WHO WE ARE
Orkila is a growth equity firm with a strategic focus on the intersection of media, entertainment, and consumer sectors. Leveraging extensive industry experience and a vast network of relationships, we identify and invest in growth-stage companies with strong management teams, compelling brand stories, and significant potential for value creation. Founded on the principle of partnership, we actively collaborate with portfolio companies, providing strategic, financial, and operational support to accelerate growth and achieve long-term success.
Our investment approach is characterized by a focus on long-term secular trends in industries we know well coupled with a focused and hands-on approach to our portfolio companies.
By fostering strong, collaborative relationships with our portfolio companies we aim to not only generate superior returns for our investors but also to contribute positively to the broader ecosystem in which we operate. Our vision is to be at the forefront of innovation and growth, empowering the next generation of companies to achieve their full potential.
OUR APPROACH
Fund Approach: Each fund has ~5 investments, allowing deep focus and attention to each partner
Geography: North America and Europe
Sectors: Media, Entertainment and Consumer
Ownership: Minority & Control
Sourcing: We focus on proprietary opportunities
Equity Check: $30 to $100 million
OUR TEAM
Jesse Du Bey
Managing Partner
Jesse is Founder and Managing Partner of Orkila Capital. Prior to founding Orkila, Jesse was a Managing Director at Providence Equity Partners, a leading investment firm focused on media, technology and information services.
Jesse is a graduate of the University of Washington and is a native of Seattle, WA.
Taylor Storms
Partner
Taylor is co-founder and a Partner of Orkila Capital. Prior to Orkila, Taylor was an associate at Providence Equity Partners, a leading investment firm focused on media, technology and information services.
Taylor is a graduate of Columbia University and is a native of Far Hills, NJ.
Jack Lutkewitte
Principal
Jack is a Principal at Orkila Capital. Prior to Orkila, Jack was an Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch within their Mergers & Acquisitions Group. Jack joined Orkila in 2017.
Jack is a graduate of Fordham University and is a native of Hershey, PA.
Donna Macdonald
VP of Finance
Donna is Vice President of Finance at Orkila Capital. Prior to Orkila, Donna worked for Lamplighter Financial, LLC an outsourcing firm specializing in accounting and administration for private equity firms, including Orkila. Prior to Lamplighter, Donna was a senior finance officer for several private equity and hedge fund companies. Donna is a graduate of the State University of New York, Albany and is a native of Long Island, NY.
Kenzie Hume
Senior Associate
Kenzie is a Senior Associate at Orkila Capital. Prior to Orkila, Kenzie was an investment banking associate at Goldman Sachs within their Real Estate, Lodging, and Gaming Group. She started her career as a strategy consultant at Monitor Deloitte in New York and Spain. Kenzie joined Orkila in 2023.
Kenzie is a graduate of Colgate University and received an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s The Wharton School. She is a native of Austin, Texas.
Ben Stein
Senior Associate
Ben is a Senior Associate at Orkila Capital. Prior to Orkila, Ben was an Analyst at Bank of America within their Financial Technology Investment Banking Group. Ben joined Orkila in 2022.
Ben is a graduate of Penn State University and is a native of Avon, CT.
Lee Allen
Senior Associate
Lee is a Senior Associate at Orkila Capital. Prior to Orkila, Lee was an Associate at Paine Schwartz Partners. He started his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Raymond James in Tampa and an Associate at Jefferies in New York. Lee joined Orkila in 2024. Lee is a graduate of University of Texas at Austin and is a native of Dallas, Texas.
Justin Keller
Associate
Justin is an Associate at Orkila Capital. Prior to Orkila, Justin was an Associate at Black Diamond Capital Management. He started his career as an Analyst at Cain Brothers. Justin joined Orkila in 2024. Justin is a graduate of University of Michigan and a native of Chappaqua, New York.
Jacob Conrad
Analyst
Jacob is an Analyst at Orkila Capital. Jacob is a graduate of New York University and is a native of Tampa, Florida.
Jan Frodeno
Advisor
Jan Frodeno, an Olympic gold medalist, 3-time IRONMAN World Champion and 2-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and global brand insight to Orkila Capital. Renowned for his commitment to high performance and innovation, Jan offers a deep understanding of product authenticity and market growth potential. His perspective helps shape Orkila’s approach to investing in lifestyle, wellness, and performance-focused companies.