Declaration Partners

High-Level Overview

Declaration Partners is a New York-based investment firm specializing in secondary market investments across private equity, venture capital, and real estate. The firm operates as a family office with a mission to leverage deep industry expertise and extensive networks to identify unique investment opportunities, particularly in the lower-middle market segment. Its investment philosophy emphasizes long-hold investments and relationship-driven deal sourcing, focusing on acquiring partnership interests and GP-led continuation vehicles to provide liquidity in underserved markets. Key sectors include private equity, venture capital, real estate, and natural resources. Declaration Partners plays a significant role in the startup and private capital ecosystem by supporting innovative startups and established firms, helping unlock value in smaller funds and assets amid softer exit environments[1][4].

Origin Story

Founded in 2017, Declaration Partners was established by Brian Frank, who serves as Founder and Managing Partner, alongside other key partners such as Brian Stern and David Rabin. Brian Frank brings extensive experience from previous roles at MSD Partners, Cumberland Associates, and Lazard Frères, with a background in government and economics from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. The firm evolved to focus on private equity and real estate investments across the U.S., with a strategic emphasis on secondary market opportunities and growth equity. The founding vision was to create a value-added capital partner that acts as a strategic resource to founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams[1][3][4].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Focus on secondary market transactions, including acquiring partnership interests and GP-led continuation vehicles, which provide liquidity solutions in less-served market segments.
• Network Strength: Strong relationships with general partners and limited partners enable access to unique deal flow and collaborative value creation.
• Track Record: Demonstrated success in navigating complex market dynamics and generating significant returns through patient, long-term investments.
• Operating Support: Acts as a strategic partner to portfolio companies and founders, offering growth equity and operational expertise.
• Sector Diversification: Investments span private equity, venture capital, real estate, and natural resources, allowing for diversified exposure and risk management[1][2][3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Declaration Partners rides the trend of increasing demand for liquidity solutions in private markets, especially in the lower-middle market where traditional exit opportunities are limited. The timing is critical as longer hold periods and softer exit environments challenge many private equity and venture capital funds. By focusing on secondary market opportunities and GP-led continuation vehicles, the firm addresses these market inefficiencies, enabling smoother capital recycling and supporting sustained growth for startups and private companies. This approach influences the broader ecosystem by enhancing capital flow, supporting innovation, and providing strategic resources to emerging companies and established firms alike[1][4].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Declaration Partners is poised to deepen its impact by expanding its secondary market investments and growth equity partnerships. Trends such as extended hold periods in private markets, increasing complexity in capital structures, and the growing importance of strategic liquidity solutions will shape the firm’s journey. As the private capital landscape evolves, Declaration Partners’ role as a patient, relationship-driven investor with a flexible approach positions it to capitalize on emerging opportunities and continue influencing the startup and private equity ecosystems. Its ability to blend long-term capital with operational support will likely enhance its influence and attract innovative founders seeking strategic partners[1][3][4].