For lower middle market private equity investors, evaluating a potential portfolio company’s culture is a critical factor in investment decision-making. While financial metrics, legal compliance and key customer relationships are essential diligence considerations, evaluating a potential portfolio company’s culture is equally vital given its impact on employee engagement, productivity, and a company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions. A strong and aligned culture can propel a company to new heights, fostering innovation, teamwork, and a competitive edge. Conversely, a misaligned or toxic culture can impede growth, hinder performance, and contribute to employee dissatisfaction. Here, we discuss how MCM Capital analyzes portfolio company culture during the diligence process and how we assess employee culture and morale during our investment period.