Michael McGinley and Katie Kimble founded Monarch on the belief that the most consequential moments in a company's life deserve capital that listens.
We began Monarch because we believe ownership transitions are the most consequential moments in a company's life. They deserve capital that listens — capital that protects what's been built while preparing the ground for what comes next.
Our approach is built on trust, collaboration, and the conviction that when employees have a stake in success, businesses and communities thrive together. Every conversation begins the same way: with the company, its people, and the future the founders want to leave behind.
"Ownership transitions are the most consequential moments in a company's life. They deserve capital that listens — capital that protects what's been built while preparing the ground for what comes next."
"When employees have a stake in success, businesses and communities thrive together. Every conversation begins with the company, its people, and the future the founders want to leave behind."
Monarch Investment Partners was founded on a simple belief: there is a better way to transition business ownership.
Drawing on decades of experience across investment management, alternative investments, business valuation, ESOP advisory, and capital markets, co-founders Michael McGinley and Katie Kimble recognised that too many business owners were forced to choose between achieving liquidity and preserving their company's legacy. They founded Monarch to eliminate that tradeoff.
By providing purpose-driven capital solutions, Monarch enables business owners to transition to employee ownership without compromising liquidity, legacy, or long-term value. At its core is the belief that employee ownership is a better model — one that aligns incentives, strengthens businesses, creates opportunity for employees, and delivers lasting value for investors and communities alike.
Guided by integrity, stewardship, transparency, and servant leadership, Monarch is building the capital market for employee ownership while helping reshape the future of business — one ownership transition at a time.
Co-Founder of Monarch and a recognised leader in the ESOP industry with over twenty years of experience. Before launching Monarch, Michael led the ESOP sell-side and capital-raise practice at Prairie Capital Advisors, advising business owners, boards, and trustees on ownership transitions, M&A, and valuations. A published expert on ESOPs, he holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State and a BS from Georgia Tech.
Co-Founder of Monarch, bringing two decades of experience in private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. Previously a Managing Director at Fundamental Income and a leader at Mesirow Financial, an employee-owned firm, she has a deep understanding of ownership structures and financial growth. A CPA and CAIA, she holds multiple degrees from Villanova University.