Epta Capital Management, founded by Philadelphia finance veterans Jay Goldstein and Bob Marino, has launched a $50 million fund to support community banks, writes Jeff Blumenthal for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Epta is targeting minority stakes in “leading community banks” with assets between $500 million and $5 billion. The firm aims to provide growth capital and strategic guidance to help these institutions advance onto the next stage in their evolution, with investments expected to span five to seven years, and a maximum of ten years.
“The idea for us is we are not looking to be short-term stock pickers, but rather strategic partners with community banks so that they can maximize their own growth and return to our investors,” said Goldstein, CEO of bridge financier Spring Garden Capital and former CEO of Valley Green Bank.
Epta has raised half of its $50 million target so far and is expected to achieve the full amount within the next three to four months.
Goldstein noted that conversations have already started with bank management teams, and it is expected that Epta will make the initial investments “rather quickly.”
Read more about Epta Capital Management and the launch of its new community bank fund in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA.Today in October 2025.
