Fortitude is an Australian private equity manager focused on the lower mid-market, where it sees significant opportunity to generate value through hands-on investment, strategic growth initiatives and operational improvements.

Tayla Stafford has joined as Investment Associate, bringing experience from Wilsons Advisory and Goldman Sachs, where she worked across sectors including technology, healthcare, utilities, transport and retail.

In investor services, Akyere Sobukwe-Whyte has been appointed as Investor Services Manager, drawing on more than 15 years in financial services with a track record in operations and client delivery, most recently with Allan Gray Investment Management.

Meanwhile, Aida Farahani has taken on the role of Fund Accountant, adding more than a decade of experience in accounting and private markets fund administration, including her most recent role at Apex Australia.

The firm also continues to run its internship program in partnership with the University of Queensland’s advanced finance program, positioning itself to attract and retain future investment talent. Looking ahead, Fortitude plans to continue building its team selectively, with a focus on organic growth within the investment function.

Nick Miller, Co-Founder and Partner at Fortitude, said the new hires strengthen Fortitude’s differentiated investment capabilities. “With the hire of Tayla into the investment team we are well positioned to continue executing on our strategy which includes our origination capability which remains the primary source of deal flow for our business. Given Tayla’s experience we are confident she will make a meaningful impact on our investment program,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of bolstering client services and finance. “We are equally delighted to welcome Akyere to lead our investor services function, managing our suite of key service providers and galvanising our operational capability. As we build our in-house fund accounting capability, we are very pleased to welcome Aida to our Finance team.”

“These hires continue to build out Fortitude’s in-house capabilities as we prepare for the next stage of growth in our business,” Miller added. “We believe that private lower mid-market offers a rare balance of stability and value. Backed by a vast and under-crowded opportunity set, now is the time for investors to look beyond the obvious. The lower mid-market offers an expansive opportunity set, the ability to add value, expand multiples and ultimately find buyers.”

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