Strategic Storage Trust VI Secures $35M Investment

The capital infusion from an affiliate of SmartStop Self Storage will help reduce debt and fund growth projects.

September 08, 2025

Strategic Storage Trust VI Launches $35 Million Series D Preferred Equity Offering

Strategic Storage Trust VI just took a clear step to strengthen its capital position. On September 4, 2025, the company announced a $35 million preferred equity agreement with SSSR Preferred Investor, LLC—an affiliate of SmartStop Self Storage REIT. The deal gives Strategic Storage Trust VI access to up to 1.4 million Series D Preferred Units through its operating partnership, priced at $25 per unit.

The first $5 million of that investment is already in. In exchange for 200,000 Series D units, SSSR Preferred Investor provided the initial capital under the terms of the agreement. This capital isn’t sitting idle—it’s earmarked for debt reduction (including obligations to the company’s sponsor), funding development and improvement projects, and supporting general corporate activity.

Distribution Structure and Payout Timeline

The terms of the Series D units are designed with a long-term horizon in mind. Distributions start at 6% annually and step up each year—moving to 7% after year two, 8% after year three, and 9% after year four. These distributions are paid monthly and calculated using an actual/360-day schedule.

Seniority and Liquidity Features

From a structural perspective, these preferred units rank ahead of common equity and junior securities but remain subordinate to other senior preferred equity, including the company’s Series B units. They also come with specific redemption and repurchase terms.

• Redemption: After the second anniversary of issuance, the operating partnership can redeem units at full liquidation value, plus any accrued distributions.


• Repurchase: Investors may request repurchase within a 90-day window following specific triggering events defined in the agreement.

Updates to the Partnership Agreement

This move also led to updates in the company’s operating partnership agreement. Those changes formally recognize the new Series D units and lock in their rights and preferences.

For Strategic Storage Trust VI, the deal reflects a straightforward approach to capital planning. The company gains flexibility without taking on additional leverage, positioning itself to manage near-term obligations while keeping future development on track. And with SmartStop’s backing, the structure adds both funding and stability to the roadmap ahead.