# Joe Benavides

> Joe Benavides is the New York-based CEO and founder of OceanSound Partners, a private equity firm focused on technology and technology-enabled services in aerospace, defense, government and highly regulated markets. A former Veritas Capital partner and Blackstone managing director, he emphasizes active ownership, organizational foundations and growth through operational changes and acquisitions.

- **Role:** CEO and Founder at OceanSound Partners
- **Organizations:** OceanSound Partners, Veritas Capital, The Blackstone Group, Credit Suisse First Boston, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Southern Methodist University Cox Executive Board
- **Education:** BS in Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology, MBA, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School
- **Known for:** Co-founded OceanSound Partners following senior roles at Blackstone and Veritas Capital., Led OceanSound through three flagship fundraises., Member of the SMU Cox Executive Board.

## Career timeline

- **Early career** — Worked at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Credit Suisse First Boston.
- **2004-2006** — Managing Director at The Blackstone Group.
- **2007-2018** — Partner at Veritas Capital.
- **2018** — Founded OceanSound Partners with Ted Coons and Jeff Kelly.
- **2022** — OceanSound announced the close of its $780 million inaugural fund.
- **2024** — OceanSound closed Fund II with $1.49 billion in commitments.
- **2026** — OceanSound announced $3.0 billion in Fund III commitments and $3.4 billion including related co-investment vehicles.

## Achievements

- Co-founded OceanSound Partners following senior roles at Blackstone and Veritas Capital.
- Led OceanSound through three flagship fundraises.
- Member of the SMU Cox Executive Board.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — OceanSound-backed ARA announced a merger with Empower RF Systems on October 8.
- **2026-10** — IMSAR announced a strategic investment from OceanSound on October 5; Ryan Smith remains CEO and retains significant ownership.
- **2026-06** — Kenneth Wolff joined OceanSound as Partner and Chief Legal Officer after more than fifteen years working with Benavides as an advisor.
- **2026-04** — OceanSound announced the final close of Fund III and related co-investment capital.
- **2026-03** — OceanSound hired Laura Noisten to lead capital markets and leveraged finance activities.

## Links

- Website: https://oceansoundpartners.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-benavides-02393956

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/joe-benavides
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-08