About Us
At Pacer Growth Partners, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship and sustainable business growth. Our mission is to acquire an exceptional business to preserve its legacy while driving continued success and innovation.

Diana Pacer
Founder & Managing Partner
Diana's journey is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of opportunity. Raised in China by a single mother, she learned early on the value of perseverance in the face of challenges. Her mother's strength and determination became the foundation of Diana's own unwavering drive.
As the granddaughter of a small business owner, Diana was introduced to entrepreneurship at an early age. By nine, she was working in her family's clothing store, learning the art of sales and customer connection. This experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and purpose, shaping her entrepreneurial mindset from a young age.
At just 15, Diana made the bold decision to move to the United States alone, driven by the dream of a better future. Arriving with little knowledge of English and no familiar support system, she faced an uphill battle. Yet, instead of being deterred, she quickly adapted. By 16, she was fully independent—living on her own and working as a restaurant hostess to support herself, proving her resilience and determination to succeed.
Diana's professional background includes diverse expertise across finance, strategy, and operations roles. As an investment banker with Citi, she has successfully led multi-billion dollar M&A transactions in industrial services, metals & mining, and manufacturing companies. Previously a management consultant with Accenture, Diana brings sharp expertise in creating scalable systems and driving impactful growth strategies. She gained deep operational experience across a wide range of projects, including Cybersecurity, ERP System Implementation, Project Management, and Organizational Performance.
Diana received both her BA in Economics and MBA in Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Economics from the University of Chicago. She is married to John, who was born and raised in Chicago. Together, they have a daughter, Emma (4). In her spare time, Diana loves going to amusement parks with her family.

John Pacer
Operating Partner
With a strong foundation in software engineering and artificial intelligence, my career has been marked by entrepreneurial endeavors that reflect my ability to innovate, lead, and deliver impactful solutions. My experience at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has provided me with the opportunity to design and implement cutting-edge AI systems, such as a multi-cloud personalized offering system for Celebrity Cruises and an automated penetration testing tool for AI security. Leading cross-departmental teams and ensuring the seamless integration of complex systems have honed my leadership and project management skills, making me adept at navigating the challenges of modern technology landscapes.
Prior to BCG, my role at Formation, a startup acquired by BCG, was pivotal in architecting multi-cloud solutions and optimizing cloud costs, reflecting my entrepreneurial mindset and strategic thinking. Leading a ten-member scrum team, I fostered a collaborative environment that drove innovation and efficiency. My hands-on approach to deploying real-time event pipelines and managing cloud infrastructure has equipped me with the technical expertise and adaptability essential for entrepreneurial success.
My tenure at Pareto Intelligence saw me rapidly rise through the ranks from Junior Software Engineer to Lead Software Engineer, where I spearheaded the development of multi-tenant web platforms and over 20 full-stack applications. Managing cross-functional Agile teams and mentoring new talent underscored my commitment to excellence and continuous growth. Notably, my initiative to transform manual data processes into high-frequency engines generated over $30 million in revenue, exemplifying my ability to deliver tangible business results through technological innovation.
With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Iowa State University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude, and international exposure through a cultural study abroad program in Florence, Italy, my academic background complements my professional achievements. Having been part of five acquisitions, including Formation's integration into BCG, I bring a unique perspective on business transitions and value creation. My entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a proven track record of technical excellence and leadership, positions me as a reliable and trustworthy partner for business owners looking to transition their legacy to capable and innovative hands.