Peter Kirsch is the Founder and CEO of Blue Marlin Partners, a differentiated private equity firm based in Bethesda, MD. Over the last eight years, he has built Blue Marlin into a platform that now oversees more than $800 million in deployed capital, 30 portfolio companies, and multiple award-winning exits. His model challenges the traditional private equity approach by eliminating management fees and partnership expenses while giving investors the ability to choose their own deals. Beyond the numbers, Kirsch has cultivated a powerful network of entrepreneurs and operators who not only invest but also own a piece of Blue Marlin itself. His career, including earlier leadership of a family office, has given him a unique vantage point into how private equity is shifting and why making businesses better is now the true measure of success.
How Blue Marlin Partners disrupts traditional private equity structures
Why investor-operators are central to Blue Marlin’s success
The importance of focusing on making businesses better, not just financial engineering
How boutique private equity firms are gaining ground in a slow M&A market
Why proprietary, founder-led deals drive stronger long-term outcomes
The role of networks and geography in generating quality deal flow
How strategic exits create repeat opportunities with trusted partners
Peter Kirsch returns to the Cyber Business Podcast to share how Blue Marlin Partners has redefined private equity by placing entrepreneurs and operators at the center of every investment. He explains how eliminating fees and offering investor ownership in the firm’s carried interest allows for greater alignment, transparency, and long-term value creation.
Peter discusses how Blue Marlin successfully navigated a slower M&A market in 2023, securing multiple awards for its acquisition of Mobeta’s Hawaiian BBQ while also executing exits and strategic add-ons. His story highlights how boutique private equity firms are proving their ability to thrive when larger funds struggle, underscoring the importance of agility, strong partnerships, and targeted growth strategies.
The conversation also explores the transition in private equity from financial engineering to building better businesses. Peter emphasizes that true success comes from working alongside founders, rolling equity, and driving operational excellence, rather than relying on debt and multiple expansion. By cultivating a network of 72 high-profile partners and expanding globally, Blue Marlin continues to amplify its reach and influence in lower middle market opportunities.
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.