Mar 03, 2026
Kian Capital Partners, a lower-middle-market-focused private investment firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Ulrich Erasmus to Principal. As Kian enters its next phase of growth, the promotion underscores the firm’s focus on developing leaders who can drive long-term value creation across its portfolio.
Ulrich joined the team as Vice President in 2021 and brings over a decade of deep private equity experience to his new role, particularly in the essential services and value-added distribution sectors that Kian specializes in. Prior to his time at Kian, he served as Senior Associate at Trivest Partners, where he was involved in all phases of the investment process, including sourcing, transaction execution and portfolio company management. Before Trivest, he was an Associate at Trive Capital, where he was responsible for evaluating and executing new investments, including buyouts, growth equity, corporate carve-outs and structured capital solutions.
As Principal, Ulrich will step into a strategic leadership role at the firm, leading forward-looking initiatives in next-gen sourcing, enhancing efficiency, driving data-driven decision-making and attracting and developing talented junior investment professionals. He will also continue to remain involved in all aspects of the Kian investment lifecycle, including investment, origination, structuring, diligence and portfolio monitoring and management efforts.
“Kian’s Blueprint for Enduring Value, coupled with our partnership-first approach and ability to tailor capital structures to the needs of our partners, is truly what sets us apart from other private equity firms,” said Ulrich. “I have deeply valued the mentorship and guidance that I have received from the senior team at Kian over the last several years. The partners here are truly committed to the development of the investment professionals at the firm, and have built an internal culture that mirrors the genuine, collaborative partnerships we seek to form with our founders.”
“Ulrich has made a tremendous impact at Kian since he joined the team five years ago, and his leadership will be instrumental to our team in our next phase of growth,” said Kian Co-Founder and Managing Partner Kevin McCarthy. “Forging strong relationships with our partners and empowering them with the tools and resources to build enduring growth is the cornerstone of Kian, and Ulrich has shown unwavering commitment and dedication to our mission since his first day with us. We’re proud to kick off this year with such an exciting, well-deserved promotion.”
Business owners interested in learning more about Kian should contact David Duke, Partner, Business Development at Kian, at dduke@kiancapital.com.
Except where otherwise indicated, the information contained herein is based on matters as they exist as of the date of preparation of such material and not as of the date of distribution or any future date.
This article does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any investments or securities, including any securities of Kian Capital (“Kian”), or any funds or accounts managed or advised by Kian in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.
Any such offer or solicitation may be made only by means of the delivery of a confidential private offering memorandum (the “Memorandum”), which will contain material information not included herein regarding, among other things, information with respect to risks and potential conflicts of interest, and other offering and governance documents of any given fund or account (collectively with the Memorandum, the “Fund Documents”).
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Ulrich has made a tremendous impact at Kian since he joined the team five years ago, and his leadership will be instrumental to our team in our next phase of growth. Forging strong relationships with our partners and empowering them with the tools and resources to build enduring growth is the cornerstone of Kian, and Ulrich has shown unwavering commitment and dedication to our mission since his first day with us. We’re proud to kick off this year with such an exciting, well-deserved promotion.
