The Growth Potential of Venture Capital, The Fundamentals of Private Equity
$7.4 trillion in small business assets are approaching succession. Search Fund Ventures combines disciplined diligence, anchor capital, and a targeted value creation engine to invest in the businesses that power our economy.
Our portfolio averages a 3.9x purchase multiple — 15% below market — with credit metrics 24% less risky and investor terms 22% less burdensome than comparable acquisitions.
Riding the Golden Wave
Three investment themes that drive our strategy and create sustainable competitive advantages.
Staying Power
We target companies with sustainable earnings power — essential services, 10+ years of operating history, and the resilience to endure multiple economic cycles.
Incentive Alignment
Economics aligned between buyer and investors, robust governance, and operators well-positioned to execute — creating accountability at every level.
Asymmetric Bet
A credible path to outsized returns — search funds have averaged ~30% IRR (Stanford) — combined with a healthy margin of safety and conservative deal structures.
A Boutique Experience
Unlike large institutional funds, we provide hands-on partnership with every portfolio company and investor relationship.
- Direct access to managing partners on every deal
- Personalized investment recommendations based on your criteria
- Transparent reporting and regular portfolio updates
- Exclusive co-investment opportunities alongside the fund
3.9x
Avg. Purchase Multiple (15% Below Market)
1,500+
Accredited Investors
24%
Less Risky Credit Metrics
$11B+
Transaction Experience
22%
Less Burdensome Fees
Experienced Leadership Team
Combining institutional finance expertise with proven entrepreneurial success across multiple exits and $11B+ in transaction experience.
Sean Smith
Managing Partner
Sean brings institutional finance expertise from CIBC, where he facilitated over $11 billion in transactions. His entrepreneurial success with Tangerine House and M&A advisory experience at Applico Capital provides unique insight into both buy-side and sell-side dynamics.
View Full Bio →
Nick Bryant
Founding Partner & Anchor Investor
Technology entrepreneur with multiple exits, starting at NASA's Intelligent Robotics Group. Early engineer at SharpSpring (HubSpot competitor), founder of Arcanium.vc, and creator of Interesting Inventions Inc. Deep expertise in AI and automation.
View Full Bio →Free Resources
Education-first. We share everything we know about lower-market investing.
Free Guide
The Self-Funded Search Guide
Everything you need to know about self-funded search — from raising capital to closing your first deal. Built from real operator experience.
Download Free GuideNewsletter
The SMB Investor
Market insights, deal analysis, and lessons from the trenches. No fluff, no spam. Just signal for serious investors and operators.
Subscribe FreePodcast
The SMB Investor Show
Real conversations with operators, investors, and dealmakers in the lower middle market. New episodes weekly.
Follow on SpotifyPartner with Industry Leaders
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how Search Fund Ventures can enhance your investment portfolio with uncorrelated, high-return assets.