enVision Capital, a division of management consulting and mid-stage venture capital firm enVision Business Consulting, has selected rapidly growing restaurant supply chain company SpenDifference, LLC for its first investment. Both companies are based in Denver.

Launched in 2008, SpenDifference partners with mid-sized restaurant companies, providing full-service purchasing and supply chain services. Its clients currently represent more than a half-billion dollars annually in spending. They include such chains as Taco John's, Sizzler, Smashburger, Pizza Ranch, Big Boy and others. enVision, formed in 2009, is a national management consulting firm. According to Managing Partner Robert Novick, enVision was created to help companies grow through both consulting and angel investments.

"enVision began working with SpenDifference three years ago, helping to develop its business and operational strategies," Novick said. "We have come to appreciate the value SpenDifference creates, their business model and leadership. We believe SpenDifference has tremendous potential."

Novick said enVision is taking a minority stake in SpenDifference. "Consultants are often derided for giving advice and walking away," he added. "With this investment we have aligned our financial goals and demonstrated our belief in SpenDifference and its management team." The amount of the investment was not disclosed.

"This is further validation that our approach to helping chain restaurants save money and operate more efficiently is truly unique," said Maryanne Rose, SpenDifference president and CEO. "Even with the economy strengthening, restaurant chains are facing huge challenges as they struggle to manage costs and increasingly complex supply chains."

Rose said the funding will be used to increase staff and invest in more technology - two strategic areas the company identified as critical to its growth. The company currently has approximately two dozen employees. Its offices are on East 46th Avenue in Denver.