Elite Interactive Solutions announced an investment from Chicago-based private equity firm CIVC Partners.

“This is a defining moment not just for Elite, but for the entire category of proactive security,” said Aria Kozak, founder of Elite and a 2024 inductee into the Security Industry Hall of Fame. “After an exhaustive process, CIVC emerged as the ideal partner to help us scale our vision. This strategic investment enables us to fully capitalize on our unmatched ability to prevent crime, drive apprehensions, and deliver industry-leading customer retention.”

Founded in 2007, Elite is provider of remote guarding, delivering a proven solution that consistently outperforms traditional guard services at a fraction of the cost. CIVC Partners, which has deployed more than $2.9 billion of capital across 88 platform investments since 1989, will provide both capital and strategic guidance to further accelerate Elite’s growth trajectory. Houlihan Lokey advised CIVC on the transaction.

“This is a milestone deal for the industry and a transformational opportunity for Elite,” said Michael Zatulov, who has been promoted to CEO as part of the growth initiative. “Private businesses and public agencies are increasingly overwhelmed by crime and ineffective security measures. Elite has already proven it can deliver exceptional results at scale. With CIVC’s backing, we are poised to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and build a truly next-generation security platform.” 

Zatulov, who joined Elite in 2017 and most recently served as president and COO, succeeds Kozak as CEO. Kozak will remain actively involved as chairman of the board.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to learn from and work alongside Aria,” added Zatulov. “His legacy as a pioneer in this space is unmatched, and I’m humbled to continue the mission he started — to reimagine security as a proactive, intelligence-driven service.”