Ah, the hustle and bustle of New York never disappoints, does it? Just like a classic New York bagel, Nexa Equity keeps it fresh and engaging. Now, let’s dive into the latest moves from this West Coast private equity giant that’s got a few new names popping up in their digital Rolodex.
Nexa Equity, hailing from the tech-savvy streets of San Francisco, isn’t just playing around with their specialization in high-growth vertical SaaS. Nope, they’ve ramped up their lineup with three key senior players. This comes on the heels of their Fund II bonanza, which saw an oversubscription hit of $390 million. In Big Apple terms? Their assets now soar past $1 billion. That’s quite a lot of cream cheese, don’t you think?
Let’s start with Peter Stefanski, the big hitter from Thoma Bravo. With nearly 15 years of crafting and scaling some serious software platforms, Peter’s not your average Joe. You may know his work from brands like ABC Fitness and Deltek. His journey kicked off at Barclays, armed with a finance degree from Georgetown. Fun fact: In 2024, GrowthCap called him one of the top software investors. So, you know he means business.
Meanwhile, Blake Shott steps in as Principal, switching over from Sumeru Equity Partners. This guy’s got a knack for sourcing and scaling application software. Think 360Learning and Loopio. Before all this, he sharpened his teeth at William Blair’s tech investment banking division. A proud graduate of USC, he’s all set to make waves.
And then there’s Jason Canavan, another gem joining the team. With a solid track record from Lead Edge Capital and LLR Partners, Jason’s keen on fueling growth in software investments. He’s the under-the-radar player who’s ready to bring Nexa’s investments to new heights.
But wait, there’s more. On the operational side of things, meet Conor Barber, their new Operating Partner. Nod your head if you recognize this guy from Apple or Airbyte. With over a decade in software development, Conor is going to be all about practical AI tools, enhancing efficiency, and creating AI-powered software wonders. Sounds like a techie dream, doesn’t it?
| New Team Members at Nexa Equity |
|---|
| Peter Stefanski – Partner |
| Blake Shott – Principal |
| Jason Canavan – Investment Team |
| Conor Barber – Operating Partner |
So, what’s the big picture here? It’s all about Nexa’s relentless pursuit of scaling businesses through that founder-first, operator-led magic. With this expanded leadership, they’re digging deep into operational support and a savvy M&A strategy. It’s not just about the money—it’s about making impact with vertical SaaS companies that cater to real-world needs.
Taking a moment to soak in the praise, here’s what Vlad Besprozvany, Nexa’s Founder and Managing Partner, had to say: “Peter and Blake are the cream of the crop, and Conor’s AI prowess is the cherry on top. We’re here to be that unwavering partner for founders scaling their businesses.”
Even Peter Stefanski chimed in, expressing his excitement: “Nexa’s a place where concentrated investing and operational support blend into a seamless concoction. It’s all about nurturing visionary minds into category leaders.”
And, of course, Blake Shott added: “Nexa’s got this collaborative culture I can’t wait to dive into. It’s about partnering with those who shape the future through innovative software.”
Clearly, Nexa is gearing up to paint the town red—or maybe, tech blue. Keep your eyes peeled, folks, because this saga of growth and innovation is far from over.



