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 27 acquisitions, and acquired $455m in enterprise value 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:
SEARCHER SELECTION
Our program selects only the most talented professionals with ~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.
ONBOARDING
Successful Candidates are onboarded to the Program. NCA finances the Search Budget (with a contribution from Searchers), which is used to cover the Searcher’s living, administrative, and transaction-related expenses during the Search Phase. The search fund special purpose vehicle (SF SPV) is established, allowing Searchers to begin searching for a suitable Target immediately.
SEARCH
Candidates admitted into the NCA Program begin a 24-month research project focused on identifying an acquisition opportunity.
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.
GROWTH
Post-acquisition, NCA Portfolio Company CEOs typically manage acquired businesses for several years, focusing on operational excellence, financial optimization, digitalization, and revenue growth.
Because our Program allows NCA Searchers to become the largest shareholder during acquisition, we ensure long-term commitment to business legacy. NCA continues to support our Portfolio Company CEOs through active involvement in the company’s management and advising on financial matters, while co-investors continue to offer industry experience as board members alongside NCA.
FINAL REWARDS
Our Operator-Led Search Fund Program generates mutually beneficial financial rewards for all stakeholders.
Co-investors are given the possibility to build a diversified portfolio of profitable and well-established companies, identified and managed by top industry professionals in partnership with NCA. NCA Operators benefit from NCA’s support and partnership, enabling them to secure a significant economic stake in an established business. And existing business owners find an optimal solution to succession with experienced, funded searchers that proudly continue their company’s legacy and growth.
Core Team
Our team of seasoned experts is dedicated to supporting searchers in acquiring great businesses, fulfilling founder legacies, and delivering strong returns for all stakeholders.
Novastone Partners Inc
Novastone Partners Inc. is the parent company providing strategic oversight and governance across Novastone Capital Advisors and the Novastone Partners Investment Funds.
