Our Approach
Operator-Led Buyouts for Founder- and Family-Owned Businesses
South Highland Ventures focuses on operator-led buyouts of established lower-middle-market businesses. We partner with experienced operators to acquire and grow founder- and family-owned companies through disciplined modernization while preserving their legacy. We typically look for operators with deep industry knowledge, leadership experience, and the judgment to lead through transition.
Through SHV ETA Fund I, LP, we focus on businesses where strong operators, thoughtful ownership transitions, and hands-on support can create long-term value.
What We Look For
We seek historically profitable businesses with durable customer relationships, strong market positions, and clear opportunities for operational growth.
Target Characteristics
| Attribute | Focus |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Founder- or family-owned |
| Situation | Succession, retirement, or ownership transition |
| Profitability | Historically profitable with defensible margins |
| EBITDA | Generally $2MM to $10MM |
| Industry | Business services, energy, environmental, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, IT services, and consumer |
| Growth Potential | Modernization, sales execution, technology adoption, add-ons, or operational improvement |
How We Create Value
SHV’s operating partner model is designed to support experienced operators before, during, and after acquisition.
We support operators across:
- Acquisition diligence
- Governance and board-level support
- Operational scaling
- Sales team growth and execution
- Technology implementation
- Strategic growth initiatives
Our Operating Philosophy
Preserve the legacy.
We respect the culture, employees, customers, and reputation that made the business successful.
Modernize with discipline.
We improve systems, reporting, sales processes, technology, and operations without disrupting what already works.
Back the right operator.
We partner with operators who have the judgment, humility, and experience to lead through transition.