“Anti-private equity” firm reopens applications June 3rd – offering an investment offer of $10-$30 million and specialized growth strategies to established, often family-owned businesses located near Washington, D.C. Only three spots available.
POTOMAC, MD / ACCESS Newswire / June 3, 2026 / Mauloa, the “anti-private equity” firm dedicated to investing in middle-market companies without taking control or using debt, today announced the return of the Mauloa SMB Accelerator. Applications for the second annual program open today, June 3rd. The immersive program will officially commence on August 3, 2026, and conclude on November 17, 2026.
Only three companies will be selected.
Unlike traditional accelerator programs designed for early-stage startups, the Mauloa SMB Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind initiative explicitly built for mature, established, and often family-owned businesses. Qualifying companies – which must generate over $20 million in annual revenue, at least $3 million in cash flow, and be located within 100 miles of Washington, D.C. – apply at no cost for one of three spots. The program culminates in at least one participant receiving a formal investment offer of $10 to $30 million.
“We are excited to identify our next cohort and help them realize their untapped value, all while preserving their control and family legacy,” said Andrew Sachs, Founding Partner at Mauloa. “We created this program because the backbone of the American economy – middle-market, family-owned businesses – often lacks access to the strategic growth resources so readily available to the startup world. Through our non-control investment approach and our proprietary frameworks, we partner collaboratively with business owners for the long haul.”
A Proven Model – Built on What Happened in Year One
The 2026 accelerator builds directly on the momentum of last year’s inaugural program, which selected Rockville-based Fire & Risk Alliance (FRA) as its winner. Through the accelerator, FRA was able to optimize its talent acquisition strategy ahead of a major facility expansion – ultimately receiving an investment offer from Mauloa. The 2025 cohort also yielded remarkable strategic advancements for its other participants, including veteran-owned Battle Tested Security, which launched a new nonprofit foundation, and Hallaton Environmental Linings, which sharpened its strategic focus in the coal ash sector.
What Participants Receive
Throughout the program, business leaders work directly with the Mauloa team across critical areas, including:
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Working Capital Empowerment – Andrew Sachs works hands-on with participants to strengthen their balance sheets and maximize the cash their business actually puts in the bank – not adjusted earnings on a spreadsheet.
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Marketing Architecture – Managing Partner Kai Sato helps participants deploy strategies to attract talent, acquire target customers, and amplify word-of-mouth.
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Culture as Strategy – Bolstering human capital growth without undermining what makes the business great.
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AI Integration – Practical implementation of emerging tools to drive efficiency and competitive advantage.
All of this is provided at no cost to participants, before any investment is made.
For Advisors: A Resource Worth Knowing
CPAs, attorneys, estate planning counsel, and financial advisors whose clients are considering liquidity events, succession planning, or growth capital are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Mauloa SMB Accelerator. Mauloa welcomes referral conversations with professional advisors at any stage of a client’s planning process.
“We consider ourselves the ‘anti-private equity fund’ because we align completely with the owners without crippling a company with debt, taking control, or ever forcing a sale,” said Sachs. “And thanks to that unique approach, the accelerator allows us to provide meaningful support before an investment is even made.”
Apply Before July 31st
Applications for the 2026 Mauloa SMB Accelerator are open now. The program officially kicks off August 3, 2026, and concludes November 17, 2026. Three spots. No cost to participate. At least one formal investment offer of $10 to $30 million extended at program’s end. To qualify, companies must generate over $20 million in annual revenue, at least $3 million in cash flow, and be located within 100 miles of Washington, D.C.
Business owners and advisors interested in applying or learning more can visit www.mauloainc.com.
About Mauloa
Mauloa is a long-term investment firm providing owner liquidity and growth capital to family-owned businesses. Mauloa invests $10-$30 million for 30-40% of middle-market companies – without using debt, disrupting culture, or ever forcing a sale. Owners and Mauloa alike receive regular cash distributions from profits, keeping all parties’ interests endlessly aligned. Qualified companies must generate over $20M in annual revenue, at least $3M in real cash flow, and be led by people Mauloa describes simply as those they “like, trust, and admire.” Originally founded in 2007 as Sachs Capital, Mauloa – meaning “endless” in Hawaiian – has deployed over $200 million across more than 20 partner companies, primarily in business services.
Media Contact:
Kai Sato
press@mauloainc.com
SOURCE: Mauloa
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
