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Investment Criteria

Grattan Investment Group, Investment Criteria

We invest in businesses where we believe our experience, operational insight, and networks can make a meaningful difference. We only deploy capital when we are confident we can actively support founders and management teams in growing, strengthening, and scaling their businesses over the long term.

We invest where we can form a genuine partnership with sellers and management teams, aligning capital with experience to support long-term growth.

We consider both minority and majority investments in mature and early-stage businesses, across a broad range of industries. Our focus is not limited by rigid mandates, but guided by where we believe we can add real value.

We invest in businesses with strong leadership, good people, and clear potential for growth. Beyond capital, we look for opportunities where our operational experience, board-level involvement, and networks can help businesses scale and strengthen.

We are able to invest across a wide range of transaction sizes, with enterprise values typically ranging from €0.1 million to €40 million, depending on structure and opportunity.

While we have particular experience in manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, renewable energy, and technology, we remain open to opportunities in other sectors where we believe our skills and experience can make a meaningful difference.

Investing to develop a start-up business

We support start-up businesses by combining capital with the experience of the many founders and CEOs who make up Grattan Investment Group. Our members have built, scaled, and led businesses across multiple sectors and geographies, and bring the energy, experience, networks, and track record required to help early-stage companies succeed.

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As business founders and current and former CEOs, we provide practical, hands-on support that goes well beyond funding. We work closely with start-up founders to help them navigate the challenges of building and growing a business, drawing on real-world experience rather than theory.

How we support start-ups we invest in:

  • Mentorship and Guidance
    We offer practical mentorship based on first-hand experience of starting and running businesses, helping founders avoid common pitfalls and make better-informed decisions.

  • Strategic Insight
    Having experienced the full lifecycle of building companies, we provide guidance on strategy, product-market fit, growth planning, and scaling operations.

  • Access to Networks
    Our members bring extensive networks across investors, customers, partners, advisors, and service providers, helping start-ups connect with the right people at the right time.

  • Problem Solving Under Pressure
    We have navigated complex challenges and high-pressure situations and can help founders think through difficult decisions and unexpected obstacles.

  • Financial Discipline and Capital Strategy
    We support founders on cash-flow management, budgeting, fundraising strategy, and capital allocation to help build sustainable, well-financed businesses.

  • Operational Excellence
    We assist with improving operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and optimising resources as businesses grow.

  • Building Strong Teams
    We help founders think through hiring, leadership development, and organisational structure to ensure the right team is in place for the next stage of growth.

  • Sales, Marketing and Commercial Execution
    Drawing on experience launching and scaling businesses, we provide practical input on go-to-market strategy, sales execution, and brand development.

  • Confidence and Resilience
    Building a business is demanding. We bring perspective, encouragement, and resilience, supporting founders through both challenges and successes.

Our goal is to be a long-term, value-adding partner to start-ups—supporting founders as they build strong, scalable businesses with the potential for sustained growth.

Investing to assist a mature business

  • Investment and Capital Partnership

We invest equity into established businesses to support growth, strengthen balance sheets, or provide liquidity for owners planning a partial or full exit. This may include purchasing shares from a retiring owner, enabling continuity while freeing up capital for expansion or succession planning.

  • Strategic Guidance and Succession Planning

As former founders and CEOs, we bring practical experience in scaling businesses, navigating change, and planning leadership transitions. We work closely with owners to develop thoughtful succession plans—whether that involves grooming internal leadership, appointing new management, or transitioning ownership over time—ensuring stability and long-term success.

  • Operational and Commercial Expertise

Having taken businesses from early stage through maturity ourselves, we can support improvements in operational efficiency, systems, governance, and financial discipline. Where appropriate and agreed, we help identify opportunities for market expansion, new product or service lines, and improved commercial execution.

  • Refreshing Strategy, Brand and Vision

Many mature businesses benefit from renewed strategic focus. We can help refine long-term strategy, modernise branding or positioning, and bring fresh perspective—while respecting the company’s heritage and values.

  • Flexible Ownership Transitions

We are experienced in structuring phased buyouts, allowing owners to step back gradually while maintaining continuity and preserving relationships with customers, employees, and suppliers. Where appropriate, we can also support employee participation structures, helping align teams and incentivise long-term performance.

  • Networks and Business Development

Our members bring extensive networks across customers, partners, advisors, financiers, and industry leaders. We actively leverage these relationships to support business development, partnerships, and strategic opportunities.

  • Thoughtful Exit Planning

Where a full exit is the goal, we help owners plan and execute a structured transition. This may include the option for the former owner to remain involved at board level for a period, ensuring knowledge transfer and continuity while protecting the legacy of the business.

  • Culture and Continuity

We understand the importance of culture in long-established businesses. We work collaboratively with owners and management teams to preserve what makes the business successful, while supporting evolution and growth in a changing market.

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A Long-Term Partner

Grattan Investment Group brings more than capital. Through investment, strategic guidance, and hands-on operational support, we help mature businesses successfully transition ownership, unlock growth, and build a sustainable future—while respecting the legacy created by the founders who built them.

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