November 18, 2025
We are pleased to announce that search funds, also known as ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) trajectories, are a new and important pillar of our investment strategy. This expansion aligns directly with our long-standing focus on the European lower mid-market, where we have built a strong position. The Search Fund model aligns closely with our way of investing: staying close to the entrepreneur, thinking pragmatically, and helping companies with succession and continuity challenges to ensure sustainable growth. For Directors and Major Shareholders, this model offers a strong opportunity to leave their company in good hands through a Management Buy-In. The company retains its character, while a new entrepreneur with full personal commitment continues and further develops it.
Our presence in the European lower mid-market is firmly established. Through a broad network of fund managers in Western Europe, we know the dynamics of this market inside out: sectors, valuations, deal structuring and buy-and-build strategies. Drawing on this experience, we can offer searchers immediate added value, both substantively and strategically. The ETA approach also fits seamlessly with our role as a committed, entrepreneurial investor who provides targeted and results-oriented support.
What searchers say about our partnership:
“Beyond the substantive side, our collaboration feels personal and genuinely pleasant. I strongly feel that we share the same values when it comes to entrepreneurship, work ethic, long‑term thinking and the way you treat people and businesses. I therefore don’t see you as an investor, but as a partner on this journey.”
- Matthijs Wilhelmus, Porast Search Fund (NL)
"What I value most about working with Schouten Investments is their accessibility and pragmatic approach. They respond quickly, are always available when I need to discuss an issue, and provide practical, thoughtful input. Just as importantly, there is a strong alignment in values around entrepreneurship, long-term ownership and how you work with people and businesses. That makes them feel like a genuinely involved partner throughout the search."
- Francisco Carbó Molina, Nortem Capital (ES)
“I would highly recommend Schouten Investments to any prospective search fund principal. Their entrepreneurial and hands‑on approach was clear from our first meeting, and they were the most pragmatic investor from the outset. When I identified a potential target company, they immediately leveraged their PE network, providing highly relevant sector insights. Throughout the due diligence process they continued to add clear, hands‑on value. I chose them as one of my lead investors and have greatly appreciated their constructive and entrepreneurial partnership, which I look forward to strengthening in the next phase.”
- Charles d'Ursel, Leon Ventures (BE)
“I knew Maasbert from my private equity days, when he was an LP in the fund I worked for, and he already stood out as a genuinely entrepreneurial investor. That’s why I approached him when raising my search fund. The Schouten team respond quickly, are generous with their time (I’ve had multiple in‑person meetings at their office), and they combine the sophistication of a serial investor with real entrepreneurial experience.”
- Alexander Wijs, Orangeland Capital (NL)
We are now committed to a group of driven searchers who each search for strong companies in the lower mid-market within their own criteria. We look forward to supporting them throughout their entire journey, from identifying and acquiring suitable companies to realising value creation after the acquisition.
To demonstrate our commitment to this new group of searchers, we have added search funds as a new investment category on our portfolio page. All search funds to which we are committed are displayed here.
We also welcome contact with other parties within the search fund ecosystem.
Feel free to send us a message via the contact form on our website or email Quint Schouten directly at quint@schouteninvestments.nl.
