VestGen Wealth Partners Secures Growth Capital From Willow Tree Credit Partners

VestGen Wealth Partners LLC, a Chicago-based wealth management firm that buys advisory practices facing succession needs, has secured growth capital from private credit manager Willow Tree Credit Partners LP to fund more acquisitions. The firms did not disclose the size, structure, or terms of the financing.

VestGen launched in December 2024 with 10 advisory practices managing $5.3 billion. The company said it has since added nine practices with $2.2 billion in client assets and now oversees $8.5 billion.

“After launching only two years ago and successfully integrating 19 firms representing $7.5 billion in assets primarily in the Midwest, access to institutional capital will allow us to continue our aggressive growth strategy,” said Jason Hanavan, chief executive officer of VestGen.

Hanavan joined VestGen in February 2025 as president and chief financial officer. He succeeded founder Josh Gerry as CEO in May.

In October 2025, VestGen added six advisory teams with about $1.5 billion in client assets, spread across 15 advisers in four states. Later that month, it launched VestGen Retirement Services when a $662 million retirement-focused team in Oak Brook, Ill., joined from Osaic. The company said the unit is meant to be the base for a broader offering for plan sponsors and participants.

Willow Tree, founded in 2017 and based in New York, makes senior secured, floating-rate loans to sponsor-backed and family-owned middle-market businesses. Its borrowers have earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of about $5 million to $75 million, the company said.

“They have built a scaled platform and shown a disciplined ability to source, close and integrate high-quality firms,” said Tim Lower, founder and CEO of Willow Tree. “We are pleased to provide flexible capital to support their acquisition strategy and look forward to a long-term partnership.”

Raymond James & Associates Inc. was financial adviser to VestGen.

Visit the AltsWire directory page.