KCM CAPITAL COMPLETES RECAPITALIZATION OF STARTKLEEN
New Platform Investment in StartKleen Continues KCM’s Strategy of Partnering with Owner-Led Businesses
to Support Their Next Phase of Growth
MARCH 14, 2025
Chicago-based private investment firm KCM Capital Partners LLC (“KCM”), an investor in lower middle-market business services, value-added distribution, and specialty industrial companies, announced today that it has completed a majority investment in StartKleen Legacy, LLC and StartKleen Solutions, LLC (collectively, “StartKleen” or the “Company”) headquartered in Gunter, Texas. Founder and CEO Rick Kimbrell will continue to lead the Company and has retained a significant ownership stake in StartKleen. The transaction was completed in partnership with Company management and Keystone Capital based in Chicago, Illinois. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
With over 16 years of experience, StartKleen is a provider of mission-critical food safety, cleaning and sanitation services to the U.S. food processing industry. The Company has built a strong legacy of providing comprehensive and reliable cleaning solutions to a diverse range of clients in the food processing market. StartKleen has become a trusted partner for food plants seeking best-in-class Food Safety and Quality Assurance (“FSQA”) protocols, a high level of management oversight and transparency, and minimized production downtime. These value propositions lead to better outcomes for customers, employees and end consumers.
“We are thrilled about the partnership with StartKleen and its exciting growth prospects,” said Emmett Mosley, Partner at KCM Capital. “StartKleen has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the food safety contract sanitation industry, driven by its commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. We are impressed by the Company’s strong track record, dedicated team, and deep relationships with its customers.” Added Jon Gilbert, Partner at KCM, “We believe our investment and strategic support will enable StartKleen to further expand its reach, enhance its service offerings, and continue to deliver exceptional value to its clients. We appreciate the capital support provided by our partner Keystone Capital and look forward to executing this strategy together with them and Company management.”
Rick Kimbrell, owner and CEO of StartKleen said, “We are thrilled to partner with KCM as we embark on our next phase of growth. Their expertise and resources will be invaluable in helping us to build upon our success, invest in technologies and training, and ultimately provide even greater value to our customers. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for our employees and our customers alike.”
Consistent with KCM’s investment philosophy – Keeping Continuity Matters – StartKleen will remain under the guidance of current leadership, who remain actively invested in the business and will continue to oversee day-to-day operations. KCM plans to work closely with StartKleen’s management team to support the company’s continued growth and success. The acquisition will provide StartKleen with access to additional capital and resources to invest in areas such as production, technology, employee training, acquisitions, and strategic geographic expansion.
Manulife Investment Management provided senior debt financing in support of the transaction, while Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal counsel to KCM.
About StartKleen:
StartKleen has been a leading provider of contract cleaning services and food safety chemicals for over 16 years. Committed to delivering exceptional quality and reliable service, StartKleen offers a comprehensive range of cleaning solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its food production customers, providing onsite sanitation services to over 80 USDA and FDA regulated food plants daily, with a highly trained team of over 1,500 sanitors. For more information, please visit www.startkleen.com.
About KCM Capital Partners:
KCM Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on investing in lower middle-market business services, value-added distribution and specialty industrial businesses throughout the U.S. Founded in 2017, KCM follows a simple philosophy – Keeping Continuity Matters – which is emblematic of our belief in the importance of a healthy culture and collaborative, trustworthy partnerships. With this strategy in mind, we look to support founders and management teams of niche market leaders with creative solutions and strategic guidance to effect transformational growth. For more information, please visit www.kcmcap.com.
Contact:
Jon Gilbert
Partner
(312) 902-5247
jgilbert@kcmcap.com