Since being the first outside investor in revolutionary office supply superstore OfficeMax in 1988 (later sold to Kmart), Blue Mesa has played an active investment, strategic, or operating role in high growth, disruptive startup and early-stage companies in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Cleveland.
Investment philosophy: “First In, Last Out. From Day One through Exit.”
We were first outside investor in Founder Kevin Czinger’s category-creating Divergent 3D (DAPS system integrating AI, robotics, and 3D printing revolutionizing defense and automotive).
Other founding, seed, or first round investments include LoungeBuddy (travel app; sold to American Express), CardinalCommerce (pioneer in online retail authentication technology; sold to VISA), Capstone Partners (placement agent for PE funds; MBO), and Twitch (fka Justin.TV; sold to Amazon). Marc also served as a director of public companies including Mr. Gasket Co. (MGRC:Nasdaq), the high performance manufacturer of aftermarket auto parts.
Our Founder and Managing Partner (Marc Morgenstern) co-founded Within3 (digital collaboration for pharma and life sciences; sold to Insight Partners), C+T Access Ventures (technology venture fund), and groundbreaking CadenceCounsel (providing top-tier lawyers on a variable basis for top-tier law firms; sold to Lateral Link). He’s a 2026 inductee into the Dealmakers Hall of Fame.
He was CEO and Founder of Equity Realty Securities (NASD-registered placement agent) and served on the NASD Business Conduct Committee.
Forbes:
“One of the 25 M&A books every CEO, Founder, and Business Owner should read”. The EQ of M&A. The human side of buying, selling, and investing in any business.
