Dolphin Capital is led by experienced executives with a twenty-year track record of success starting, acquiring and operating early and mid-stage companies. We feel that our experience as operators allows us to apply our management expertise to benefit portfolio companies, relate to business owners and structure win-win investment scenarios.
Eric Jacobsen is a co-founder and managing partner of Dolphin Capital, and the co-founder of Gratitude Railroad.
Before becoming a private equity investor, Eric was an entrepreneur and founded, co-founded or helped grow several companies including TNT Sound, MECA Software (which went public and was sold to H&R Block), and Home Financial Network (which was sold to what is now SAP).
Eric has been in private equity since 2004 when he co-founded Dolphin Capital Group. Eric has invested in and sat on many company boards including Sea to Ski, Manduka, and many others. Eric currently sits on the boards of Winder Farms (Chairman), Ragnar Relay (Chairman), SmartLam, MPOWERD, The Builder’s Fund and Gratitude Railroad.
Eric received a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University.
Dan Schley is a co-founder and managing partner of Dolphin Capital and its affiliate, Dolphin II.
Over a 41 year career, Dan has held the position of chairman and CEO of numerous companies, both public and private, the majority of which he founded or acquired, grew and sold. Through Dolphin II, Dan currently serves as the chairman of Rocketail, LLC, an aerodynamic solutions company serving the transportation industry, and MapleMama, LLC, a producer of craft sparkling beverages. Dan also serves on the board of directors of Winder Farms and is a board advisor to Ragnar Relays, two Dolphin Capital companies.
Previously, Dan served as chairman & CEO of Foundation Source, Inc, the nation’s leading provider of support services for private foundations, Financial Fusion, Inc., an internet financial services company, Home Financial Network, Inc., a pioneer in home banking and Great American Software, a producer of small business accounting software. In addition, Dan served as the lead director of Netspend, Inc., the nation’s leading provider of pre-paid debit cards, until its sale to Total Systems Services, Inc (TSYS).
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard University.
Mike Dutton is a co-founder and managing partner of Dolphin Capital and The Builders Fund.
Mike has participated in the startup and growth of several companies as an operator and investor. He was the Executive Chairman of Manduka, one of the world’s leading yoga brands, CEO of Winder Farms, an online grocer, and co-founder of Genus Group (acquired by IDG) and Dyad Security (acquired by Outpost24). He previously worked at Accenture, Microsoft, and Home Financial Network. Mike is currently on the boards of Ragnar Events, Winder Farms, and MPOWERD.
Mike lives at the base of the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City and spends most winter weekends skiing with his wife and 3 kids. He also enjoys mountain and road biking and is a volunteer ride leader for the Lone Peak High School Mountain Bike team.
Mike received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Stanford University.