What We Do
Standish Capital, a Duxbury, MA-based private investment group, invests in a diverse range of opportunities, from pre-seed ventures to Series D companies. In addition to fueling innovation through early-stage ventures, we also invest in local real estate developments. Our commitment goes beyond just capital. We leverage our network and industry expertise to help our portfolio companies achieve their full potential. This adaptability extends to secondary markets by providing liquidity options to founders, employees, and other investors.
Private Investments
Climate Tech
Consumer Packaged Goods
Medical
Multi-Location Operators
REAL ESTATE
Private Lending
Real Estate Development
Who We Are
Duxbury-based VERC Enterprises started in 1977 with a single location in Marshfield. Leo and his brother grew the company to a chain of over 30 locations before selling the company in 2021. Succeeding the sale of his convenience store chain, Leo started Standish Capital. Leo decided to utilize his capital, connections, and extensive network of business relationships from his years of running the business to assist entrepreneurs on their own journeys.
Joining Leo at Standish Capital is his former VP of finance Ian Walker. Ian, the president of Standish Capital, brings tremendous value with his extensive financial background and connections in the investment world. Accompanying Ian is Leo’s son Mike Vercollone who brings immense knowledge in logistics, distribution and operations. Mike is the VP of research for Standish Capital.
Leo Vercollone / CEO / Founder
Prior to forming Standish Capital Leo oversaw the growth of Verc Enterprises from a small start-up to the 15th largest family-owned business in Massachusetts before selling the company in 2021. Leo made employee engagement and community involvement key tenets of Verc’s business model. The company was acknowledged multiple times including in 2019 Leo received the May Institute President’s Award for recognition of the company’s longstanding commitment to employing individuals with special needs. Verc Enterprises employed 400 individuals of which 20% were from the IDD community. The company was recognized as The Boston Globe Top Places to Work in 2020, and by the Boston Business Journal as a Best Place to Work in Massachusetts, and as a Leader in Diversity. Verc was named Employer of the Year by both the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and The ARC of Greater Plymouth, and Employer of the Year for Hopeful Journeys in 2017. Presently serving on the Trinity Catholic Academy ( Brockton inner city Catholic school ) Board . Leo held high ranking positions in industry groups including President of NECSEMA (New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association) during his tenure. Additionally he was on the Board of Directors of NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores ) Graduated from Boston College School of Management 1977 . Boston College Alumni Association Board member 2010 – 2013 .
Ian Walker / President
Leo, Mike and Ian decided to start Standish Capital after the sale of Verc Enterprises with the intent of investing in early stage companies and local real estate developments utilizing their experience and networks to source, fund and advise entrepreneurs. In his role as President of Standish Capital, Ian oversees the deal flow, research and manages the portfolio of investments.
Ian started his career in finance over 25 years ago. In that time he has held Controller or CFO level positions in multiple companies and industries including multi-unit retail operators and real estate lending companies and most recently as the VP – Finance at Verc Enterprises prior to the sale of the company in 2021.
Mike Vercollone / VP of Research
Mike is a key member of the Standish Capital team who touches every aspect of the business through researching investments and real estate deals. Mike began his career working as a sales rep for wholesale distributors Pine State Trading and Coremark. He left Coremark in 2016 to join Verc Enterprises. During his time at Verc, Mike managed various locations and worked as a category manager for the entire chain. Mike brings years of experience in sales, logistics and distribution as well as retail management with a strong focus on the customer experience and customer satisfaction. Mike serves Standish Capital as the VP of research by performing extensive due diligence on all potential investments. Outside of work, Mike is proud to be involved with Father Bill’s in Quincy as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield.
Courtney Buckley / Executive Assistant
Courtney Buckley worked for VERC Enterprises for 10 years and had filled a number of key roles within the growing company. She began as a Marketing Assistant, then moved up to Category Manager, District Leader, Manager of Training and Development and handled special projects for the company before being promoted to Director of Talent Management. When the company sold in 2021, Courtney assisted Energy North Group as the HR Business Partner until she joined Standish Capital in 2022.
The Duxbury, MA native earned her Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in marketing from Boston College. She has furthered her industry education through an Executive Leadership program at Cornell University in affiliation with the National Association of Convenience Stores.
She has been recognized by the national industry trade journal CStore Decisions, which included her in their 2019 “40 under 40” list. This list highlights next generation leaders who are playing a key role in bridging the fast changing retail environment into tomorrow’s competitive landscape by combining new communications styles and innovative ideas while keeping true to time-honored elements of convenience retailing.