January 29, 2026 • News, Portfolio

ScaleCo Capital’s TPI Efficiency Acquires Community Energy Advisors and Viridi

ScaleCo Capital (“ScaleCo”), a Cleveland-based private equity firm, is excited to announce that its portfolio company, TPI Efficiency (“TPI”), has acquired both Community Energy Advisors (“CEA”) and its sister company, Viridi (“Viridi”) (collectively the “Companies”). This marks the third and fourth add-on acquisition for TPI, an energy procurement and efficiency management firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Located in Medina, Ohio, CEA and Viridi are trusted providers of customized energy procurement and advisory solutions for mid-sized commercial clients. The companies help organizations navigate deregulated energy markets and implement energy efficiency project improvements, improving client profitability and energy reliability. Co-founded by Kevin Lauterjung and Rick Davidson, CEA and Viridi built its reputation on market expertise and long-term client relationships.

“Joining TPI represents a natural next step for the business we’ve built over the past decade,” said Davidson. “It was important for Kevin (Lauterjung) and I to find the right partner who shared our company values and culture. We believe this acquisition will provide better resources for our customers and more opportunities for our employees. We are proud of the relationships that we’ve developed with our community partners, and remain excited to see those partnerships expand as part of the combined platform.”

“TPI has established a solid foundation in an increasingly complex energy environment. Acquiring both CEA and Viridi enhances TPI’s ability to serve customers as the market continues to evolve,” said Brendan Anderson, Managing Partner at ScaleCo. “We look forward to supporting the team as they continue to expand and execute their strategic vision.”

“The acquisitions of CEA and Viridi represent another important step in building the leading independent energy-procurement platform in Ohio and the broader Midwest,” said Dave Jacob, Managing Partner of ScaleCo Capital. “Both businesses bring highly complementary capabilities, deep customer relationships, and strong operating teams that meaningfully enhance TPI’s scale, service breadth, and long-term growth profile.”

TPI’s CEO, Vin Zachariah, shared his excitement regarding the acquisition, “CEA immediately strengthens TPI’s ability to scale. Their Chamber‑driven channel‑partner model opens doors to thousands of businesses we weren’t reaching before, and it aligns perfectly with our vision of building the Midwest’s leading independent energy procurement platform. By combining CEA’s deep community relationships with TPI’s foundation, we’re accelerating our growth trajectory and creating a powerhouse offering for customers across the region.”

ScaleCo, in continued partnership with Agility Equity Partners and Tecum Capital, completed this acquisition. Together, these partners bring the experience and operational expertise required to execute TPI’s strategic vision.

In this transaction, ScaleCo was advised by Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP.

Vin Deshpande and Fernado Alvarez from A&D Global Advisors LLC / M&A Securities Group Inc. served as exclusive financial advisors to both Community Energy Advisors, LLC and Viridi, LLC.

Critchfield Critchfield and Johnston served as an advisor to CEA and Viridi teams.

About TPI Efficiency

TPI Efficiency is a vendor-neutral energy consulting firm that delivers comprehensive energy management and sustainability solutions with expertise in renewable energy consulting, energy efficiency services, energy procurement, and sustainability planning. With access to over 150 suppliers, TPI helps organizations reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and achieve environmental goals through tailored strategies and objective advice. For more information, visit www.tpiefficiency.com.

About ScaleCo Capital

ScaleCo Capital is a Cleveland-based lower middle-market private equity firm dedicated to scaling lifestyle businesses. ScaleCo collaborates with companies in the fields of business and tech-enabled services, value-added distribution and assembly, and training and compliance, providing capital, operational expertise, and strategic resources to enhance their growth potential and build long-term value. For more information, visit scaleco.com.

About Tecum Capital Partners

Tecum Capital is a Pittsburgh-based private investment firm deploying capital in lower middle-market companies. Tecum provides mezzanine debt and equity investments in growth-oriented companies across the broader high-value manufacturing, value-added distribution, and business services sectors. Our team partners with committed funds, independent sponsors, family offices, business owners seeking succession plans, and management teams to create shared success. Tecum manages three Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) licensed funds and is currently investing out of Tecum Capital Partners IV, L.P, a $340 million fund launched in February 2025. Since 2006, the team has collectively invested more than $1 billion in over 100 platform and add-on acquisitions. For more information, visit tecum.com.

About Agility Equity Partners

Agility Equity Partners is a Pittsburgh-based private equity firm focused on investing in high-quality, asset-light businesses with strong cash flow characteristics and opportunities for strategic growth. The firm partners with management teams and operating sponsors to build market-leading platforms across its target sectors. For more information, visit agilityep.com.