Third Door Capital

Third Door Capital is a dynamic solo entrepreneur-led investment firm specializing in small to medium-sized technical businesses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York areas.

The Third Door to a Thoughtful Transition

Preserving your legacy. Supporting your team. Unlocking the next chapter.

Welcome. I’m an experienced operator and investor with over 15 years in technology, sales leadership, and private investing. We acquire and operate businesses. Backed by a group of long-term investors and advisors, I bring a professional, thoughtful, and people-first approach to ownership transition. My goal is to continue the legacy you’ve built—preserving what works, supporting your team, and unlocking the next chapter of growth.

My work spans three core areas.

  1. Actively seeking to acquire an IT-managed services or technology enabled B2B services company in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or southern New York, where I can bring strategic focus, modern tools, and a long-term operator mindset.

  2. I act as an independent sponsor for private equity transactions, partnering with founders who wish to stay on, roll equity, and scale their business with aligned capital and operational support.

  3. I serve as a direct limited partner, investing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and co-investment opportunities alongside trusted sponsors and family offices.

What sets me apart is my commitment to finding and creating “third door” opportunities—those that lie outside the traditional paths of institutional private equity or passive wealth management. I partner directly with business owners to craft transitions that are customized, personal, and legacy-driven. At Wharton Business School, I worked with the Wharton Wealth Management Initiative (WWMI) on owner transition and long-term planning, and I’ve helped structure family offices to preserve capital and values across generations.

For sellers, this means more than just a transaction. It means working with someone who values what you’ve built, who brings operational experience and financial expertise, and who is committed to making the next phase meaningful—for you, your team, and your customers.

Philip Lautman, CEO

Focus Areas

Purchasing Businesses

Acquire a single, well-established business where I can step in as a long-term, full-time owner-operator. My focus is on companies with strong teams, recurring revenue, and a history of delivering value to loyal customers. I bring not just capital, but deep operating experience and a commitment to continuity—ensuring employees are supported, customers are retained, and the seller’s legacy is honored. For owners seeking a thoughtful, personal, and stable exit, I offer a direct path forward.

Independent Sponsor

Sourcing and structuring transactions where I can match equity sources, debt providers, operators, and acquirers to create aligned, executable deals. I work closely with founders who want to retain equity and continue building, as well as with acquirers and capital partners seeking off-market, founder-led opportunities. My role is hands-on through the deal process, leading diligence, negotiating terms, and assembling the right team to ensure each deal is built on trust, strategic fit, and long-term upside for all parties involved.

Limited Partner Investing

I invest in buyouts, recapitalizations, and co-investment opportunities alongside trusted sponsors, family offices, and founders. My approach combines flexible capital with strategic support, making me an ideal partner for businesses seeking a thoughtful transition, growth alignment, or partial liquidity. Whether stepping back or stepping up, owners can expect a collaborative, relationship-driven process grounded in long-term value creation.

Contact Us

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