VestGen Receives Growth Capital From Willow Tree, nFleXion
VestGen Wealth Partners, a Chicago-based registered investment advisor platform that was launched in late 2024, has received growth capital from Willow Tree Credit Partners, a private credit alternatives firm, and nFleXion Capital Partners, a New York-based private investment firm.
The capital will be used to fund VestGen’s mergers and acquisitions activity.
VestGen was founded in December 2024 with 10 financial advisory practices and $5.3 billion in assets, and it has since grown to 19 firms representing $8.5 billion in assets.
The firm was founded by Josh Gerry, who served as chief executive until he stepped down earlier this year, in what the company said was part of a “next-gen executive succession plan.” CFO Jason Hanavan succeeded him.
In a statement, Hanavan said the capital would help the firm continue its aggressive growth strategy.
“Willow Tree is the right partner to help us fulfill our vision and continue our momentum in the quickly consolidating and evolving independent wealth management space,” he said.
“We’re excited to support Jason and the VestGen team in a highly strategic financing that will benefit multiple stakeholders, especially employee shareholders,” said Philip Bianchi, founder and managing partner of nFleXion Capital Partners, in a statement.
VestGen aims to provide a platform for retiring advisors looking to exit the business and next-gen advisors focused on growth. The firm acquires businesses from retiring advisors, some of which can go to younger advisors. Before they leave the business, senior advisors act as mentors and consultants to their younger peers.
Last year, VestGen launched a retirement plan advice division, bolstered by the acquisition of a former Osaic team specializing in the space. VestGen Retirement Services offers fiduciary oversight and participant engagement programs to plan sponsors and participants looking to roll over retirement assets.
