What We Look for When Backing Search Funds
November 26, 2025
by an investor from Imperial College London - Imperial College Business School in Madrid, Spain
As investors, we continue to see search funds as a powerful path to value creation—when paired with the right searcher. Here are the traits we prioritize:
-Resilience and coachability: Searchers who can handle uncertainty and actively leverage their investor group.
-Clear, focused strategy: Whether generalist or sector-focused, clarity of approach matters more than the specific industry.
-Strong interpersonal skills: Trust-building with owners is often the key to off-market opportunities.
-Deal discipline: Valuation rigor and thoughtful structuring protect long-term value.
-Leadership mindset: A vision for culture, people, and operational excellence post-acquisition.
We’re not just investing in a model—we’re backing future CEOs. If you’re launching or running a search and these principles resonate, feel free to reach out. Happy to connect with the Searchfunder community.
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Portland, OR, USA