Investing in Searchers First, Acquisitions Second
TM
Investing in searchers first and acquisitions second reflects a strategic approach that prioritizes identifying and supporting exceptional entrepreneurial talent within the search fund space. This approach emphasizes a commitment to building a strong foundation by providing tailored mentorship, resources, and financial backing to searchers as they navigate the complexities of sourcing and negotiating acquisitions. By focusing on the individual searcher's vision, leadership potential, and operational acumen, this model fosters a collaborative environment where searchers are empowered to excel. A unique program structure that combines hands-on support, industry-specific guidance, and personalized attention ensures that the acquisition phase benefits from thorough preparation and alignment, ultimately driving successful outcomes for both the entrepreneur and investors.
What is a Search Fund?
What is a Search Fund?
Search funds are a compelling investment vehicle designed for investors seeking to partner with highly motivated entrepreneurs to acquire and grow privately held businesses. This model begins with identifying promising searchers—driven individuals, often with strong business acumen and leadership potential—who are backed to find and acquire a single business. The targeted companies are typically established, profitable, and owner-managed, often facing a succession challenge. For investors, search funds offer a unique opportunity to be involved in the entire lifecycle: from providing mentorship and strategic guidance during the search phase to supporting operational growth after acquisition. With the potential for significant returns and alignment of interests between searchers and investors, search funds present a dynamic way to diversify portfolios and invest in the transformative power of entrepreneurial leadership.
Partners For
The Long Haul
There is no evidence to suggest that the speed of capital raising has any impact on the success of a search fund. However, there is substantial and compelling evidence indicating that the composition of your cap table can be the determining factor between a mediocre outcome and a significant success. The right investors do more than provide capital—they mentor, guide, and actively support you throughout your journey. It is this guidance and strategic involvement that has historically driven the success of search funds. Ask any successful searcher today, and they will have a story about how their board or cap table members played a pivotal role in their success. With the growing number of new investors and searchers entering the space, this principle is more relevant than ever.
Been There Done That
As the search fund space continues to attract an increasing number of investors, fewer truly understand the realities of the search journey. We have firsthand experience—both in success and in failure—and have built an extensive network of current and former searchers, CEOs, and investors who deeply understand the challenges and nuances of being a searcher. This firsthand, "in-the-trenches" knowledge is invaluable to new searchers as they navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the process. Your investors should be more than just capital providers—they should be true partners in your journey.
Victoriam Equity Offerings
Supporting searchers through proactive means involves providing tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a robust network at every stage of their journey. By anticipating challenges and equipping searchers with the tools and insights needed to navigate complex acquisitions, Victoriam Equity plays a pivotal role in their success. This hands-on approach fosters confidence, alignment, and long-term value creation for both searchers and investors.
Victoriam Equity leverages extensive access to a diverse network of industry experts, offering unparalleled insight and guidance across a wide range of sectors. This deep bench of specialized knowledge enables tailored support for searchers and portfolio companies, ensuring informed decision-making at every stage. By connecting searchers with proven leaders and advisors, Victoriam Equity empowers them to navigate complexities and unlock growth opportunities with confidence.
Victoriam Equity brings extensive experience in due diligence and analyzing potential business acquisitions, ensuring informed and strategic decision-making. With a meticulous approach, the team evaluates financial, operational, and market dynamics to identify opportunities that align with long-term growth objectives. This expertise allows Victoriam Equity to guide searchers in selecting high-quality businesses with strong fundamentals and scalable potential.
Victoriam Equity is a team of search fund experts with a proven track record of supporting both investors and searchers throughout the entire process. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the search fund model, they offer strategic guidance, hands-on support, and valuable insights to ensure successful outcomes. Whether helping investors identify high-potential opportunities or empowering searchers to navigate acquisitions, Victoriam Equity is dedicated to creating long-term value and fostering growth.
Why Victoriam Equity?
wIDE ACCESS TO PROPRIETARY SOURCING
PROACTIVE VALUE CREATION WITH EXPERIENCED INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Access to a broad portfolio of investments
extensive diligence experience with focus on minimizing downside scenarios
specific investment thesis for selected businesses
investing in searchers first and acqusitions second
About Victoriam Equity
Get to Know Us
At Victoriam Equity, we believe that exceptional outcomes are driven by the strength of the team behind them. With over 40 years of combined experience in the search fund space, the founders bring deep expertise and a commitment to supporting both searchers and investors.
Bramley Johnson has spent more than 15 years actively contributing to the global search fund community. As the Managing Director of Avanti Ventures and an early investor in Europe’s first search fund, Bramley has played a pivotal role in advancing the industry. His extensive experience as the Director of the International Search Fund Center includes mentoring searchers, organizing major conferences, and championing initiatives to support leaders in the space.
Carl Lundberg, a London-based chartered accountant and corporate finance advisor, is the CEO of Gerald Edelman LLP. With over a decade of experience advising SMEs, Carl is widely recognized as the leading advisor to search funds and self-funded searchers in the UK. He has also invested in numerous search fund deals and founded the Found & Funded podcast, further fostering collaboration within the community.
Together, our founders bring a unique combination of strategic insight and hands-on experience, ensuring that Victoriam Equity is a trusted partner in helping searchers realize their vision and guiding investors to create lasting value.
