Summit Partners was founded in 1984 by Roe Stamps and Stephen Woodsum, who previously worked together at TA Associates.[2][7][8][9][10] Greg Avis would also join as a co-founder shortly after.[10][4] The firm is considered one of the earliest private equity firms to focus on growth investing.[7]
In 2000, the three co-founders handed over daily management of the firm to five partners.[2][4]
In 2015, the firm acquired Alydar Capital.[11] It now operates as the public equity investment arm of Summit Partners.
The firm typically invests in later-stage companies that have already been established with the objective of providing further growth.[1] Its private equity investments typically range from $30 million to $500 million each, while its venture capital investments range from $5 million to $30 million each.[1] The firm also provides debt financing as well as public equities' investment services.[1]