Highlander Partners
300 Crescent Court Suite 550, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Overview
Highlander Partners is an investment founded in 2004 by Laurence E. Hirsch, former CEO and Chairman of Centex Corporation, and Michael R. Nicolais, former Co-head of the Dallas Corporate Finance office and Managing Director for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Highlander Partners has investments in a wide range of asset categories, with a principal focus on making direct private equity and mezzanine investments in light manufacturing, basic materials, food products, business and industrial services and value-added distribution companies. Highlander Partners is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, and its U.S. office, headed by Jeff L. Hull, makes private equity and mezzanine investments throughout North America. In 2008, the company opened an office in Warsaw, Poland, led by Dawid Walendowski, in order to make private equity investments throughout Central Europe. Highlander Partners has more than $600 million in capital under management, over $500 million of which is allocated to direct private equity and mezzanine investments in the United States and Central Europe.
- Total investments
- 1
- Lead investments
- 0
- Investments · 12mo
- 1
- Active investors
- 8
Sector focus
- Manufacturing
- Service Industry
- Venture Capital
Investment portfolio
- VIOLETTE_FR
Participated · Equity · Jun 2026
Violette Fr was launched in 2021 by French make-up artist Violette Serrat, who previously worked for Dior Beauty and served as global beauty director for Estée Lauder Companies. The brand’s portfolio includes makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrances. In December 2024 the company completed a Series B financing whose amount was not disclosed, and in 2025 it raised an additional $5 million from existing investors. The new capital is earmarked to support the next growth phase and to accelerate international expansion, particularly into the U.S. market. Investors in the recent raise include Silas Capital and Experience Capital as co-leads, alongside Felix Capital, Female Founders Fund, Monogram Capital and Highlander Partners. Public disclosure of the transaction was made via a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.