Search Fund Ventures I
Durable small businesses, and a partner after close
We invest in B2B businesses with $500K–$5M in EBITDA and ten or more years of profit, alongside the people who buy and run them. Then we stay involved as a value-add investor, not just a capital provider.
- Portfolio companies
- 11
- Portfolio companies
- First investment
- 2024
- First investment
- Where we invest
- North America
- Where we invest
- To new investors
- Closed
- To new investors
Strategy
Four tests every deal has to pass
We say no to most of what we see. If a business fails one of these, we pass.
Staying Power
Essential services, ten or more years of profit, and a record through more than one economic cycle.
Margin of Safety
Prices and debt levels that leave room for mistakes.
Incentive Alignment
The buyer and the investors share the same economics, with real board oversight.
Asymmetric Bet
A realistic path to a large return, with a conservative structure in case we are wrong.
After close
How we add value
The first year or two is about a steady transition. Growth work comes once the foundation is in place.
1
Governance & systems
The foundation first: clean financials, a finance function the business can rely on, and an operating rhythm of leadership meetings, scorecards and board oversight. The goal is a business that no longer depends on one person.
2
M&A
Add-on acquisitions when the business is ready for them. We source the deals, help with diligence and structure, and help close them. Think of it as a corporate development team the business could not afford on its own.
3
Tech enablement
The right software, rolled out well. Usually that starts with the basics, like a job management system, a CRM or better reporting, so the team spends less time on paperwork and more time with customers.
Team
Who you work with
Sean Smith
Managing Partner
Investment banking at CIBC and M&A advisory at Applico Capital before founding SFV. Leads investments and portfolio strategy.
Matt Silva
Head of SFV Proprietaries
Former investment banker at Citi and Credit Suisse, and CEO of a family business he grew and systematized. Leads proprietary deal sourcing.
Co-invest deal by deal
Fund I is closed to new investors. Family offices and accredited investors can still co-invest next to the fund, deal by deal, with full deal memos and direct access to the partners.
Book a call →Existing investors
Reports and documents for Fund I investors are in the investor portal.
Investor login →Who can invest
Our funds and co-investments are open to accredited investors, qualified institutional buyers and family offices that meet SEC requirements.
Ask about accreditation →