Capital A Partners launched its first venture capital and private equity fund, focused on providing growth capital to early stage high growth ventures and small operating companies.

“The South Carolina entrepreneurial ecosystem is experiencing continuous growth and innovation”, commented David Mendez, General Partner of Capital A. Mendez is a Consortium alum, having graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1993. “Providing this level of institutional capital to emerging companies in this underserved market is of tremendous demand and a significant opportunity for our investors,” he added.

Capital A is launching with its investment in Charleston-based Best Chefs America. Riding the wave of enthusiasm surround all things culinary, Best Chefs America started up in May 2012. Their team recently conducted more than 5,000 one-on-one interviews with chefs all over the U.S. to find out who the chefs think are the Best Chefs in America. The results are published in their inaugural edition which came out in March this year.

“We are excited about this first investment in Best Chefs America. The early momentum of the business, the proven business model, and the capital efficiency of their operation represents the type of investments Capital A will be making”, added Mr. Mendez.

Although initially focused and based in the southeast, the fund will also diversify its portfolio with investments in other geographies. For more information visit www.capitalapartners.com.