A partner for your next chapter.
Black Slate works alongside founders and their teams to build on what’s working, invest in new opportunities, and create lasting value.
Build on what makes
your business strong.
Black Slate invests in established businesses with room to grow. We bring capital, perspective, and practical support to help founders and management teams move forward.
Understand the business.
Start with your goals, your team, and what has made the business successful.
Prioritize your people and culture.
Invest in the people who make it work, and honor the culture they’ve created.
Structure the right deal for you.
Shape a flexible deal around your near-term priorities and long-term goals, with a shared understanding of what comes next.
Protect what customers value.
Keep what works, and put capital where it can make a meaningful difference.
Support its growth.
Partner with management to turn priorities into progress, from strengthening the team to pursuing new markets and acquisitions.
What working with Black Slate looks like.
A personal commitment to doing things well.
Principled
We keep our word, communicate honestly, and address difficult issues directly.
Scrappy
We roll up our sleeves, find practical solutions, and follow through.
Humble
We listen first and learn from the people closest to the business.
Experience to support what’s next.
Sales & Marketing
Pricing & Packaging
Market & Geographic Expansion
Acquisition Sourcing
M&A Strategy & Execution
Strategic Partnerships
AI & Technology
Financial Planning & Cash Flow
Performance Metrics & Reporting
Nick Clearwater
Nick founded Black Slate Capital to invest in founder-owned businesses and support management teams as they grow. He brings nearly a decade of investing experience at Accel-KKR and True Wind Capital. Across both firms, Nick worked on more than 20 closed transactions, representing over $500 million in capital deployed. His experience spans sourcing investments, executing transactions, and partnering with management on growth strategy, strategic partnerships, and M&A. Earlier in his career, he advised businesses on strategy and operations at Monitor Deloitte.
Nick received his Bachelor of Arts from BYU, where he walked on to the football team as a safety and founded the university’s private equity association. He lives in Menlo Park, California, with his wife, Olivia, and their three children.
