Summit Partners' dough rises a little later rather than earlier. The firm funds later-stage companies, preferring those that are profitable and growing. It invests in a range of industries, including business and financial services, energy, education, health care, communications, media, industrial and consumer products, software, and semiconductors. Summit Partners' private equity investments range from $30 million to more than $500 million per transaction; venture capital investments usually are between $5 million and $30 million. The company also provides mezzanine debt financing. Founded in 1984, its current portfolio includes stakes in more than 70 firms in North America, Europe, and Asia.