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SME Catalyst Fund I  ·  Spain  ·  €50M

Capital meets execution. Tradition meets transformation.

A hybrid private equity fund purpose-built for Spain's generational shift in family business. We acquire, professionalize, and transform SMEs facing succession challenges.

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Spain's family businesses need a second act.

A demographic wave is reshaping Spain's economic landscape. Thousands of profitable, established businesses are searching for a successor — not because they're failing, but because their founders are retiring without a clear path forward. Mestral was built precisely for this moment.

3.2M SMEs in Spain 99.8% of the business fabric, predominantly family-owned with proven models and stable cash flows.
90% Without succession plan Only 1 in 10 Spanish SMEs has a formal succession plan. The other 9 face an uncertain future.
5M+ Retirements expected Business owners entering retirement in the next decade — far outpacing younger entrants to the workforce.

Buy good.
Make excellent.

We identify profitable, established SMEs — companies with real revenues, loyal customers, and operational track records — that are undervalued due to succession circumstances, not fundamental weakness.

Then we transform them. We deploy our squad teams, digital capabilities, and operational expertise to professionalize, modernize, and scale each business — creating companies that command premium exits.

Full investment thesis
01

Acquire

We target profitable SMEs with €1–5M EBITDA, led by owners approaching retirement without a clear successor. We offer fair valuations, legacy continuity, and a structured transition that works for founders and families.

02

Transform

We embed operational squads within each company — covering finance, commercial, digital, and AI. We turn traditional, founder-dependent businesses into modern, scalable platforms with professional governance.

03

Exit

We sell professionalized, data-driven companies to strategic acquirers or larger PE funds — typically at significantly higher multiples than entry. Target exits between years 4 and 7.

Five levers.
Measurable impact.

Digital & AI

ERP modernization, CRM implementation, AI-powered automation, and data-driven decision making — executed through our Risetech operational partnership.

Operations

Process reengineering, supply chain optimization, cost structure improvements, and the professionalization of management layers across the organization.

Commercial

Geographic expansion, new sales channels, digital marketing, portfolio diversification, and customer base growth beyond the founding region.

Finance

Intelligent capital structure, rigorous management reporting, KPI culture, and access to institutional financing previously unavailable to family businesses.

Organization

Corporate governance frameworks, talent acquisition, board formation, ESG integration, and succession-proof management structures built to outlast any individual.

SME Catalyst Fund I

A closed-end private equity fund structured as a Fondo de Capital Riesgo (FCRE) under Spanish Law 22/2014 and AIFM Directive. Regulated and supervised by the CNMV. Targeting qualified institutional and professional investors.

€50M Target Size
3x–4x Target Net Return
8–10 Portfolio Companies
7 yrs Fund Horizon
20–25% Target IRR
CNMV Regulated Under

Operators, investors,
builders.

Meet the full team
E

Ernest Sánchez

Managing Partner

25+ years in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Former partner at Entrée Capital and co-founder of Nekko Capital. Board member of Glovo. International executive training at Harvard Business School and Stanford.

M

Marc Borrell

Investor Relations & Growth Strategy

Serial entrepreneur and investor. Founded Bemobile, a leading digital innovation consultancy sold to institutional private equity. Founder of Farside Ventures. Angel investor in Glovo, Nautal, Smadex, and Quantion.

J

Jared Gil

Operations & Digital Transformation

Founder of Rise Solutions, co-founder of Nuclio Digital School. 13+ years specializing in SME digitalization, AI implementation, and operational transformation. Board member of Hofmann Culinary.

For Institutional Investors

Join the fund as a Limited Partner

Access a differentiated alternative asset class with strong return potential and meaningful positive impact on Spain's business fabric. Minimum commitment: €100,000.

Investor Inquiry →
For Business Owners

Planning your exit or succession?

We offer a respectful, structured transition that preserves your company's legacy, protects your team, and gives your business the resources to continue growing.

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