Private Market Access for RIAs: Granite Harbor's Strategic Launch of Mariner Fund I

The Central U.S. private markets have long been a reservoir of untapped potential, particularly for investors seeking to capitalize on undervalued sectors and off-market opportunities. As macroeconomic headwinds persist and traditional private equity strategies face constraints, innovative funds like Granite Harbor Capital's Mariner Fund I are redefining access to these markets. By targeting lower middle-market operating companies, value-add real estate, and niche private credit opportunities, the fund aims to bridge the gap between institutional-grade returns and the accessibility demands of registered investment advisors (RIAs).

A Strategic Focus on the Central U.S.

The Central U.S. has emerged as a critical growth corridor, driven by employer-driven economic expansion and under-allocation of institutional capital. According to a report by , the region's differentiated manufacturing, infrastructure support, and distribution sectors are particularly ripe for investment, as many operating companies fall within the $2–7 million EBITDA range-a sweet spot often overlooked by coastal capital sources. This under-recognized segment offers significant upside for investors willing to deploy capital with operational expertise and localized insights.

Mariner Fund I, launched in early 2026, is explicitly designed to exploit this dynamic. Led by Managing Partner Derek Taylor, the fund leverages Granite Harbor's deep operational experience in private equity real estate and manufacturing to identify and scale value-creation opportunities. By consolidating access to off-market co-investments, co-GP structures, and direct operator-driven deals, the fund provides RIAs with a streamlined vehicle to tap into a diversified portfolio of private assets.

Niche Sectors and Case Studies: Differentiated Manufacturing and Logistics

One of the fund's standout strategies is its focus on differentiated manufacturing, a sector buoyed by nearshoring trends and supply chain resilience. For instance, Mariner Fund I's involves a middle-market buyout of a U.S. manufacturing firm, with co-investment opportunities that allow investors to capitalize on the company's expansion into advanced materials. Similarly, Project Build targets value-add multi-family real estate in Central U.S. growth markets, leveraging lease-up strategies to enhance returns in a competitive housing landscape.

The fund's logistics investments further underscore its sector-specific focus. Project Speed, a logistics-based solution in professional sports, exemplifies how Mariner Fund I targets niche markets with rapid growth trajectories. By securing a board seat and minority investment in this under-represented sector, the fund aligns with the Central U.S.'s industrial infrastructure boom.

Addressing Liquidity and Investor Alignment

The Central U.S. private market's appeal is amplified by evolving liquidity solutions. As noted in the , continuation vehicles (CVs) and secondary markets have become critical tools for managing portfolio backlogs and offering LPs alternative exit routes. Mariner Fund I's structure inherently addresses these challenges by providing shorter-duration exposure to private assets compared to traditional primary funds. This aligns with LPs' growing appetite for co-investments and secondaries, as highlighted in Goldman Sachs Asset Management's 2025 Private Markets Diagnostic Survey.

Moreover, the fund's emphasis on governance and transparency resonates with RIA clients seeking alignment with ESG and operational accountability standards. Granite Harbor's approach-rooted in rigorous due diligence and strategic integration into broader wealth plans-ensures that investors are not merely passive capital providers but active participants in value creation.

Conclusion: A New Paradigm for RIA Access

Granite Harbor's Mariner Fund I represents a paradigm shift in private market access for RIAs. By targeting undervalued sectors in the Central U.S. and leveraging innovative capital structures, the fund democratizes access to institutional-grade opportunities. As the private equity landscape continues to evolve, strategies like Mariner Fund I will likely become pivotal for RIAs aiming to diversify their clients' portfolios while capitalizing on regional growth dynamics.