Institutional - Quality Private Market Opportunities - Beyond Piecemeal Investing
Mariner Fund I is an opportunity fund that gives access to select private market deals with the goal of enhancing long-term return potential & improving diversification beyond traditional public markets. With a single commitment, investors gain access to a curated portfolio of opportunities, each sourced, due diligenced, and actively overseen by experienced operators.
Investor Benefits
Unique Access
Cost Efficiency
Time Leverage
Diversification
What Investors Get:
- Diversified exposure across private equity & real estate.
- Access to off-market and co-GP opportunities not found on traditional RIA or broker-dealer platforms.
- Investments in growth-oriented, lower middle market businesses ($1–$10M per deal).
- Governance and oversight from seasoned operators and PE professionals.
How It Works:
- One investment provides access to a portfolio of fully due diligenced opportunities.
- Direct deal sourcing and structuring from an experienced team.
- Each deal is evaluated through the lens of an RIA with operating experience.
Profile of Target Investments
A Focus on Private Equity & Real Estate Investments
Private Equity
- 40-50% Fund Target
- Target Revenues:
$10mm-$100mm - Targeting Differentiated Manufacturing, Infrastructure Support, and Logistics
- Make significant minority or controlling investments with board positions
- Providing capital and management expertise for businesses looking to scale
- Exit opportunity to upline PE Managers looking for a ready-made investment opportunity
- Return Target: 2.0x+ multiple on invested capital (MOIC)
- Investment Horizon: 5–7 years
- Exit Strategy: Recapitalization at end of investment horizon
Real Estate
- 40-50% Fund Target
- Development or Investment Values:
$5mm-$100mm - Target Sectors: Multi-family Housing, Healthcare, Targeted Hospitality
- Investments in projects under development or targeted value-add acquisitions
- Exit to REITs or private sponsors seeking stabilized, income-producing properties.
- Return Target: Mid-teens IRR
- Investment Horizon: 1.70x+
- Investment Horizon: 5-7 years
Sample Opportunities
Project Freedom
- Middle market buyout opportunity focused on US manufacturing
- Significant co-investment opportunities
Project Build
- Acquisition of fully constructed multi-family projects in Central US Growth Market
- Value-add opportunity through lease through lease up of a new product
Project Speed
- Logistics based solution in professional sports
- Rapid growth trajectory in a nich and under-represented sector
- Substantial minority investment with board seat
Why Invest in the Central U.S.
Focused on generating attractive returns by investing in central U.S. communities historically underserved by institutional capital - yet poised for growth driven by large employers.
Alternative Investments. Done the RIA Way
Private markets, backed by real advisory and operating business experience
While most RIAs stay at the asset allocation level, we've stepped into the operator's seat, sourcing, structuring, and funding alternative investments.
From sourcing to funding, we leverage our unparalleled experience in building and leading:
- Commercial Real Estate Investments
- Operating Businesses (Sourced both directly and/or through Independent Sponsor Private Equity Firms)
To support growing entrepreneurs who stand alongside our investments across numerous industries & geographies.
Our Private Markets Due Diligence Process
Getting you sa close as Possible to the Genesis of Wealth Creation
The Granite Harbor Capital Team
Derek J. Taylor
Managing Partner
Derek Taylor joined Granite Harbor in 2025 to lead Granite Harbor Capital and the launch of the Mariner Fund. He brings a unique blend of legal, private equity, and operational experience to Granite Harbor Capital. After beginning his career as a transactional attorney and equity partner at a national law firm, he transitioned to leading operations for a multi-state private equity real estate firm and co-founding an independent sponsor platform focused on lower middle market companies. He is also the owner-operator of a nationally recognized manufacturing brand in the outdoor living space. Derek and his family are active in their community, where he serves as a Village Trustee. He is also a former Chapter President of NAIOP Wisconsin, including being recognized in 2024 as Chapter President of the Year among the many North American chapters in the same year the Wisconsin chapter won Chapter of the Year for all chapters
Brian W. Sak
Managing Partner
Derek Taylor joined Granite Harbor in 2025 to lead Granite Harbor Capital and the launch of the Mariner Fund. He brings a unique blend of legal, private equity, and operational experience to Granite Harbor Capital. After beginning his career as a transactional attorney and equity partner at a national law firm, he transitioned to leading operations for a multi-state private equity real estate firm and co-founding an independent sponsor platform focused on lower middle market companies. He is also the owner-operator of a nationally recognized manufacturing brand in the outdoor living space. Derek and his family are active in their community, where he serves as a Village Trustee. He is also a former Chapter President of NAIOP Wisconsin, including being recognized in 2024 as Chapter President of the Year among the many North American chapters in the same year the Wisconsin chapter won Chapter of the Year for all chapters
Nicholas M. Brown
Managing Partner
Bob Barker joined Granite Harbor in 2025 to lead Granite Harbor Capital and the launch of the Mariner Fund. He brings a unique blend of legal, private equity, and operational experience to Granite Harbor Capital. After beginning his career as a transactional attorney and equity partner at a national law firm, he transitioned to leading operations for a multi-state private equity real estate firm and co-founding an independent sponsor platform focused on lower middle market companies. He is also the owner-operator of a nationally recognized manufacturing brand in the outdoor living space. Derek and his family are active in their community, where he serves as a Village Trustee. He is also a former Chapter President of NAIOP Wisconsin, including being recognized in 2024 as Chapter President of the Year among the many North American chapters in the same year the Wisconsin chapter won Chapter of the Year for all chapters
Request Additional Information About Mariner Fund I
If you’re interested in learning more about the Granite Harbor Capital Opportunity Fund, please complete the form below. A member of our team will reach out with detailed information.