Houston-based private equity firm earns top spot in Financial Times’ 2025 ranking of the Americas’ fastest-growing companies

Hawthorne Capital, a Houston-based private equity firm specializing in rural Texas land investments, has been named the No. 1 fastest-growing real estate company across North, Central, and South America in the Financial Times’ 2025 Americas’ Fastest-Growing Companies list.

The annual ranking highlights the top 300 high-growth businesses across 20 countries, based on verified compound annual revenue growth over a three-year period. Hawthorne Capital’s exceptional performance secured the top spot among real estate firms, reflecting its rapid expansion and strong investor results.

This recognition builds on another milestone earlier this year: in February 2025, Hawthorne earned official Great Place to Work® certification, underscoring its commitment to both financial performance and workplace excellence.

Hawthorne has sold over $100 million worth of rural Texas land—more than 7,000 acres—and has surpassed $10 million in investor returns. The company currently distributes more than $450,000 in monthly investor payments, demonstrating consistent performance in the rural land market. Its leadership team and advisory board bring more than 100 years of combined real estate experience, specializing in acquiring and subdividing large tracts of 100–500 acres near major Texas metro areas including Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Antonio. Doug Smith, Founder and CEO of Hawthorne Capital, emphasized the company’s values in his remarks:

“This recognition affirms our mission of improving lives through rural land ownership,” said Smith. “From the beginning, we’ve focused on working smart, working hard, and doing right by others—delivering dependable returns for our investors while creating a path to peace, freedom, and family connection for our land buyers.”

“We never set out to be the fastest-growing real estate company in the Americas, but staying true to our values has brought us here. It’s incredibly meaningful to see those efforts acknowledged—and we’re even more excited about what’s ahead for our investors, our team, and the communities we serve.”

With more than two decades of real estate experience, Smith has bought and sold over 100 houses, successfully exited a property technology company, and taught real estate investment strategies. Hawthorne Capital represents the evolution of his career, combining a proven investment model with the goal of building and protecting wealth—both his own and that of like-minded investors.

Beyond financial results, Hawthorne is committed to community impact. The company’s team members volunteer quarterly with Houston-area nonprofits, while Smith personally invests in veteran-owned businesses, mentors local entrepreneurs, and funds scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

Looking ahead, Hawthorne plans to expand its portfolio, strengthen investor partnerships, and further increase its community contributions—all while continuing to provide investors with stable, secured returns.

About Hawthorne Capital

Hawthorne Capital is a Houston-based private equity firm that specializes in acquiring, subdividing, improving, and selling rural Texas land. Founded on the principle of improving lives through rural land ownership, the company has sold over $100 million worth of land while maintaining focus on providing investors with predictable, passive income secured by first liens against tangible assets.

Investment opportunities are subject to investor qualification requirements. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

For more information, visit hawthornecapital.com.

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