NewStar Financial

No hot air here: NewStar Financial is in the business of providing small and midsized companies with the capital they need to create a spark. The company provides a variety of loans (primarily secured senior debt) for refinancing, acquisitions, consolidations, and commercial real estate and equipment purchases. Its loans typically range from $5 million to $20 million. NewStar serves clients in industries including retail and consumer products, health care, media and information, and energy. Clients have included TIDI Products, Centerplate, and Media Storm. The company has offices in Connecticut, Illinois, and Massachusetts.