We are active partners, offering strategic support to disruptive European businesses with global ambitions
This is how we work
We invest in founders and managers who believe deeply in their companies. As a strong partner we challenge and work tirelessly to help solve any type of business issue, and also support in seizing opportunities. We do this as non-executives, recognising the critical separation between the roles of investors and management, and work to support executive teams within a framework of shared governance.
Aligned interests
We pride ourselves in building long-term trust-based relationships with our partners and managers, and ensure our interests and incentives are aligned, all the way from our investors to our portfolio companies’ employees. This is so we can work together to improve a company’s performance and value towards a mutually successful exit.
Systematic and customised support to management
We systematically support our management teams with implementing best practices and in making key decisions regarding talent, product & technology, sales & marketing, international expansion, channel development, governance and sustainability. We recognise that every company is different, and the nature and intensity of our support can vary widely in response to specific needs and opportunities. Typical examples of areas in which we will support management teams if and when needed:
We can support you with
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1. Brand awareness & company visibility
We believe they are essential to attract clients, partners and talent, as well as future buyers. We identify the best ways to increase profile with external advisors, and support participation in relevant events and awards, to increase visibility vis-à-vis various stakeholders, including analysts or consultants in the company’s industry and geographies.
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2. Client access & partnerships
We bring wide professional and personal networks and are willing to leverage them selectively for the benefit of our companies. This has proven valuable repeatedly in opening new relationships or in growing existing ones with clients, partners and potential buyers.
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3. Talent management
We have repeated experience in working with companies to make “can’t fail” senior hires. We have strong networks in the headhunting and business communities which facilitate candidate identification and vetting, and we support our leadership teams on these searches. We also prioritise the implementation of best-practice talent management processes.
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4. M&A, add-on acquisitions & financing
We often take the lead, in coordination with management, in sourcing and executing potential acquisitions. We support our companies with raising modest debt financing, when required. We start positioning our companies for an exit from Day 1.
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5. Comprehensive exit support
A successful exit process requires careful preparation. We actively monitor our companies’ M&A markets and maintain close relationships with leading investment banks with the strongest track record and knowledge in each company’s sector. In addition to exit preparations, advisor selection and execution, we usually play an active role in identifying (and even introducing) potential buyers.
Don’t just take our word for it
“A Formula 1 car needs both horsepower and handling to win races. What drew me in to work with Capital D was that the team did not just have massive intellectual horsepower, but that they were also people I could enjoy working with.”
