Investment Criteria

Grattan Investment Group, Investment Criteria

We invest into businesses when we feel we can help them grow

We invest when we can partner with the seller/s

We will consider minority or majority stakes in mature or start-up companies across a board spectrum of industries

We invests in businesses that have good people and are capiable of growth

We can make investments with a board enterprise valuation with transactional sizes of between €0.1m and €40m

We specialise in investing and growing companies in manufacturing, construction, telecoms, renewable energy and technology, however we are potentially interested in any sector

Investing to develop a start-up business

We can assist start-up businesses by providing expertise from many leaders who are part of Graffan Investment Group who have done it all before. We have the energy, experience, contacts and track record to help start-up businesses succeed

As former and present business founders and CEO we offer a lot of value to a start-up by providing expertise, guidance, and a wealth of practical knowledge. Here are some ways we can help start-ups we invest into:

Mentorship and Guidance: With our experience of starting and running a business, we can offer valuable mentorship, helping the start-up founders avoid common mistakes and navigate challenges.
Strategic Insights: Having gone through the ups and downs of building a business, as former founders we can provide strategic insights on things like product development, market fit, and business scaling.
Networking: We have a broad network of contacts including investors, clients, partners, and service providers that can be an incredible asset. We can help a start-up connect with the right people for funding, collaboration, or advice.
Problem Solving: We have firsthand knowledge of problem-solving under pressure. Our experience can help the start-up think through tough decisions and unforeseen obstacles.
Financial Advice: As business founders and CEOs, we are familiar with managing cash flow, raising capital, and managing budgets. We can offer financial advice and strategies to ensure sustainability and growth.
Operations and Efficiency: At Grattan Investment Group we understand the importance of streamlining processes and can provide advice on operational efficiency, cost-cutting, and optimizing resources.
Confidence and Resilience: Starting and growing a business takes resilience. As former founders and CEOs we can share stories of perseverance and instill confidence in the start-up team, helping them stay motivated through tough times.
Hiring and Building a Team: As fellow founders and CEO we understand how important it is to build the right team and can share strategies for recruiting, hiring, and retaining top talent.
Legal and Regulatory Guidance: We are familiar with the legal and regulatory landscapes of running a business and can help start-ups navigate these complexities.
Sales and Marketing Strategy: We have launched and marketed many businesses, and we can offer practical tips on building a brand, attracting customers, and executing effective sales strategies.

Investing to assist a mature business

As Grattan Investment Group, our members are founders and CEO of many businesses, are we can play a valuable role in assisting the growth of a mature business into which we invest, especially if the owner is approaching retirement. Here are some ways we can invest in and support the business:

1. Investment and Capital Injection

Equity Investment: Former founders can buy equity in the business to help with growth. This could take the form of direct equity investments or purchasing shares from the retiring owner, enabling the business to access new capital for expansion or to support operations.

2. Strategic Guidance

Mentorship and Advisory: As founders of businesses, we bring valuable experience, especially in areas like scaling, operations, and navigating challenges. By stepping into advisory or mentorship roles, we can help guide the business through the next phase of its growth. This guidance can help streamline operations, enhance product offerings, or expand into new markets.
Succession Planning: We can help the owner plan for succession which is crucial when the owner is nearing retirement. As former founders ourselves, we can assist in identifying or grooming a new leadership team or even help transition the business to a new owner, ensuring that it remains stable post-retirement or when the present owner wants to scale back.

3. Operational Expertise

Streamlining Operations: We have already been through the startup-to-growth process in many businesses and can help improve the efficiency of the business. In agreement with the owner we might be able to introduce better systems, processes, or technology to reduce overhead costs, improve customer satisfaction, and increase profitability.
Market Expansion: With our knowledge of markets, trends, and customer behavior, we can potentially help identify new growth opportunities—whether expanding into new geographic regions, diversifying product lines, or exploring digital channels for customer acquisition.

4. Brand and Vision Revitalization

Rebranding or Modernizing: Many mature businesses may have become stagnant or outdated in terms of their branding or marketing efforts. We could use the creativity of the members of the Grattan Investment Group to rebrand or update the company’s image, and infuse a new sense of purpose or vision.
Visionary Leadership: If the business has lacked long-term strategic direction, as former founders and CEOs, we can bring fresh perspectives and ideas for the future, which is crucial for navigating an evolving marketplace.

5. Help with Transitioning Ownership

Phased Buyout: If the retiring owner is looking to gradually step away, we can help structure a phased buyout, where we gradually purchase shares or ownership stakes over time. This process can ensure a smooth transition, allowing the business to maintain continuity while the founder slowly disengages.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): If the business has a loyal workforce, we could help set up an ESOP, which allows employees to gradually acquire part of the business from the retiring owner. This not only provides a succession solution but also ensures that employees are incentivized to keep the business thriving.

6. Networking and Business Development

Connections to Potential Partners and Customers: As senior business persons our memebers often have strong professional networks. We can leverage those connections to bring in new customers, strategic partners, or investors who can help take the business to the next level.
Industry Knowledge: Having knowledge of industry trends, competitors, and best practices allows us to potentially advise on competitive strategies and make smart decisions for the business moving forward.

7. Exit Strategy for the Retiring Owner

Structured Exit Planning: If an owner is considering selling all the business, we can help develop a structured exit strategy. We can ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible with the former owner remaining on the Board as an option.
Long-Term Vision: By stepping in if agreed by all, we can ensure that the legacy of the business is maintained and help position it for success beyond the current owner’s tenure, giving the retiring owner peace of mind and potentially part ownership.

8. Cultural Transition

Fostering a Collaborative Culture: We understand the challenges of company culture and can help bridge the gap between the current leadership and a potentially new workforce, ensuring that the values and ethos of the business are preserved as it grows.

The Grattan Investment Group brings both financial and strategic advantages to a business. Through investment, mentorship, and operational insights, we can play an integral role in ensuring the business not only survives but thrives as it transitions ownership and prepares for future growth. Our experience allows them to offer perspectives on how to scale and adapt while respecting the company’s legacy and preparing for the future.