Axia Partners

Our Team

	Peter A. Hunter \| Managing Director, Axia Capital phunter@axia-partners.com Mr. Hunter co-founded Axia Capital Partners in 2003, following over 23 years of experience as a well-respected operating executive. Most recently, Peter was CEO of Innovative Microplate, Inc., where he grew the firm’s revenue by 100% and, led the sale of the company. Previously, Peter was CEO and director of Inspectron Corporation, a machine vision hardware and software company focused on the factory automation market. Under his leadership, the company grew over 400% in less than three years, and was ultimately sold to a strategic buyer in 2002. Prior to Inspectron, Peter was EVP, COO & CFO for Data Instruments, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial sensors and factory automation equipment. During his thirteen years at Data Instruments, he initiated and completed seven acquisitions that provided significant growth to the company (revenues of $70 million) and ultimately led the sale of the company to Honeywell International in 1998. Prior to joining Data Instruments, Peter was a CPA for Deloitte & Touche. Peter is also on the board of a number of for-profit and non-profit entities. An attorney and CPA, he received his J.D. in corporate law and BS in accounting at Suffolk University where he is currently on the Board of Trustees. Peter lives in Concord, Massachusetts with his wife, Elizabeth and daughters, Libby and Sally.
	James A. Pelusi \| Managing Director, Axia Capital jpelusi@axia-partners.com Mr. Pelusi co-founded Axia Capital Partners in 2003, following over 22 years of business experience. Most recently, Jim was SVP and General Manager of the Factory Software Division of Brooks Automation, where he personally led the acquisition and integration of six complementary product and service organizations. Under his management, the division’s revenues grew from $24 million to $130 million in two years. Jim also was a key player on the Brooks road-show team that raised over $280 million in a successful secondary equity offering. Previously, Jim was CEO and co-founder of FASTech Integration, a developer of mission-critical manufacturing software for large semiconductor and electronics companies. At FASTech, Jim was successful in raising $6.5 million in venture financing and led the company through significant growth, increasing revenues to $24 million. FASTech was ultimately sold to Brooks Automation in 1998. Jim has a B.S. in Operations Research from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Jim lives in Winchester, Massachusetts with his wife, Faith and children Anna, Drew and Jake.
	John F. Ippolito \| Managing Director, Axia Advisors jippolito@axia-partners.com Mr. Ippolito has served as a trusted advisor to owners, managers and boards of private and public companies since 1994. Before joining Axia Partners in 2004, he co-founded Creek Park Capital, a firm focused on advising and investing in small, public companies with a value orientation. Previously, he was Managing Director of Investment Banking and head of M&A at H.C. Wainwright & Co., a full-service investment bank serving primarily small public companies in technology, healthcare and growth industrial segments. Prior to Wainwright, he was Managing Director at Downer & Company, a boutique investment bank focused on cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Before becoming an investment banker, he held various senior management positions at factory automation and systems integration companies, including ITP Boston, PlantStar, Inc., and Horizon Software, which he founded in 1983. John has a B.S. in Industrial Engineering with Highest Distinction from Purdue University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He lives in Andover, Massachusetts with his wife, Maria and children Michael and Laura.
	Diane O'Connor \| Associate doconnor@axia-partners.com Ms. O’Connor joined Axia Advisors in 2008 to provide analytical and research support to M&A and capital raising transactions. Diane’s knowledge spans from design and materials development with GE Plastics to operations consulting for healthcare providers with startup CurranCare. In addition to working in the private sector, Diane continues to provide operations and strategic guidance to not-for-profit organizations in the greater Boston area. Diane has a BS in General Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She lives in North Andover, Massachusetts with her husband, John, and their children, Jack, Claire, Caroline, Audrey and Hugh.
	Tanya Andrews \| Administrative Assistant tandrews@axia-partners.com Ms. Andrews has 15 years of experience as an Assistant in Sales and Marketing. She has an Associates Degree from Middlesex Community College. Tanya lives in Medford, Massachusetts with her husband Courtney and daughter Carisa.