We invest our own capital in mid-sized companies, Search Funds, roll-ups and buy-and-build strategies. We see ourselves as entrepreneurial partners, not just investors, with a focus on business succession and growth through Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). We bring transaction experience, operational expertise and a strong network – alongside personal commitment, a genuine passion for entrepreneurship and close collaboration with Searchers, CEOs and co-investors. Our ambition is to share entrepreneurial responsibility and build lasting value together.
We invest our own capital as entrepreneurs backing entrepreneurs, without the constraints of a traditional fund structure. This enables us to make decisions quickly, flexibly and with a long-term perspective.
We invest in high-quality mid-sized companies and partner with compelling Searchers, CEOs and entrepreneurial talent who have the potential to successfully develop and grow businesses over the long term.
As entrepreneurs, we support Searchers, CEOs and management teams over the long term as active and reliable partners – bringing extensive leadership and transaction experience, diverse perspectives and a strong focus on execution.
Supporting succession solutions for selected small to mid-sized companies with growth potential.
Partnerships with outstanding Searchers and CEOs.
Supporting the execution of sector-focused buy-and-build strategies.
Scaling fragmented markets through acquisitions.
Valmaris combines decades of experience in private equity, M&A and operational management. As an entrepreneurial investor, we provide entrepreneurs and management teams with capital, experience and a strong network, supporting them through acquisitions, growth initiatives and business succession across Europe.
We invest in profitable, well-positioned mid-sized companies with clear long-term development potential. We support aspiring entrepreneurs and management teams across financing, transactions and operational development. As experienced entrepreneurs, we know first-hand what it means to take responsibility, develop businesses and turn ambitious goals into reality. We bring this experience, our enthusiasm for building businesses and our personal commitment to help Searchers, CEOs and management teams build successful companies for the long term.
Side by side with exceptional entrepreneurs—as equals and with our own capital.
We are founders, investors, and entrepreneurs from a wide variety of backgrounds—united by the conviction that sustainable business success is based on excellent leadership, trust, and active partnership. Each of us brings our own specific experience and networks to the table—both operationally and strategically. Together, we invest our own capital side by side with exceptional people in entrepreneurial succession solutions and growth opportunities.
Co-Founder & Partner
Thomas has more than 35 years of experience in private equity and investment management. As a co-founder and long-standing Managing Partner of Afinum, he has supported numerous medium-sized businesses through acquisitions, buy-and-build strategies, succession situations, and sustainable business development. He is also the co-founder of Rigeto and has built an extensive network across the German SME sector. At Valmaris, Thomas contributes his broad transaction, investment, and entrepreneurial expertise.
Co-Founder & Partner
Herbert has more than 25 years of investment and private equity experience, with a particular focus on industrial, service and technology-driven businesses. At Triton Partners, he served for many years as a Partner and Co-Head of the Industrial Tech sector. As an entrepreneur, Herbert combines deep transaction experience with extensive sector expertise and a passion for the mid-market. He contributes actively to buy-and-build strategies, starting-up companies as well as succession situations and the operational and strategic development of businesses.
Co-Founder & Partner
Jan is an entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in consulting, acquiring, developing and operating mid-sized businesses. After completing his MBA at MIT and working at Merrill Lynch, he acquired Funa Nachrichtentechnik in Emden in 2004 through a self-funded search. He subsequently developed the business through a buy-and-build strategy and sold it to a strategic buyer. At Valmaris, Jan supports Searchers and CEOs with his broad experience and entrepreneurial and operational perspective.
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Nicolas has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and investment banking, mid-market financing, as well as in developing and supporting corporate investments. Prior to founding Valmaris, Nicolas worked at HypoVereinsbank / UniCredit, and later served as Managing Partner at evolutiq. At Valmaris, Nicolas is responsible for the firm’s operations and works closely and with great passion alongside our Searchers and CEOs to build successful companies.
Investment Associate
Constantin focuses on the selection, evaluation and ongoing support of investments in search funds, established businesses and other entrepreneurial ventures. Prior to joining Valmaris, he gained experience in private equity, consulting and audit through several internships. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management & Economics from Zeppelin University and a master’s degree in Management from Nova School of Business and Economics.
Voices of Searchers and CEOs we partner with.
Since the start of our journey and the acquisition of Link.it in December 2023, Herbert has been an invaluable partner. As a board member, he combines sharp insights with a constructive, forward-looking mindset, helping us see clearly what really matters and set the right priorities. His steady support and focus on creating value make him a trusted partner in navigating both challenges and opportunities.
Nicolas has been by my side since the acquisition of Herchenbach in 2015, back then as our financing partner at UniCredit, and later as a trusted advisor and board member. Over the past ten years, he’s helped shape our strategic direction and supported us through key milestones. What I value most is his ability to approach entrepreneurial challenges with clarity, pragmatism, and integrity. Our collaboration is built on trust and a common understanding of Search Funds, and that’s exactly what makes Nicolas special to me.
Thomas has been an invaluable partner on my entrepreneurial journey since the beginning of my search. With sharp questions and a constructive perspective, he has given me clarity and courage at decisive moments. Reliable and always accessible, he encourages me to stay focused and succeed — I could not imagine a better board member and investor by my side.
Thomas was a lead investor for Iberica Partners and he played a key role in supporting our deal from sourcing to exit, including deal structure, seller negotiation and Board composition. His extensive experience accelerated our process and ensured we could build a credible equity story which led to a successful exit to a renowned Private Equity. Thomas comes highly recommended as an investor that brings huge value to search fund entrepreneurs.
The Valmaris team has been an integral part of our entrepreneurial journey. Thomas supported us as a board member during the first four years after the acquisition, providing valuable guidance on generational transitions and the prioritization of sustainable value levers. Nicolas was always available as a sparring partner and contributed invaluable debt financing expertise throughout the acquisition process. During our search, Jan was always close by through our shared office space and provided helpful advice that guided us toward the right acquisition target.
We make decisions quickly and professionally when we believe in the people and the entrepreneurial opportunity.
We support Searchers and CEOs with:
We look forward to getting to know you. Your Valmaris Team
