Suzanne Yoon
Founder & Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners

Background

Suzanne Yoon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on control investments in lower middle market companies in the manufactured products, business services and consumer industries. In 2017, Suzanne launched Kinzie as part of her long-standing vision to advance the use of technology and innovation to help companies unlock value. Kinzie’s operational focus and advancement of technology leads to improved efficiency and new avenues for growth within Kinzie’s diverse portfolio of companies. Suzanne has over 25 years of experience investing in and advising middle market companies. Before founding Kinzie, she held senior roles at Versa Capital Management, CIT Group and LaSalle Bank/ABN AMRO. She also held positions in the Special Assets Group and Restructuring Advisory at LaSalle Bank and Ernst and Young’s Corporate Finance group, respectively.

Could you share the story of your career journey and what led you to pursue a path in private equity and investing?

Honestly, my first exposure to private equity came from media exposure. Growing up in an immigrant family, I was a product of 1980s and 1990s films, so the first time I heard about private equity was in Pretty Woman. Looking back, Richard Gere’s character was essentially in private equity. Then there was Wall Street, which added to that intrigue.

As I got older, I had friends whose dads were CEOs, and I was always drawn to the idea of financial independence. I knew banking or Wall Street could be a path to that. In some ways, I kind of stumbled into private equity. When I started working at ABN AMRO Bank, I was exposed to the buy side of private equity - and that’s when I fell in love with it. It combined everything I was passionate about: strategy, finance, and building something impactful.

What inspired you to establish Kinzie Capital Partners, and what was your vision for the firm when you started?

Kinzie Capital Partners came from a desire to build something meaningful and lasting, in addition to wanting to control my own destiny. I wanted to create a firm that not only focuses on operational excellence, innovation, and leadership development but also makes a real difference in the communities we serve. I saw a chance to bring technology and operational expertise to lower middle market companies to assist in navigating a constantly changing landscape. 

Just as important was building a company culture where collaboration, adaptability, and professional growth thrive. At Kinzie, our goal is to empower businesses to succeed in competitive markets while staying rooted in values like resilience and community impact. It’s about creating a positive ripple effect - helping businesses grow and, in turn, contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as an investor and leader? Are there any standout moments or milestones that shaped your journey?

The most rewarding aspect of my career is seeing the transformation and growth of the businesses we work with and the leaders we develop. Helping companies and individuals reach their full potential is deeply fulfilling. Building and developing a cohesive and talented team is one of the most difficult (and most rewarding) aspects of my job.

What unique values or perspectives do you believe women bring to the world of investing and private equity?

Diversity of thought is critical when navigating complex situations, and women bring unique value by challenging traditional approaches and fostering creative problem-solving. Striking a balance of men and women in the room leads to stronger decisions and better outcomes.

Women often have a natural ability to thoughtfully balance risk and reward, making them highly effective leaders in private equity. While there’s still progress to be made, the industry is starting to recognize that gender diversity isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for returns.

One encouraging shift is the more genuine and action-driven dialogue around attracting and retaining women in the deal world. Culture plays a huge role in this—not just for women, but for everyone. Policies like maternity leave, which were rare a decade ago in private equity, are now becoming the norm. These changes signal a move toward a more inclusive and equitable industry.

What roles have mentorship and networking played in your career, and how can young women in investing build meaningful professional relationships?

Mentorship and networking have been pivotal in shaping my career. I’ve been lucky to have mentors who guided me through tough decisions and offered encouragement when I needed it most. I’ve also been fortunate to have sponsors who advocated for me within my workplaces and played a crucial role in advancing my career. Networking has been just as important, helping me find a community of peers and collaborators who’ve supported and challenged me along the way.

For young women in investing, building meaningful relationships starts with being authentic. Look for mentors and sponsors who align with your values and truly care about your growth. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask thoughtful questions, and offer something in return—whether it’s your perspective, enthusiasm, or support. Joining professional groups or attending industry events is a great way to meet people who share your interests and goals. The key is to be genuine and intentional. Relationships that grow from shared values and mutual respect are the ones that will truly make a difference. Tap into the collective strength of those around you and nurture the relationships you’ve built with individuals and organizations. These meaningful connections will become invaluable assets as you grow in your career.
 

Thank you for your time and insights, Suzanne! To learn more about Kinzie, click here.