Headquartered in Kansas City, our partners have a diverse background that includes Wall Street investment banking, strategic leadership at one of the world's largest marketing agencies, and the experience of founding our own firms. Throughout our careers, we've witnessed the challenges that companies often face when acquired by private equity or strategic buyers, including loss of company culture, prioritization of short-term gains, and misaligned objectives.
These experiences led us to establish IX Partners, creating a better model for business acquisitions - one that focuses on long-term growth and values-driven leadership. Our approach is hands-on: We don't just acquire companies, but we actively operate them to contribute to their success from day one. We're not just buyers; we're builders who are deeply invested in the future of our businesses.
Flexible Transaction Structures
We understand that every business is unique, and so are the goals of its owners. That's why we offer flexible transaction structures that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each owner and company. Whether you're planning your next venture, pursuing a passion, or entering a new stage of life, we work with you to ensure a seamless transition that respects your vision and the needs of your company.
Focus on What Makes the Company Great
We're dedicated to preserving and enhancing what makes each company exceptional. We recognize the importance of a company's culture, values, and core strengths, and we work diligently to build upon these foundations. Our goal is to help your business not only maintain its identity but also to thrive and grow in a way that aligns with its true identity.
Active Operating Roles
We are not passive investors. Our commitment goes well beyond acquisition - we actively lead, manage, and operate the businesses we acquire alongside their existing teams. We hold companies for as long as it makes sense, free from the pressures of short-term exit strategies or private equity playbooks. This allows us to invest in the long-term potential of each business, ensuring they continue to evolve and succeed in a sustainable manner.
Julian Buegers
Partner
julian@ix-partners.com
816.876.4635
With over a decade of investment banking experience at both boutique and Wall Street firms, Julian has successfully guided clients through mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic planning, closing over $6 billion in deal value across a range of industries.
In addition to financial expertise, Julian has significant operational and growth strategy experience, including roles as interim finance leader for a $150 million logistics company, as a strategy leader for a high-growth data services firm, and as an active partner in a marketing technology company.
Originally from Germany, Julian has called Kansas City home for the past 15 years. He holds a B.A. in Business Management from Missouri Valley College, an MBA from the University of Central Missouri, and is a CFA charterholder.
Steven Nestor
Partner
steven@ix-partners.com
816.572.0212
Steven has played pivotal leadership roles at dentsu, Merkle, and DEG, where he directed strategy, capability development, and client engagement, contributing to significant business growth.
He has deep expertise in marketing, technology, and sales, with a proven track record of guiding Fortune 50 companies and SMBs toward sustainable, long-term growth through tailored strategies.
Steven led the development of innovative, cross-functional service offerings that enhance client success and capabilities across marketing, technology, and strategy. His unique blend of experience, spanning from global enterprises to dynamic startups, consistently delivers solutions that align with market demands and business objectives. Steven holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Indiana University-Indianapolis.
Kate Buegers
Chief of Staff
Sailes
Ed Frindt
Managing Director
KC Rise Fund
Allison Porter
Vice President
Lockton Insurance
Brendan Reilly
CRO
Lelex
Carl Wasinger
Founder & CEO
Smart Warehousing
Sean Khurana
CEO & COO
Cavern Technologies
Nathan Jones
Vice President
CPC
Jennifer McKenzie
Sr. VP of Growth
National Security Solutions
Dave Rodgers
Entrepreneur
Grovont Partners
Ashwin Shashindranath
Partner
Energy Impact Partners
Kyle Madan
Founder
Exalted Acquisitions
David Legacki
Founder
Foxglove Street Capital
People & Culture
Financials
Business & Industry
Residential Services
Commercial Services
Light Manufacturing
Logistics Services
Professional Services
Distribution Services
Headquartered in Lenexa, KS, Lelex Prime (LXP) is a tech-enabled marketing services company that combines social science research with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language models to analyze consumer behavior for a variety of companies, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 members.
"Partnering with IX Partners has been an exceptional experience. The firm is a true partner with a blend of deep strategic insight and a powerful network. Their support has been instrumental in helping us grow revenue, invest in people, and increase our valuation by 5x."
Brendan Reilly
CRO at Lelex Prime
If you're a business owner or intermediary, we would love to talk with you. We're quick to respond and always treat conversations with the highest level of confidentiality.