Banner Capital Management Expands in Arizona with New Office and Leadership Appointment
- Banner Capital Management opens a new office in Phoenix, Arizona, led by Michael Muscheid as Principal.
- The firm aims to support underserved local businesses and capitalize on Arizona's economic growth opportunities.
- Tanner Ainge emphasizes the importance of the Phoenix office for unlocking growth in the lower middle market.

Banner Capital Management Expands Footprint in Arizona with New Office and Leadership Appointment
Banner Capital Management, LLC, a private equity firm committed to supporting founder-led and family-owned businesses, inaugurates its new office in Phoenix, Arizona. This strategic move is spearheaded by the appointment of Michael Muscheid as Principal, who brings over eight years of experience in the private equity and institutional asset management sectors. Muscheid, a native of Scottsdale, Arizona, has built a solid career at prestigious firms including Jefferies, Marlin Equity Partners, and Citadel. He holds dual degrees in Finance and Economics from Arizona State University, further underscoring his qualifications for leading Banner's expansion in Arizona.
Muschied expresses enthusiasm about returning to Arizona at a time when the state is experiencing significant economic growth and attracting a wave of entrepreneurial ventures. He notes that while Arizona is becoming a vibrant business hub, it remains underserved by dedicated private equity capital. This presents a unique opportunity for Banner, which aims to fill this gap and provide the necessary resources to foster the growth of local businesses. The establishment of the Phoenix office aligns with Banner’s broader strategy of targeting high-potential markets characterized by a strong ecosystem of founder-led and family-owned enterprises that lack institutional investment.
Tanner Ainge, Founder & CEO of Banner, highlights the firm’s deep-rooted connection to Arizona, as both he and his wife have strong ties to the area. With an existing portfolio in the region, Ainge views the opening of the Phoenix office as a critical step in unlocking significant growth opportunities. He believes that Muscheid’s expertise will enhance the firm’s capacity to serve the local market effectively. Banner Capital's focus on the lower middle market spans various sectors, including services, consumer goods, industrial, and healthcare, with a firm commitment to building lasting partnerships within the communities they serve.
In addition to the opening of the Phoenix office, Banner's expansion strategy underscores the increasing importance of private equity in underserved markets. As more entrepreneurial ventures spring up in Arizona, the firm positions itself to be a key player in providing the capital and guidance necessary for these businesses to thrive.
The move reflects a broader trend in the private equity landscape, where firms are increasingly looking to capitalize on opportunities in regions that have historically been overlooked. With its new office and leadership, Banner Capital Management is poised to make a significant impact on Arizona's economic development, fostering growth for both the firm and the local business community.