Craig Taggart: 200 Companies, Millions Raised, and 25 Exits

What does it take to spot promising companies before they reach their next big stage of growth?

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce sits down with capital markets veteran and venture investor Craig Taggart. Craig shares lessons from more than two decades in investment banking, capital raising, M&A advisory, venture capital, and working with growth companies.

Craig discusses his work with LIGO Partners and its co-investment network, which has helped capitalize nearly 200 companies and has seen roughly 25 exits. He explains why identifying businesses near a value inflection point can create opportunities for investors and why the Series A stage can be such an important—and difficult—period for growing companies.

The conversation then turns to some of the technologies attracting Craig's attention today, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, defense technology, government technology, robotics, and the infrastructure needed to support these fast-growing industries.

Bruce and Craig also explore how this growth can affect commercial real estate. As technology, robotics, defense, and manufacturing companies expand, many need more office, industrial, infrastructure, and manufacturing space.

Craig also shares how he is putting AI to work in his own business. He describes a software tool designed to identify small inefficiencies across many areas of a company. His goal is to show business owners how improvements in areas such as operations and pricing can work together to increase profitability.

For Craig, the key question is simple: How can a business find the problems holding back its profits and turn those improvements into measurable growth?

About Craig Taggart

Craig Taggart is a capital markets professional with more than two decades of experience. His background includes wealth management, investment banking, M&A advisory, financial modeling, capital raising, venture capital, and working with growth-stage companies.

His current areas of interest include AI, quantum technologies, infrastructure, cybersecurity, defense technology, government technology, and other emerging sectors.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest