September 2025
Los Angeles – Sept. 16, 2025 – Avante Capital Partners is pleased to announce the addition of Chaz Cocuzza as Managing Director to its growing team. A seasoned investment professional, Mr. Cocuzza brings more than two decades of leadership and investment expertise across the lower-middle market private equity and credit industry.
Prior to joining Avante, Mr. Cocuzza was a Managing Director at Apogem Capital, a private markets subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. As a member of the firm’s senior leadership team, he played a significant role across investing, portfolio management, fundraising, and investor relations. Before Apogem, Mr. Cocuzza founded Tetra Impact Partners, a values-driven investment firm focused on providing institutional investors with access to private markets through innovative solutions.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to begin this next chapter with such a talented team,” said Mr. Cocuzza. “Avante is not only a leader in the private credit industry, but also a firm that has built a truly differentiated, values-based culture – something that deeply resonates with me both personally and professionally.”
“Avante Capital Partners is thrilled to welcome Chaz to our team,” said Ivelisse Rodriguez Simon, Managing Partner at Avante Capital Partners. “As someone who shares our passion for generating exceptional returns for our investors and serving as a partner beyond the boardroom, we’re confident Chaz will add immense value across our portfolio and firm.”
Mr. Cocuzza’s appointment underscores Avante’s commitment to building a world-class team and further advancing its mission of partnering with lower-middle market businesses to achieve long-term growth and success. He will be based in the firm’s New York City office.
About Avante Capital Partners
Avante Capital Partners is an award-winning private credit and equity firm in the lower middle market. Since 2009, Avante has been successfully providing flexible capital solutions to growing businesses generating at least $3M in cash flows across numerous industries. Avante is a value-add partner to private equity firms, independent sponsors, and business owners throughout the United States. For more information, please visit avantecap.com.