Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

MiddleGround Capital Appoints Investment Banking Veteran Tim Curley as Managing Director of Exits & Realizations

LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MiddleGround Capital (“MiddleGround”), an operationally focused private equity firm that makes control investments in middle-market B2B industrial and specialty distribution companies headquartered in North America and Europe, today announced the appointment of Tim Curley as Managing Director. Based in the firm’s New York office, Tim will focus on exits and realizations across the portfolio.

In this role, Tim will oversee MiddleGround’s exit strategies, enhancing value creation and driving strong outcomes at the point of sale. He will manage the preparation and execution of exit processes, build and maintain key corporate, private equity and advisory relationships, as well as support co-investment initiatives. Tim will also play a central role in positioning portfolio companies for market success, partnering with the broader MiddleGround and portfolio management teams in identifying and executing key growth initiatives and operational improvements.

“Tim is an outstanding addition to MiddleGround, especially at a time when the firm is focused on realizing our investments and returning liquidity to our stakeholders,” said John Stewart, Founding and Managing Partner of MiddleGround Capital. “Our growth has created exciting new opportunities, and bringing in a senior leader with an investment banking background to guide exits will strengthen the way we support our portfolio companies. Tim’s expertise and collaborative approach make him a perfect fit for our team.”

Prior to joining MiddleGround, Tim spent 18 years at BMO Capital Markets, advancing from Analyst to Managing Director. At BMO, he helped build the Industrials Investment Banking team and led the firm’s Transportation and Diversified Manufacturing investment banking practice. Tim advised public companies, private equity-backed businesses, and family-owned enterprises on M&A, capital raises, and strategic financings.

“I’m thrilled to join MiddleGround at such an exciting point in the Company’s growth,” said Curley. “The firm’s operator-led approach to private equity truly sets it apart, and I’m excited to help ensure our exit strategies reflect the incredible work being done with portfolio companies. I look forward to working alongside such a talented team to build on that success.”

Tim earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, from Villanova University.

About MiddleGround Capital
MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm based in Lexington, Kentucky with over $4.1 billion of assets under management. MiddleGround makes control equity investments in middle-market B2B industrial and specialty distribution businesses. MiddleGround works with its portfolio companies to create value through a hands-on operational approach and partners with its management teams to support long-term growth strategies. For more information, please visit: https://middleground.com/.

MiddleGround Capital Media Contacts
Doug Allen/Maya Hanowitz
Dukas Linden Public Relations
MiddleGround@dlpr.com
+1 (646) 722-6530


Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.