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The German mid-sized investment management firm evolutiq has been active in the SF and ETA space over the past decade. Last year, the firm announced the launch of Evolutiq Search Capital I Fund I, its first dedicated SF vehicle, with the aim of backing approximately 40–50 SFs over the coming years and investing in around 25–30 European SMEs. The firm has now announced the successful final closing of the fund at more than €40M, reaching its hard cap and becoming oversubscribed. This makes it one of the largest SF investment vehicles in Europe. Its LP base consists of successful entrepreneurs, family offices, and institutional family offices, highlighting the growing traction of the ETA market across the German investment landscape.
The fund’s investment strategy is centered on the ETA model, with a strong focus on traditional SFs. Geographically, evolutiq focuses primarily on Europe and has built a track record across the DACH region, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, and Sweden. A small portion of the fund will be allocated to opportunities outside Europe, particularly in Latin America. Evolutiq aims to be one of the lead investors in each round and can deploy between €0.75M and €2.5M per company, with a sweet spot of €1–1.5M.
To date, evolutiq has supported more than 60 SFs, resulting in a portfolio of 13 companies and 2 successful exits. Among the searchers backed in 2026 are Starke Unternehmensnachfolge, Apex Partners, Alpha Nova Capital, Janus Mittelstandsnachfolge, Tosium Capital, BrennPoint, Candelaria Partners, Hexagon Transmission, Crescendo Capital, Triunfo Capital, AJD Partners, AMS Socios, Perennis Capital, and Norrsund Investment. Recent acquisitions include Rolfroz in Poland, Envases Sanz Belda in Spain, Zeker & Mobiel in the Netherlands, Olistika in Italy, and Pharmacom in Austria.
evolutiq has a deeply entrepreneurial heritage, as its founder, Oliver Steinki, is a successful entrepreneur himself. This entrepreneurial mindset has become part of the firm’s DNA, and the team strives to be a trusted sparring partner for searchers: humble, pragmatic, responsive, and always available, backed by a strong network. evolutiq takes a hands-on approach throughout both the search and operating phases, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with capital, experience, and access to a broad network of operators, investors, and advisors.
In addition, evolutiq, together with WHU–Otto Beisheim School of Management, has launched the ETA Academy, bringing together research, education, and entrepreneurial practice around ETA. The initiative aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of ETA entrepreneurs.
