Michael Braner

Michael Braner is the Managing Partner and Founder of 325 Capital LLC, based in New York, NY. He leads the firm's strategic direction, oversees investment decision-making, and serves as Chief Compliance Officer. His responsibilities include partnering with portfolio company management teams and sitting on corporate boards, such as American Public Education Inc., where he utilizes his expertise to drive long-term value creation.

His investment focus centers on high-quality, small public companies, primarily as a significant minority owner. Braner and the 325 Capital team are known for their long-term orientation, deep diligence, and constructive engagement with boards and management. He has served on the boards of four companies and specializes in sectors where operational improvement and strategic partnership drive shareholder value, with experience supporting TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications), education, and diversified industry verticals.

Braner previously held key investment roles, including Partner at Sagard Capital Partners and founder of JB Investment Partners, after a decade at Bain & Company consulting with private equity and large corporations globally. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a Program for Management Development (PMD) from Harvard Business School. He is recognized for creating portfolio allocation algorithms and investment processes, and serves as Chairman Emeritus of the New York Landmarks Conservancy and Trustee of Arbor Brothers.