Minera Partners
Who We Are
Minera Partners backs exceptional companies building technologies that serve both commercial and national security needs. We invest where innovation, resilience, and U.S. industrial strength intersect.
Minera Partners is a private investment firm focused on growth-stage companies developing technologies with both commercial and defense applications. We believe the next generation of national security and industrial innovation will come from dual-use businesses—commercially proven companies that can also address critical government and defense challenges.
Our team combines decades of experience in private equity, defense technology, and capital markets to identify and scale these opportunities in partnership with founders, management teams, and investors.
Investment Focus
We target companies at the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and security, including:
- Cybersecurity & Communications – Protecting data and enabling resilient networks
- Sensors, RF Systems & Autonomy – Building smarter, connected defense ecosystems
- Advanced Manufacturing & Materials – Strengthening domestic industrial capability
- Artificial Intelligence & Autonomy – AI software, autonomous drones/vehicles, decision support systems
- Power & Energy Systems – Enabling reliable, efficient operations on and off the grid
Our focus is on 'picks-and-shovels' infrastructure—the foundational technologies that power both commercial and defense applications.
Our Approach
We partner with small to mid-sized companies that have established commercial traction and a clear path to growth in defense or government markets. We provide strategic guidance, capital, and access to a deep defense ecosystem network to help accelerate adoption, expand into the U.S. market, and build long-term value.
What We Look For:
- Proven technology or IP with dual-use potential
- $10–75 million in revenue with positive EBITDA
- Strong management and scalable operations
- Clear path to liquidity through M&A or strategic sale
Why Partner With Us
- Deep Domain Expertise: Experienced in navigating complex defense procurement and funding programs
- Extensive Network: Access to government, industry, and financial partners across sectors
- Operational Experience: Veteran operators who understand scaling and risk management
- Aligned Partnership: Collaborative, transparent, and focused on driving sustainable growth
What We're Looking For
We seek entrepreneurs and companies that:
- Operate in high-value technology, industrial and service sectors with dual-use potential
- Are seeking growth capital or strategic partnership to enter defense and government markets
- Value collaboration, transparency, and long-term alignment
If that describes you — we’d like to connect.
Who We Are
Our Team
Michael Ferrantino
Michael Ferrantino
Minera Partners is led by Tim Foufas and Mike Ferrantino, who have worked together since 2019 leading successful investment and transformation efforts at LGL Group (NYSE: LGL) and M-tron Industries (NYSE: MPTI).
Their experience spans private equity, operations, sales & marketing and capital markets, with a proven record of creating shareholder value in technology and industrial sectors. They are supported by a network of advisors and strategic partners across defense, manufacturing, and finance.
Michael Ferrantino
Michael Ferrantino
Michael Ferrantino
An experienced executive and board member with a career spanning leadership roles across industrial, technology, and manufacturing sectors. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of M-tron Industries, Inc., and previously as President, CEO, and Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (NYSE: LGL). He also served on the board of LGL Systems Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: DFNS). Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at InterEx, Inc., CTS Corporation, and Valpey Fisher Corporation.
Michael serves on the Boards of The Gabelli ETFs Trust, The Gabelli Equity Trust, and The Gabelli Utility Trust. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Loyola University Maryland.
Tim Foufas
Michael Ferrantino
Tim Foufas
A seasoned investor and operating executive with over 30 years of experience spanning real estate, gaming, consumer, technology, and financial services. He has held leadership and board roles at public and private companies, including LGL Group (NYSE: LGL), PMV Consumer Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: PMVC), and LGL Systems Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: DFNS).
Tim earned his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BA from Boston College. He is also active in philanthropy, having served on the John G. Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Guild Board.