Centre Technologies gets strategic investment from LightBay Capital

Centre Technologies has added LightBay Capital as a strategic investor to support national expansion, new services and AI capabilities while keeping Main Street Capital as an existing backer. The deal gives the Houston-based managed IT provider more resources to grow in a fragmented MSP market and expand its acquisition pipeline.

Why it matters: - Centre Technologies is using new capital to push beyond its current footprint and compete more aggressively in the managed IT and cybersecurity market. - The investment is meant to support product expansion, AI-driven services and more acquisitions in a fragmented industry where scale matters. - The partnership keeps Centre’s existing investor, Main Street Capital Corporation, in place while adding LightBay Capital as a new strategic backer.

What happened: - Centre Technologies announced a strategic partnership with LightBay Capital on June 24, 2026. - The Houston-based company provides managed IT services, managed security services, AI, cloud, cybersecurity and business intelligence offerings. - Centre serves mid-market and enterprise customers nationwide and says it has more than 750 clients across Texas and Oklahoma. - The company also said its recent performance earned it a CRN Triple Crown Award.

The details: - LightBay Capital’s investment is intended to help Centre expand its solution portfolio and deepen industry-specific expertise. - The added capital is also meant to accelerate Centre’s acquisition pipeline in the MSP market. - Centre was founded in 2006 and operates with a regional, high-touch delivery model. - LightBay described Centre as having a need-to-have service, durable client relationships, a strong culture, a proven M&A track record and an experienced team. - Centre’s CEO, Chris Pace, said the partnership will help the company scale its impact, invest in its team and expand its services nationwide. - LightBay Managing Director A.B. Rampuria said outsourced IT and cybersecurity are becoming mission-critical as AI reshapes technology stacks. - LightBay Partner David Burcham said the firm is backing Centre in its next chapter of growth. - Guggenheim Securities served as financial advisor and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP served as legal counsel to Centre Technologies. - Houlihan Lokey Capital Inc. served as financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal counsel to LightBay.

Between the lines: - The deal signals continued investor interest in MSPs that can bundle IT, security and AI services for business customers. - Centre’s pitch centers on sticky client relationships and acquisitions, two features that can help a services company grow faster in a crowded market. - LightBay’s focus on business services fits Centre’s profile and suggests the firm sees room for consolidation in outsourced IT.

What's next: - Centre plans to invest further in its team, widen its services and bring its client-focused approach to more organizations nationwide. - LightBay is expected to help Centre expand into new capabilities and pursue additional acquisitions. - Centre and LightBay did not disclose the size of the investment in the announcement.

The bottom line: - Centre Technologies is using new private equity support to speed up growth, broaden its offerings and position itself as a larger MSP platform.