Michael Lustbader Wins First Wash100 Award for Driving Expansion of Arlington Capital Partners
Executive Mosaic is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Lustbader, managing partner at Arlington Capital Partners, as one of the winners of the 2025 Wash100 Award. Lustbader earned his first Wash100 Award for driving Arlington’s expansion efforts through various investments and acquisitions.
Don’t miss your chance to support Michael Lustbader! Go to Wash100.com and vote for him in this year’s popular vote competition. Voting ends on April 30.
The Wash100 Award is the ultimate accolade for individuals at the forefront of the government contracting arena. This prestigious achievement showcases the most brilliant leaders in the federal government and GovCon industry.
Cornerstone of Arlington Capital Partners
“Michael has been a cornerstone of Arlington Capital Partners since its founding in 1999, helping shape the firm into a powerhouse in GovCon dealmaking,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award.
“Now earning his first Wash100, he’s played a key role in major acquisitions, including Tyto Athene’s recent expansions. A trusted advisor and board member for multiple organizations, Michael’s expertise continues to steer some of the industry’s most significant moves,” added Garrettson.
Under Lustbader’s leadership, Arlington Capital Partners and its portfolio companies expanded their business through various acquisitions and investments.
Successful Close of Arlington Capital Partners VI
In January last year, Arlington closed its largest fund to date. Fund VI closed at $3.8 billion worth of total capital commitments, surpassing its $3.25 billion target and doubling the previous high of $1.7 billion set in 2019.
The record-breaking fund will be used to invest in aerospace and defense, government services and technology and healthcare companies, particularly those focused on advanced national security technologies, supply chain resilience and medical innovations.
“The success of this fundraise is a testament to our team’s unrivaled domain expertise, collaborative approach and consistent track record across our target sectors, which are poised for substantial growth over the next decade-plus. We are tremendously grateful to our investors, and we look forward to putting this capital to work as a partner of choice for founders and management teams, helping to build their businesses into market leaders and sought-after strategic assets,” Lustbader and other managing partners said in a statement.
Acquisitions by Arlington Portfolio Company Avenu
Arlington’s portfolio company, Avenu Insights & Analytics, completed the acquisitions of Finvi’s State and Local Government Division in January 2024 and Judicial Innovations the following month. The Finvi SLG acquisition enhances Avenu’s payment processing capabilities, including the optimization of revenue recovery. With Judicial Innovations, Avenu further strengthens its government payment technologies and justice solution portfolio.
Arlington Sale of J&J Worldwide Services
The private investing firm also finalized the sale of J&J Worldwide Services to the CBRE Group last February for $1.05 billion, with $800 million paid in cash and an additional $250 million tied to performance.
Lustbader attributed J&J’s substantial growth during its four-year tenure with Arlington to the number of transformational contracts it won during the partnership.
“We are proud to have extended J&J’s 50-year history of continuous organic growth under our ownership,” said Lustbader. “CBRE’s leadership in real estate services and global footprint position them to be an excellent home for J&J to build upon its achievements. J&J represents a prime example of Arlington’s ability to invest in founder-owned businesses and accelerate their growth through our industry expertise and network of world-class executives,” he added.
Acquisitions by Arlington Portfolio Company Tyto Athene
Tyto Athene, another Arlington portfolio company, acquired Microtel in April 2024 to bolster its capabilities in the space domain. Microtel, a company specializing in software development and systems engineering for space missions, will strengthen Tyto’s relationship with NASA and other federal agencies, particularly in space domain awareness. The acquisition integrates Microtel’s expertise in utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies in developing software for operating robotic spacecraft, rovers and onboard flight applications.
Lustbader remarked on the acquisition, saying, “For nearly three decades, Microtel has been a proven leader in software development for space programs and this expertise complements our existing space command work. This acquisition underscores Tyto’s commitment to delivering exceptional solutions and expanding its presence in critical markets, including its relationship with NASA.”
Tyto also acquired MindPoint Group last year, further boosting its cybersecurity capabilities and solidifying its commitment to support global public sector goals. MindPoint President Patti Chanthaphone joined Tyto as president of the federal civilian group, responsible for overseeing the company’s cyber initiatives.
A Driving Force at Arlington
Lustbader has been a driving force at Arlington since its formation in 1999, providing critical management and investment leadership as one of its managing partners. With over 25 years of private equity and merger and acquisition expertise, the Harvard graduate has effectively led the firm’s government services investments, paving the way for his first Wash100 win.
Executive Mosaic extends its congratulations to Michael Lustbader and Arlington Capital Partners for their recognition on the distinguished Wash100 list. We invite you to cast your vote for him at Wash100.com.