About us
Experienced Search Fund and SME Succession Investors
Orca Equity Partners is an experienced and entrepreneurial investor dedicated to unlocking the potential in Europe's SMEs by partnering with the next generation of CEO talent. We specialise in entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA), investing in search funds, self-funded search acquisitions, management buy-ins, and roll-up strategies across the UK and Continental Europe.
Based in London, we focus on the lower middle market, backing talented individuals who are ready to acquire and lead established, profitable businesses through ownership succession and growth transitions. We combine deep SME investing expertise with genuine operational experience, enabling us to be truly value-added partners throughout the acquisition and value creation journey.
Our background and investment track record
Our founding partners have worked together for several years, building a deep track record of investing in SMEs undergoing management succession and supporting new CEOs to transform them into enduring, high-performing businesses. Collectively, we bring almost 50 years of experience across lower middle market private equity, search funds, entrepreneurship, operations, and Board leadership.
Prior to founding Orca, our partners held senior positions at leading private equity firms where they led numerous SME succession buyouts and roll-ups. We have served on c. 40 Boards, working alongside first-time and experienced CEOs to navigate complex strategic decisions, operational challenges, and successful exits.
Investment philosophy
We believe that Europe's family-owned SMEs represent one of the most attractive investment opportunities in the market today. These businesses often have strong fundamentals—loyal customer bases, proven business models, and sustainable profitability—but face leadership transitions as founding owners approach retirement. By partnering with talented acquisition entrepreneurs, we can unlock significant value through professional management, strategic repositioning, and targeted growth initiatives.
Our investor network and capital partners
We are supported by a network of over 50 engaged investors who bring both capital and expertise to our partnerships. Many of our limited partners are highly successful entrepreneurs and former CEOs who have built and exited their own businesses. They are motivated to invest their capital, time, and knowledge to support the next generation of acquisition entrepreneurs.
This network provides our portfolio companies with:
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Strategic advice from operators who have faced similar challenges in scaling SMEs
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Insights and market intelligence across key sectors
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Support through introductions to potential customers and partners
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Follow-on capital for bolt-on acquisitions and growth investments
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Identifying and attracting top management talent
Our investors are located across the UK and Europe, giving our entrepreneurs access to a network of resources and relationships on the ground.
We back talented individuals with equity capital, strategic guidance, and a trusted network of successful former CEOs and functional experts from all key sectors. Our style is collaborative and hands-on: we are deeply engaged partners who combine strategic insight with practical, real-world experience to help entrepreneurs succeed in complex operating environments.
Our Partnership Approach to SME Succession Buyouts
How We Add Value
Strategic Support
We work with you to develop clear, actionable strategies for growth. This includes identifying new market opportunities, evaluating acquisition targets for bolt-on growth, optimising pricing and go-to-market approaches, and positioning the business for an eventual exit.
Operational Guidance
Drawing on decades of operating experience, we help implement best practices in financial management, operational efficiency, sales and marketing effectiveness, and organisational development. We can assist with everything from implementing new ERP systems to redesigning sales compensation structures.
Board Governance
We help you build a strong, functional Board by recruiting experienced independent directors who bring relevant sector expertise and can challenge and support you as CEO. We facilitate effective Board processes that drive accountability and informed decision-making.
Network Access
Through our extensive network, we connect you with potential customers, acquisition targets, debt providers, recruitment firms, and functional specialists (CFOs, sales leaders, operations experts) who can strengthen your management team.
Capital Solutions
Beyond our initial equity investment, we help you access additional growth capital when needed. We actively want to put more of our own capital behind successful teams to support M&A.
At Orca, we believe in long-term partnership and shared success. Our team commits significant personal capital alongside our investors in every transaction, ensuring we are fully invested—both financially and personally—in the success of every entrepreneur we back.
All of our investments are structured to create meaningful equity ownership for our entrepreneur partners. We believe that substantial ownership drives the right behaviours and ensures true alignment of interests throughout the investment period and at exit.
We are also committed to building enduring businesses, not just financial returns. While we seek attractive investment returns, we do so by supporting entrepreneurs in building sustainable, well-managed companies that create value for all stakeholders—employees, customers, and communities.
Our commitment & alignment
Our Investment Process
For Search Fund Entrepreneurs:
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We discuss your background, motivations and search thesis over 2-3 meetings. We attempt to understand who you are, how you think and what drives you
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We commit capital to fund your 24 month search period
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We review potential acquisitions and provide feedback throughout your search
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Once you identify the right business, we lead or participate in the equity financing and help arrange debt
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We often join the Board, or assist in convening the right Board to support your journey. In all cases we seek to provide ongoing strategic and operational support
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We work together to execute growth initiatives – often supporting hands-on with bolt-on M&A
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We support the exit process through strategic sale or secondary buyout
For Self-Funded Searchers and Experienced Operators:
We can engage at any stage of your journey—whether you're beginning your search, under LOI on a specific transaction, or looking to build a multi-company platform. Our process is flexible and tailored to your specific situation.
Get in touch
If you're a talented entrepreneur considering entrepreneurship through acquisition, we'd welcome the opportunity to learn about your background and ambitions.
Whether you're exploring search funds for the first time, actively searching for acquisition targets, or ready to close your first deal, we’re here to discuss how we can support your ETA journey.