KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises System High Corporation on its Investment from Enlightenment Capital

/in /by

KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to announce the investment in System High Corporation (“System High” or the “Company”) by Enlightenment Capital (“Enlightenment”). Headquartered in Chantilly, VA, System High has established itself as a preeminent provider of global protection and security technical engineering solutions for critical National Security and Special Access Programs (“SAP”) across the Department of Defense (“DoD”) and Intelligence Community (“IC”). As a pioneer of industry best practices crafted to solve complex, evolving security challenges in support of sensitive programs, the Company’s proprietary methodologies and frameworks preserve advanced technological superiority and unique capabilities across classified, SAP, and Sensitive Compartmented Information programs complete lifecycles. Coupled with non-traditional protection services, cyber and engineering capabilities, custom training solutions, and experienced Subject Matter Experts deeply versed in a range of security disciplines, the Company’s differentiated security offerings have generated entrenched inroads with difficult-to-obtain, high-profile clients, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Joint Strike Fighter Joint Program Office, among others, presenting major growth avenues into a sizeable, enduring market. As a new investment, Enlightenment expects to leverage the Company’s mission-critical suite of capabilities and extensive long-term relationships to expand its presence within a coveted DoD and IC customer base in support of enduring, critical national security programs.

We believe this investment demonstrates several key trends in the government services M&A market:

  • Continued demand for sizeable, growing, IC-oriented firms
  • Highlights the demand for scarce assets with a Full and Open contract profile backed by a suite of complementary value drivers
  • Value continues to be placed on companies with mission-critical capabilities and support for SAPs and enduring programs poised to capitalize on budgetary tailwinds and technology modernization priorities
  • Private equity firms continue to leverage strong credit markets and remain active in the government services market

About KippsDeSanto & Co. KippsDeSanto & Co. is the largest independent investment banking firm exclusively focused on serving leading, growth-oriented Aerospace/Defense, Government Services and Technology companies. We are focused on delivering exceptional M&A and Financing transaction results to our clients via leveraging our scale, creativity and industry experience. We help market leaders realize their full strategic value. Having advised on over 100 industry transactions, KippsDeSanto is recognized for our analytical rigor, market insight and broad industry relationships. There’s no substitute for experience. For more information, visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

Press Release

Enlightenment Invests in System High

January 22, 2019 Chevy Chase, Maryland – Enlightenment Capital, an Aerospace, Defense & Government focused investment firm based in the Washington, DC area, announced it has invested in System High Corporation to help accelerate the Company’s growth. System High will serve as Enlightenment’s newest platform. System High is a leading provider of proactive protection (P2), security engineering, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity solutions, serving select government and commercial customers.

Founded in 2005 with offices in the Washington, DC area and Colorado Springs, CO, System High is a leader in the design, development, and enforcement of proactive protection systems that preserve critical technologies and enhance information protection systems for a multitude of government and civilian organizations. “System High continues to attract the best professionals in our business space, and our customers benefit from our team’s focus on supporting our clients’ security goals,” said Rob Howe, newly appointed CEO and President. “I am proud to partner with Enlightenment and the System High family of professionals, which are passionate about preserving our national security.”

“System High will serve as the initial investment of a new Enlightenment platform, which will provide mission critical protection of the technology that underpins many of the most sensitive efforts within the Defense, Intelligence, and commercial sectors,” said Jason Rigoli, Partner of Enlightenment Capital. “We look forward to working with the leadership team to drive the Company’s growth as they continue to play an integral role in this special arena.”

“System High sits at the critical intersection of defense innovation and IP protection,” said Devin Talbott, Managing Partner of Enlightenment Capital. “We plan to support management and invest in the Company’s continued momentum – both organically and through M&A.”

“Enlightenment is an ideal partner and will be instrumental in helping execute our new long range strategic plan,” said Kirk Blubaugh, Company Founder, who will join the Company board, remain a shareholder, and act as a strategic advisor to the Company.

About System High

System High provides high-end solutions for some of the nation’s most sensitive activities and has become a leading provider and integrator of global protection and security engineering services. System High’s reputation of succeeding where others have failed is a direct result of bringing together and delivering the most innovative, critical thinking professionals to solve the most complex security challenges across both government and commercial sectors. For more information, visit www.systemhigh.com.

About Enlightenment Capital

Enlightenment Capital, a Washington, DC area based private investment firm, provides senior debt, mezzanine debt, and equity to middle market companies in the Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) sector. The firm partners with businesses that provide vital services, protect critical infrastructure, innovate cyber and data solutions, enhance decision making capabilities, engineer aerospace systems,

safeguard national security, and endeavor to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.enlightenment-cap.com.