BridgeInvest Surpasses $1 Billion AUM, Expands into New Markets Amid CRE Lending Shift

BridgeInvest, a nationally recognized private real estate lender, has surpassed $1 billion in assets under management, marking a significant milestone for the firm. According to Alex Horn, Managing Partner and Founder, this achievement reflects investor confidence, evidenced by a 90% limited partner reinvestment rate across five fund vintages and a 15-year track record of strong risk-adjusted returns. The firm has evolved into a market leader in senior-secured commercial real estate credit, known for its disciplined approach and execution across market cycles.

Over the past year, BridgeInvest doubled its origination volume and expanded into the Central U.S. and West Coast regions. This strategic move aims to capitalize on portfolio diversification and high-growth markets where traditional lenders have retreated. The expansion was supported by key hires, including Isaac Marcus as General Counsel and Danny Alvarez as Vice President of West Coast Originations. In the last 12 months, the firm reviewed $46 billion in deal flow and invested $685 million across 18 transactions, primarily in transitional bridge lending.

Amid global uncertainty, including tariffs and shifting interest rates, BridgeInvest positions itself to benefit from turbulent markets. Horn notes that uncertainty creates tailwinds for senior-secured CRE credit, as borrowers seek reliable lenders for bespoke solutions. The widening funding gap, particularly for transitional assets and refinancing needs, makes private capital essential. Investors can access loans with all-in coupons of 7-9%, featuring first-lien priority and exposure below replacement cost. The firm maintains discipline, closing only 18 loans out of over 1,000 reviewed, focusing on multifamily, office, and industrial assets where volatility creates value.

A recent transaction illustrates BridgeInvest's role in filling lending gaps. In H1 2025, the firm closed a $21.5 million senior-secured loan on a 128-unit mixed-use project in downtown Atlanta, refinancing existing debt and providing capital for reserves and costs after traditional lenders pulled back due to lease-up delays. This deal highlights BridgeInvest's ability to offer flexible capital and support high-quality sponsors during transitional phases.

Multifamily remains a core focus, with $250 million closed across six transactions in H1 2025. Market dynamics, including a 4.5-million-unit housing shortfall and supply constraints, have shifted lending opportunities. Construction starts have dropped nearly 70% from their 2022 peak due to tariffs, labor shortages, and higher costs, driving replacement costs higher. BridgeInvest provides senior-secured financing below replacement cost with conservative leverage, offering downside protection and attractive returns.

In industrial real estate, short-term oversupply and rising vacancy rates present lending opportunities. Despite challenges, BridgeInvest leverages conservative lending practices and focuses on core markets where onshoring and supply chain realignment may absorb excess supply long-term. The firm has historically outperformed in similar dislocations, such as during the 2015 oil shock and COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking ahead, private credit is expected to play a central role in CRE lending, serving as a primary capital source rather than just an alternative to banks. BridgeInvest aims to build new sponsor relationships and deploy capital selectively in volatile markets, emphasizing reliability and solutions-oriented partnerships. For more information, visit https://www.bridgeinvest.com.