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Falken Holding AG was launched in 2025 by Jakob Bollenberger and Ivo Raissakis. The founders previously invested in public markets using a global, sector-agnostic, fundamental approach. Building on this experience—together with a track record of investments in acquisition-driven business models and the operation of an SME financial services company—they decided to participate in European succession solutions by partnering with search entrepreneurs.
The firm deploys capital as a private holding company with perpetual capital rather than a traditional fund structure, enabling flexibility in its approach. Leveraging the founders’ skill sets, Falken primarily participates in equity gaps in ETA transactions, while also considering other opportunities such as roll-ups, secondaries, and long-term holds. This structure allows the team to move quickly and support searchers efficiently when funding challenges arise during transaction processes.
As Jakob puts it: “We understand that equity gaps are an increasingly important issue for search entrepreneurs. Therefore, we intentionally built a structure that allows us to act quickly and provide capital when it is needed to get deals done. Working with our own balance sheet also enables us to support operators for as long as they see potential in their companies.”
The team is active across Europe with no sector restrictions and typically focuses on cash-generative companies with strong competitive positions and ample growth opportunities. To validate these characteristics, Falken conducts in-depth commercial research to develop a comprehensive understanding of potential targets and the sectors in which they operate. This approach also allows the firm to pursue opportunities that may not meet all traditional search criteria while uncovering additional value-creation levers.
Through this strategy, Falken plans to deploy €0.5m–€1.5m per transaction and participate in three to four deals per year. Initially, the firm aims to build a concentrated portfolio of ten to twelve companies. Where appropriate, the founders are also prepared to support operators with their experience to help drive profitable growth across the portfolio.
