Nonantum Backs Flatiron's Operator-Led Push in Consumer Talent Search

BOSTON, MA – January 14, 2026 – Middle-market private equity firm Nonantum Capital Partners has announced a significant growth partnership with Flatiron Search Partners, a specialized executive search firm with deep roots in the consumer industry. The deal provides Flatiron with capital and strategic resources to accelerate its expansion, signaling a growing trend where private equity sees specialized talent acquisition as a core component of value creation.

The partnership is designed to fuel Flatiron’s growth while explicitly preserving the firm’s existing leadership, culture, and operational approach. Co-founders Bill Stauffer and Joe Miller will continue to lead the firm's day-to-day operations, leveraging Nonantum's support to scale their distinct model.

A New Model for Talent Advisory

Since its founding in 2018, Flatiron has carved out a unique niche in the competitive executive search landscape by rejecting the traditional, transactional model. Instead, the firm was built on a foundation of deep operational experience. Co-founders Bill Stauffer and Joe Miller are not career recruiters; they are seasoned operators who previously built and scaled teams at some of the most recognizable high-growth consumer brands.

Stauffer brings over two decades of experience from leadership roles at companies like Equinox, SoulCycle, and Flywheel Sports, where he managed operations, training, and recruitment. Miller also spent years driving strategy and operations at SoulCycle and co-founded the enterprise software company Catalant. This hands-on experience in managing P&Ls and building teams from the ground up informs Flatiron's entire methodology.

“Joe and Bill have purposefully built a differentiated culture in the executive search industry by leveraging their experience as operators,” said Jon Biotti, Managing Partner at Nonantum Capital Partners. “By emphasizing collaboration and teamwork, and offering search professionals greater flexibility, Flatiron has created an environment that consistently attracts top search executives.”

This operator-led DNA translates into a long-term advisory approach. Rather than focusing on single, high-level placements, Flatiron integrates with private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies to build out entire leadership teams over time. This includes placing C-suite executives as well as the critical, next-level roles that many traditional search firms overlook but are essential for sustainable growth. The firm’s impressive metrics—including a 97% position fill rate and an average of 35 days to identify a final candidate—underscore the effectiveness of its focused, agile model.

“We were intentional about finding a partner who truly understands what we’re building and why,” said Bill Stauffer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Flatiron. “Nonantum shares our belief that great outcomes start with great teams. This partnership gives us the ability to continue investing in our people, our platform, and our clients.”

Strategic Alignment and PE Value Creation

The partnership is a textbook example of strategic alignment for Nonantum Capital Partners. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Charlesbank Capital Partners, Nonantum has built its reputation on partnering with founder-owned and family-owned businesses. The firm, which has over $1 billion in capital under management, has been repeatedly recognized on Inc.'s "Founder-Friendly Investors List" for its collaborative approach.

Flatiron, as a founder-led business operating in the consumer and business services sectors, fits squarely within Nonantum’s investment thesis. The deal structure allows Stauffer and Miller to retain significant ownership and full operational control, while gaining a strategic partner to help them scale. This model reflects Nonantum's philosophy of empowering strong management teams rather than dictating strategy.

“Nonantum brings deep operating experience and a long-term mindset that aligns closely with how we lead the firm,” added Joe Miller, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Flatiron. “This partnership allows us to invest ahead of growth, expanding our capabilities while continuing to deliver at the highest level for our clients.”

More broadly, the investment highlights an evolution in private equity strategy. As generating alpha becomes more challenging, PE firms are increasingly focused on operational improvements and human capital as key levers for growth. By investing directly in a specialized talent advisory firm, Nonantum not only acquires a promising asset but also gains a strategic resource that can potentially benefit its entire portfolio of consumer-focused companies.

Fueling Consolidation in a Fragmented Market

A key component of the new partnership is Flatiron's explicit ambition to grow through acquisition. The press release noted that Flatiron is “currently searching for additional complementary businesses to acquire in the consumer executive search space.” This is not a new strategy for the firm, but one that will be significantly amplified by Nonantum’s backing.

In April 2023, Flatiron acquired Bigfoot Search, a boutique firm specializing in technology-focused roles like product, engineering, and design. That move was a direct response to client demand for integrated talent solutions that could address the digital needs of modern consumer brands. The successful integration of Bigfoot Search served as a proof of concept for Flatiron's platform-building ambitions.

The executive search industry, particularly in specialized verticals, remains highly fragmented. The partnership with Nonantum provides Flatiron with the capital and strategic M&A support to act as a consolidator. The goal is to build a comprehensive talent platform for the consumer industry, capable of serving every functional need from marketing and finance to technology and operations, thereby creating a one-stop talent solution for high-growth companies and their investors.

Navigating a Demanding Consumer Landscape

The timing of this partnership is critical. The global executive search market is projected to more than double, potentially exceeding $42 billion by 2035, with the consumer sector being a major driver of that growth. However, this demand is coupled with significant challenges. Consumer-facing industries are grappling with high employee turnover, intense competition for leaders, and the urgent need for new skill sets in areas like digital transformation, data analytics, and sustainability.

Companies are no longer just looking for leaders with a good track record; they need agile, forward-thinking executives who can navigate unprecedented market shifts. Flatiron’s focus on placing “future-proof talent” is a direct response to this complex environment. The firm’s deep industry specialization and operator’s perspective give it a unique advantage in identifying candidates who possess not only the right skills but also the cultural and strategic mindset to succeed in private equity-backed environments.

With Nonantum’s support, Flatiron is now positioned to expand its capabilities and market presence, meeting the escalating demand for sophisticated, strategic talent solutions in an industry where the right leadership has never been more crucial.