How do I find a reputable investor?

You recognise reputable investors by their transparency: a clear ownership structure, identifiable fund or balance sheet sources, documented prior investments and references you can actually call. In a structured process we approach several candidates in parallel — this creates a benchmark and reliably filters out dubious players.

What documentation does an investor expect?

Typically an anonymised teaser, an information memorandum with business model, market and financial history, a robust multi-year plan, and structured answers to standard due diligence questions. We prepare these materials together with our client — cleanly presented numbers are the first proof of credibility in investor outreach.

Will I retain control of my company?

That depends on what you want. A minority investment leaves you operationally and strategically in charge; the investor brings capital and usually experience without taking the majority. With a majority investment control typically passes — but you can stay closely involved as managing director and/or minority shareholder. We design the structure to match your goals.

Services · Investor Search

Finding an investor — growth capital and equity partners, structured outreach.

Growth needs capital — and sometimes a partner who brings more than money. Whether you want to capitalise part of a generational transition, finance a growth push or prepare for international expansion: finding the right investor is one of the most demanding tasks for owner-led companies in the DACH region.

IGCP Capital Partners has been advising on equity transactions for more than 20 years — from growth financings and minority investments to majority sales to private equity firms. With more than 100 completed mandates we know the active investors in the DACH region personally and work 100% independently in our clients' interest.

Which investor type fits your business?

The market broadly distinguishes three investor types, each with different expectations, holding periods and added value.

Strategic investors are companies from the same or an adjacent industry. They typically buy to strengthen their own market position, integrate more deeply and are prepared to pay for synergies. Upside: often a higher price. Downside: less standalone independence after the transaction.

Financial investors — private equity and investment firms — invest with a clear return target and a holding period of typically four to seven years. They let the operating management run the business and usually bring expertise in professionalisation, M&A and international expansion.

Family offices invest the wealth of one or a few entrepreneurial families. They think more long-term, are often more flexible on structure and act more entrepreneurially — but require a particular basis of trust.

Which logic is convincing in which situation is described in detail in Strategic buyer or financial investor?.

Minority or majority investment?

The question of stake size is at least as important as the question of price. Both routes have their merits — what matters is that the structure fits the owner's goals.

A minority investment brings capital into the business without a change of control. It is suitable when the owner wants to continue running the company but needs to finance growth, buy out other shareholders or diversify personal wealth. Clear rules on voting rights, information duties and a future exit are essential.

A majority investment shifts control — usually as part of a succession or a phased exit. It can be combined with reinvestment by the seller, allowing them to participate in further value creation.

The investor search process

Investor search is a matter of trust — and a structured procedure. It starts with clarifying your own goals: how much capital, in what structure, with what partner profile and what role for the owner. Only then are materials prepared and the market approached.

In the outreach we work with anonymised short profiles (teasers), strict confidentiality agreements and tight control of information releases. Several candidates are run in parallel — creating comparability, competitive tension and negotiating power for our client. Employees, customers and competitors typically learn about the transaction only after signing.

Tax and legal structuring of the investment is done in close coordination with the client's tax advisor and lawyer. IGCP runs the commercial process and negotiates on behalf of the seller — we exclusively represent that side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a reputable investor?: You recognise reputable investors by their transparency: a clear ownership structure, identifiable fund or balance sheet sources, documented prior investments and references you can actually call. In a structured process we approach several candidates in parallel — this creates a benchmark and reliably filters out dubious players.
What documentation does an investor expect?: Typically an anonymised teaser, an information memorandum with business model, market and financial history, a robust multi-year plan, and structured answers to standard due diligence questions. We prepare these materials together with our client — cleanly presented numbers are the first proof of credibility in investor outreach.
Will I retain control of my company?: That depends on what you want. A minority investment leaves you operationally and strategically in charge; the investor brings capital and usually experience without taking the majority. With a majority investment control typically passes — but you can stay closely involved as managing director and/or minority shareholder. We design the structure to match your goals.

Related insights

If capital or a new shareholder becomes relevant for you, we are happy to discuss possible routes confidentially.

Request a confidential talk