NEW ORLEANS & LAFAYETTE, La. — Louisiana Impact Fund I, LLC (“LIF” or the “Fund”) today announced its initial closing and official launch of a Louisiana-based, lower middle-market private equity fund focused exclusively on investing in companies located in—or meaningfully connected to—Louisiana. Led by Co-Founders and Managing Partners Joseph Seremet, Jared Quoyeser and Joshua Cummings, the Fund is targeting $100 million in total capitalization to help ensure that ownership, jobs and long-term wealth remain in Louisiana.
LIF will invest in established Louisiana businesses through majority or significant minority positions, supporting founder transitions, recapitalizations and growth initiatives while keeping headquarters and decision-making in-state.
“Our purpose is straightforward,” said Jared Quoyeser, Co-Founder and Managing Partner. “We help founders and owners scale or transition their businesses without handing ownership and control to out-of-state buyers. We’ll measure success by strong returns—but also by how well we preserve headquarters, jobs, wealth and next-generation leadership right here at home.”
Broad Support from Employers, Financial Institutions and Economic Development Leaders
The Fund has attracted support from many of Louisiana’s most recognizable employers, financial institutions and families, including Ochsner Health, b1BANK, Gray Stream and the Reilly Family. While not an investor, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is a strategic partner, helping identify opportunities and support companies aligned with the Fund’s mission.
“The Louisiana Impact Fund reflects our commitment to helping businesses grow, expand and remain part of our state’s economy,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “When ownership and decision-making stay in Louisiana, we create quality jobs, attract new investment and strengthen community leadership. This partnership demonstrates the power of Louisiana-led growth.”
“Stronger local companies mean stronger, healthier communities,” said Pete November, President & CEO of Ochsner Health. “When businesses expand within our state, we see stable jobs, talent retention and reinvestment that lifts entire regions. LIF’s mission is an important step forward for Louisiana’s long-term prosperity.”
“Local ownership is a competitive advantage,” added Jude Melville, Chairman & CEO of b1BANK. “When capital partners are based here, decisions stay close to the communities they impact. Payroll dollars circulate locally, supplier ecosystems deepen and economic value compounds over time.”
Keeping Louisiana Companies Louisiana-Owned
LIF was created in response to a longstanding challenge facing the state: successful Louisiana companies often sell to out-of-state buyers, taking decision-making authority—and eventually jobs—with them.
“Too many great Louisiana businesses are acquired by outside firms,” said Joseph Seremet, Co-Founder and Managing Partner. “Our goal is to change that trajectory by offering founders a competitive, values-aligned alternative that keeps companies rooted in Louisiana while providing the capital and capabilities needed to scale.”
Investment Strategy and Target Sectors
The Fund will focus on established, cash-flowing businesses where LIF and its statewide network can drive growth without relocating operations. Target sectors include:
- Industrial services
- Engineering and construction
- Distributed power and infrastructure/EPC
- Energy technology and innovation
- Advanced manufacturing
- Healthcare services
- Logistics and transportation
- Software and technology-enabled services
“Our approach is pragmatic and Louisiana-first,” said Josh Cummings, Co-Founder and Managing Partner. “We combine disciplined underwriting with hands-on value creation—customer introductions, operational improvements, talent support and incentive strategies—so companies can grow in place. The outcome is stronger businesses and lasting economic impact.”
A Network Built for In-State Growth
LIF mobilizes a collaborative limited partner network of employers, entrepreneurs and institutions across Louisiana, providing portfolio companies with access to customers, suppliers and talent pipelines. The model is designed to compound value within the state and deliver sustained statewide economic impact.
“This fund is exactly the kind of homegrown investment initiative Louisiana needs,” said Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. “Matching Louisiana capital with Louisiana companies keeps ownership, innovation and opportunity here—and that’s how we build long-term prosperity.”
Founding Limited Partners
Founding limited partners include Acadian Ambulance Service; John E. Atkins; Business First Bancshares; Scott Ballard; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana; Rock Bordelon; Bradley and Henry Busch; Daryl Deshotel; JJPF Investments; North Louisiana Economic Partnership; Ochsner Health; Reilly Family; Stream Family; Bryan Schroder; and Heidi Raines (Redmond).
About Louisiana Impact Fund
Louisiana Impact Fund is a Louisiana-based private equity fund investing in lower middle-market businesses located in or connected to the state. The Fund seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns while preserving local ownership, supporting employment and reinvesting capital into Louisiana’s economy. LIF is managed by Louisiana Impact Fund I GP, LLC and advised by Impact Capital Management, LLC, both based in New Orleans.
About Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO)
Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) works to ensure the state’s business and policy strengths support a culture of innovation, transforming local challenges into global-scale solutions. Learn more at LA.IO.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and expanding economic opportunity statewide. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Media Contacts:
Louisiana Impact Fund
info@louisianaimpact.com | louisianaimpactfund.com
Jared S. Quoyeser, Co-Founder & Managing Partner
jared@louisianaimpact.com
Emma Wagner, LED Communications Director
Emma.Wagner@la.gov | 912.467.2117
Jacey Wesley, LED Strategic Communications Manager
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov | 225.342.5536
