partnerships with leading facility services companies, including APHIX, Air Conditioning Innovative Solutions, Stratus Unlimited, and AI Fire. This experience positions Cervano to support FTGU's continued growth and market expansion.
"FTGU represents an ideal partner for Cervano, aligning perfectly with our investment strategy and deep facility services experience," said Justin Benshoof, founder and managing director of Cervano Capital. "Mitch and his team have built an impressive operation with superior service capabilities. By combining their operational excellence with Cervano's strategic resources and industry knowledge, we are well-positioned to accelerate FTGU's growth through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions."
“We are thrilled to partner with Cervano Capital and FTGU on this investment," said Brian Lueger, president of Konza Valley Capital. "Our focus on partnering with seasoned independent sponsors aligns well with Cervano's track record, especially in facility services. With FTGU's outstanding management team and the compelling market opportunity, we see the potential to build a leading platform in commercial landscaping services.”
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath served as legal counsel to Cervano. Tradition Capital Bank provided debt financing.
About Cervano Capital
Cervano Capital is an independent sponsor investing in growing lower-middle-market companies in the business services, industrial, technology, and consumer sectors. With a collaborative approach, Cervano partners with founders to drive growth, create value, and preserve the culture of their businesses while benefiting employees and communities alike.
About From The Ground Up
From The Ground Up is a provider of commercial landscaping services. With a focus on maintenance, enhancements, and winter services, From The Ground Up offers a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of its clients. For additional information visit www.fromthegroundupowatonna.com.
About Konza Valley Capital
Konza Valley Capital is a private equity firm focused on partnering with experienced independent sponsors and management teams to build successful businesses. KVCI believes that people, not capital, are the primary driver of investment success and provides both capital and strategic assistance to help portfolio companies achieve their objectives. For additional information visit www.kvci.com.