GLENS FALLS, N.Y., Aug. 31, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Advantage Capital, a leading venture capital and private equity firm, has invested more than $10 million in three New York companies so far this year. The investments -- in Allworx Corp. in Rochester, Golden Goal in Fort Ann and GridApp Systems in Manhattan -- were made in connection with New York's Certified Capital Companies (CAPCO) program, an economic development initiative increasing the amount of capital available to small businesses throughout the state.
"These growing companies reflect the types of investment opportunities we seek in New York," said Scott Murphy, Advantage managing director. "Diverse businesses, located from one end of the state to the other, with strong potential for significant growth and community impact. The Allworx and GridApp investments were follow-ons, reflecting Advantage's continued confidence in these companies that we first invested in during 2005 and 2004, respectively."
Reflecting the fact that its investments are located throughout the Empire State, Advantage has moved its office to Glens Falls from Manhattan. The new location places Advantage's investment professionals in closer proximity to more of the firm's portfolio companies. The Glens Falls office is located at 5 Warren St., Suite 204, Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801. Telephone is (518) 743-0600 and fax is (518) 743-1787.
Golden Goal is the nation's largest, all-inclusive youth sports complex. Advantage Capital joined with Sonostar Ventures and individual investors to invest $9 million in Golden Goal. The funding allowed the company to continue development and finish construction of the facility. The 200-acre soccer complex is designed for week-long soccer and lacrosse tournaments for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14. Golden Goal offers an Olympic-like experience where teams can stay and dine together in an 18-building Athletes Village and participate in daily matches and competitions, culminating with a single-elimination championship tournament.
"Our vision is to build an exciting facility for young athletes to compete, learn and have fun, as well as to bring in visitors from the United States and Canada who will see and enjoy many of the attractions in our region," said David Dinallo, founder and CEO of Golden Goal.
In Rochester, Advantage Capital invested as part of a $5 million round in Allworx Corp. (www.allworxcorp.com) to support the company's rapid expansion. Allworx is a small business phone and network solutions company that provides the only fully integrated communication system for small businesses, offering both voice and data networking in one box. Allworx produces a variety of products and services that simplify and enrich small business operations. Advantage first invested in Allworx in 2005.
"We've built a strong presence in the SMB (small- to medium-sized businesses) VoIP market with our award-winning products and rapidly expanding reseller channel," said George E. Daddis, CEO and president of Allworx. "Advantage Capital and our other investors have been valuable partners in the company's growth and success."
Advantage also invested in New York's GridApp Systems, Inc., a database automation software and solutions company that develops products to help businesses deploy and better manage their critical database assets. Advantage's funding is being used to provide working capital for continued expansion of GridApp's Clarity software.
"GridApp's rapid sales growth as well as its recent successes landing a number of Fortune 500 clients gives us great confidence about the company's products," Murphy said.
About Advantage Capital Partners
Advantage Capital Partners (www.advantagecap.com) is a private equity firm focused on investing in promising companies in connection with federal, state and local economic development efforts. Focusing on manufacturing, outsourced services, and applied technology, Advantage has invested in a number of New York businesses including companies in Buffalo, Cortland, Fort Edward, Ithaca, Niagara Falls, Rochester and Syracuse. With offices and partners in several cities across the nation, Advantage has raised more than $750 million in institutional venture capital since 1992 and invested in companies located in geographic areas underserved by traditional venture capital.