HarbourView Equity Partners has secured $500 million in debt financing from KKR to expand its growing media empire. The Black-founded investment firm, led by Sherrese Clarke Soares, announced the major funding round this week. This marks the second significant capital injection from KKR in recent years.
The financing was structured by Barclays, with Barclays and KKR Capital Markets serving as placement agents. Fifth Third Bank also participated as a passive placement agent. The funds will fuel HarbourView’s strategy of acquiring “evergreen intellectual property” across music, sports, and entertainment sectors.
KKR Backs HarbourView’s $500M Expansion Strategy
“We are thrilled to have KKR’s continued support as we further scale the firm,” Soares said in the press release. The CEO emphasized that this capital will accelerate their strategy in the evolving media landscape. HarbourView focuses on intellectual property that remains valuable across generations and market cycles.
The new capital injection follows a $500 million credit facility expansion HarbourView Equity Partners received from KKR managed insurance vehicles and accounts, as well as other investors, in 2024. This demonstrates KKR’s growing confidence in the firm’s investment approach. The partnership has proven successful for both organizations over multiple funding rounds.
Black-Founded Investment Firm Reaches $2.67B Under Management
With approximately $2.67 billion in regulatory assets under management, HarbourView Equity Partners continues to show how strategic investments in intellectual property can offer long-term financial and cultural returns. The Newark, New Jersey-based firm has experienced rapid growth since its 2021 launch. Soares founded the company after serving as CEO of Tempo Music.
Founded in 2021 by Soares, HarbourView Equity Partners has quickly made a name for itself by investing in “evergreen intellectual property”. These creative assets generate long-term, reliable income streams. The firm specifically targets content that maintains value across multiple generations and technological formats.
Music Catalog Empire Includes Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, and Justin Bieber
Since its launch, the Newark, NJ-based firm has acquired more than 70 catalogs representing over 35,000 songs from artists such as Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, and Justin Bieber. These acquisitions demonstrate HarbourView’s ability to identify valuable musical assets. The firm focuses on songs that have proven their staying power in the marketplace.
The company’s music investments span multiple genres and decades of popular culture. Each catalog acquisition undergoes rigorous analysis to ensure long-term revenue potential. HarbourView’s team evaluates factors like streaming performance, licensing opportunities, and cultural significance.
Usher Concert Film and Queen Latifah Biopic Drive Recent Investments
Recent investments include Usher’s 2024 concert film “Rendezvous in Paris” and an upcoming Queen Latifah biopic, in partnership with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, Flavor Unit, and Jesse Collins Entertainment. These projects showcase HarbourView’s expansion beyond traditional music catalogs. The firm now invests in film and television content featuring major entertainment figures.
The Usher concert film captures the R&B superstar’s acclaimed Paris performances. Meanwhile, the Queen Latifah biopic brings together powerhouse production companies and entertainment veterans. These investments highlight HarbourView’s strategy of backing content with built-in audiences and cultural significance.
Sherrese Clarke Soares Leadership in Entertainment Investment Space
Sherrese Clarke Soares brings extensive experience in entertainment finance to HarbourView’s leadership. Her background includes senior roles at major investment firms and music companies. She has become a prominent voice in discussions about intellectual property valuation and Black cultural capital.
Soares frequently speaks about the importance of diverse ownership in the entertainment industry. She advocates for strategic investments that preserve cultural legacy while generating strong returns. Her leadership has positioned HarbourView as a major player in the evolving media investment landscape.
Future Growth Plans for Media and Sports IP Portfolio
“This additional capital will help us accelerate our strategy to align with where the media, sports, and entertainment markets are headed,” Soares explained. The firm sees tremendous opportunities in sports-related intellectual property and emerging media formats. HarbourView plans to expand its investments beyond traditional music and film assets.
The firm believes evergreen intellectual property “is historically uncorrelated to broader market volatility and forms a powerful diversification tool”. This investment thesis has attracted institutional investors seeking stable returns. HarbourView’s approach offers exposure to entertainment assets while reducing traditional market risks.
