ABOUT US
Founded in 2014 by two of Hawaiʻi’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, Chris Eldridge and Dustin Sellers, Koa was created with a clear mission: to preserve, strengthen, and grow locally rooted businesses that can not only compete with mainland companies, but outperform them. Koa believes Hawaiʻi is more than just a place to do business—it is a proving ground for innovation, leadership, and long-term value. By investing in companies with strong local foundations and big potential, Koa helps ensure that Hawaiʻi’s economy remains vibrant, resilient, and locally driven while cultivating the next generation of island business leaders.
The individuals who lead Koa’s portfolio companies are carefully selected for both their experience and their commitment to Hawaiʻi. They may be standout professionals within their industries, returning Kamaʻāina seeking a meaningful foothold back into the local business community, or island-born entrepreneurs ready to elevate their companies to the next level of professional management and growth. What they share is a deep respect for the culture, people, and future of Hawaiʻi—and a drive to build businesses that last.
Koa’s investment capital comes primarily from Kamaʻāina investors who have themselves built and led successful enterprises in the islands. These are business owners and operators who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of Hawaiʻi’s economy because they have lived them. Their support goes beyond financial backing; they bring mentorship, perspective, and long-term thinking that aligns with Koa’s mission to keep local businesses strong, competitive, and rooted in the community.
OUR VALUE ENHANCING TENETS
Often a business owner has reached a point in their lives where they are contemplating legacy and future fate of their business. They consider an ESOP, or selling to family members, but often there is no clear path to a sale that preserves and grows what they have spent so long to build. Koa Capital provides the local solution by combining quality local capital with exceptional local management to allow a business owner peace-of-mind that when they sell to Koa their legacy will be preserved and grow in stature.
Many small, scrappy entrepreneurs have scratched their way into the mix with little more than a few dollars and their sheer will and tenacity. Koa Capital gives these future local business leaders the opportunity to rapidly expand their businesses by offering fresh capital to invest in things that they needed but presently cannot afford. New trucks, warehouse expansion, hiring of a CFO, purchasing a competitor, to name a few; Koa Capital becomes the investment partner the local entrepreneur always dreamed of having.
For the small to medium size business owner, attracting A-level talent to their organization is all but impossible in this thriving economic market. Despite being a leader in their market niche, they are no match in recruiting to the larger more established local brands. Koa Capital, with a track record of success in the local business market, brings with its investment dollars a cadre of qualified individuals looking to be part of a Koa Capital portfolio company.
INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Koa invests in businesses with profitability greater than 10% over a 3-year period with revenues greater than $5M; the business does not need to be growing
We predominantly focus on B2B businesses that may or may not have a consumer direct revenue stream
