Crescent European Specialty Lending Announces Financing for VIA equity’s Strategic Partnership with Saarni Cloud
Crescent Capital Group LP, a leading alternative credit investment firm, announced today that its European Specialty Lending strategy provided unitranche financing to support VIA equity’s strategic partnership with Saarni Cloud, a Finland-based Software as a Service (SaaS) provider for human capital management. VIA equity, a leading Northern European private equity firm, acquired a minority stake to become the lead investor, with Saarni’s existing investor and current management team remaining committed to the business.
Saarni Cloud: A Leading SaaS Provider in Human Capital Management
Founded in 2017 and based in Espoo, Finland, Saarni Cloud has established itself as a premier provider of human capital management solutions. Its comprehensive suite of software products covers a wide range of business needs, including:
- Human Resources Management – Offering solutions for payroll, benefits administration, and employee engagement.
- Employee Skills and Learning – Providing platforms for professional development, certifications, and corporate training.
- Workforce and Time Management – Optimizing scheduling, attendance tracking, and labor cost management.
- Financial Management and Analytics – Delivering financial planning, budgeting, and real-time performance insights.
- Business Leadership and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) – Supporting executives and managers with strategic decision-making tools and operational efficiency enhancements.
With a customer base of approximately 1,500 organizations and nearly half a million users across Finland and Northern Europe, Saarni Cloud has built a strong presence in its core markets. Its SaaS solutions enable businesses to streamline workforce management, enhance operational efficiencies, and drive long-term growth.
Crescent’s Role in the Transaction
Crescent Capital Group’s European Specialty Lending strategy focuses on providing customized financing solutions to support private equity-backed businesses across Europe. The decision to provide unitranche financing for VIA equity’s partnership with Saarni Cloud aligns with Crescent’s commitment to backing high-quality software companies with strong market potential.
Christine Vanden Beukel, Managing Director and head of Crescent’s European Specialty Lending strategy, highlighted the significance of this transaction:
“Crescent is proud to support VIA equity’s strategic partnership with Saarni Cloud, which has developed a strong product portfolio, large and diversified customer base, and strong market position in Finland. This transaction will help Saarni Cloud grow its business in Finland and expand to new international markets, while relying on its proven management team to further develop its workforce software products to become the go-to SaaS provider for organizations in its core markets.”
Growth and Expansion Opportunities
With this financing, Saarni Cloud is well-positioned to scale its business operations, enhance its product offerings, and expand its geographic footprint. The investment from VIA equity, combined with Crescent’s financial backing, will facilitate several key growth initiatives:
- Market Expansion in Europe – Saarni Cloud aims to enter new international markets, leveraging its expertise and strong customer base in Finland as a springboard for growth.
- Product Development and Innovation – The company plans to enhance its existing software solutions with new features, AI-driven analytics, and automation capabilities to stay ahead in the competitive SaaS market.
- Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions – Saarni Cloud may explore potential collaborations and acquisitions to strengthen its product portfolio and accelerate expansion.
- Customer Experience Enhancements – Continued investment in user experience, customer support, and integration capabilities will ensure that Saarni Cloud remains a preferred choice for businesses seeking robust human capital management solutions.
The Role of VIA equity
VIA equity is known for its active investment approach, partnering with high-potential software and technology companies to drive growth. By acquiring a minority stake in Saarni Cloud and taking on the role of lead investor, VIA equity will provide strategic guidance and operational support to accelerate the company’s expansion efforts.
With extensive experience in scaling technology-driven businesses, VIA equity’s involvement will help Saarni Cloud navigate its growth journey, optimize its market positioning, and execute its long-term strategic vision.
Crescent’s Investment Philosophy
Crescent Capital Group has a strong track record of working with innovative companies and leading private equity sponsors to provide tailored financing solutions. The firm’s European Specialty Lending strategy focuses on:
- Supporting growth-oriented businesses with flexible capital solutions.
- Partnering with established sponsors to enhance value creation.
- Investing in technology and software companies that demonstrate strong market potential and customer adoption.
This latest financing reflects Crescent’s approach to fostering long-term partnerships with high-quality businesses and helping them achieve their financial and strategic goals.
About Crescent Capital Group LP
Crescent is a global credit investment manager with $46 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024. For over 30 years, the firm has focused on below investment grade credit through strategies that invest in marketable and privately originated debt securities including senior bank loans, high yield bonds, as well as private senior, unitranche and junior debt securities. Crescent is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago and London with more than 230 employees globally. Crescent is a part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life.
