About Us
Novastone Capital Advisors (NCA) is a global firm that solves succession challenges faced by small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through our Operator-Led Search Fund Program.
What We do
NCA closely partners with experienced, mid-career operators with deep industry knowledge to identify, acquire, and grow privately held companies across Europe, the U.S., and Canada. Our carefully selected searchers serve as the optimal solution to succession by providing the next generation of leadership and ownership for SMEs
With a team of 50 full-time employees, over 100K direct connections with business owners,
and a training curriculum led by top business school professionals, NCA’s Program is meticulously
crafted to enhance the “traditional” search fund model.
Since its inception in 2019, NCA has partnered with over 70 searchers, overseen 22 acquisitions, and deployed ~$400mm with co-investors and lenders.
This success is a testament to the program’s ability to attract and empower best-in-class, mid-career professionals to acquire and grow family-owned businesses, particularly those facing succession issues.
OUR PROCESS
Our bespoke Operator-Led Search Fund Program is designed to identify and partner with experienced operators who make best-in-class Searchers. NCA offers support throughout the journey, which is optimised for success at every step:
Talent Sourcing
Our program selects only the most talented professionals with an MBA/EMBA and ~10 years of experience. Candidates undergo a rigorous screening process before being accepted into the program, ensuring only the best fit for our Search Fund model.
Along with direct applications, we also collaborate with top business schools to source high-caliber entrepreneurial talent for our program.
Search
Candidates admitted into the NCA Program initially raise a small pool of capital to fund a 24-month research project focused on identifying an acquisition opportunity.
NCA Searchers target well-established, profitable companies in fragmented industries with an enterprise value between EUR 10 and EUR 35 million, conducting research based on predefined industry criteria.
Acquisition
NCA actively oversees the entire process and co-invests in acquisitions, assisting Operators with presenting deals to investors, due diligence, negotiations, and helping secure follow-on funding for acquisitions.
As the deal closes, a shareholder agreement is established, the Operator becomes a NCA Portfolio Company CEO by assuming management, and a Board of Directors is set up to help the CEO drive growth for the acquired company.
Value Creation
Post-acquisition, NCA Searchers typically operate acquired businesses over several years, managing the company for operational excellence, financial optimization, digitalization, and revenue growth.
Because our ETA program allows NCA Searchers to become the largest shareholder of the company during acquisition, we ensure our long-term commitment to the business legacy. NCA continues to support our searchers through active involvement in the company’s management and advising on financial matters, while co-investors continue to offer transaction and industry experience as board members alongside NCA.
Financial Rewards
Our Operator-Led Search Fund Program generates mutually beneficial financial rewards for all stakeholders.
NCA’s highly specialized Operator-Led Search Fund Program offers co-investors the possibility to build a diversified portfolio of profitable and well-established companies, identified and managed by top-notch industry professionals in partnership with NCA. NCA Searchers benefit professionally by establishing a meaningful economic stake in an existing business legacy, and existing businesses can rest assured that we’re in it for the long haul, with NCA talent incentivized to optimize long-term growth as they become the largest shareholder.
Core Team
NCA’s core team is highly experienced in all aspects of talent sourcing, search and acquisition, investor relations, and value creation. Our extensive network and collective experience will take your success to the next level.
Advisory Board
NCA’s core team is highly experienced in all aspects of talent sourcing, search and acquisition, investor relations, and value creation. Our extensive network and collective experience will take your success to the next level.
