Giving businessowners a smoothdream exit
1868 Capital seeks to acquire a single business offering its owners a seamless transition while preserving legacy. Working alongside existing management, growth will be driven through innovation, while the unique culture and heritage of the company will be protected.
Why 1868 Capital
Respect for legacy
Business culture and history is honoured by working closely with owner and management team to ensure continuity
Flexibility and transparency
Flexible solutions with no hidden terms are offered — selling your business should be simple and hassle-free
Long-term commitment
Focus is on sustainable growth and long-term success
Entrepreneurial
Entrepreneurship is at the core; both transactions and ownership are approached with a solutions-driven mindset
Founder
I founded 1868 Capital after a career as an entrepreneur and operator. I've been a business owner, CEO, COO, and Director of Strategy across companies ranging from early-stage startups to global enterprises. My experience includes:
- Co-founding on-demand grocery delivery business Weezy and growing it to exit
- Running businesses with revenues from £0 at inception to £50m+
- Leading due diligence and post-merger integration
- Raising both equity and debt
I'm also an active angel investor, having made investments in 20+ fast-growing technology companies.
I hold an MSc and BA in Economics & Management from Oxford University, where I also won the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. Outside of work, I enjoy time with my wife and baby daughter and stay active through endurance sports like running and cycling.
My personal success stories
Founded super-fast grocery delivery app Weezy
Grew to 25+ stores, £30m in revenue, 1,000 employees and acquired by Getir
Led numerous equity and debt raises
Invested directly in 20+ growth companies
Led integration of $1.2bn M&A
300 Gorillas stores integrated into Getir across Europe
Investors
1868 Capital is backed by a committed group of highly experienced investors who previously achieved outstanding success acquiring and growing SMEs as operators. Together, they now manage over £300 million dedicated to supporting the next generation of entrepreneur-led SME acquisitions. Their hands-on experience across a wide range of industries brings invaluable strategic support.
Investment approach
1868 Capital is focused on acquiring a single, stable business with strong growth potential operating in a niche sector
Investment criteria
Revenue
Annual revenue of £5m - £25m, ideally with a recurring component, and a track record of stable performance over several years
Profitability
£1 - £5m in EBITDA with strong margins of 15%+
Growth
Consistent annual growth of 10%+ over multiple years
Management
Strong team in place with potential for smooth leadership transition
Location
England, Wales & Scotland with a preference for easy access to a major city transport hub
Industry
Ideal targets operate in fragmented industries and utilise service-based models catering to commercial clients for whom they are a mission-critical supplier
The process
Build understanding
The investment process starts with building a strong relationship; this is the basis for all long-term success
Get to terms
Following efficient discussion and information exchange, you will be provided with an LOI
Transaction
The transaction happens thanks to committed capital from investors, delivering meaningful and bespoke outcomes for owners
Transition
A smooth handover occurs, supporting the owner and business, ensuring it is set up for the next phase of growth
Exit options compared
 | Private equityFinancial buyers | Your competitorsStrategic buyers | |
|---|---|---|---|
Your Legacy | Your business is the only priority Your legacy is secure | Your business is one of many in a large portfolio Your legacy is uncertain | Your business is absorbed into a competitor Your legacy fades |
Buyer's Goals | Preserve the existing team, focus on growth opportunities and digitise where possible | Aggressive cost-cutting and positioning the business for sale to realise gains for their investors | Drive financial performance by cutting costs and absorbing desired resources |
Deal Terms | Flexible to create a win-win for buyer and seller | Rigid — typically following market terms tailored for investors | Structured to meet the requirements of the purchasing parent business |
Capital Sources | Group of experienced investors who were previously SME operators | Institutions, endowments, and pension funds with mandates on returning capital to shareholders and low value-add | Internally generated cash flows supplemented by public and/or private investors, and debt |
Time Horizon | No planned exit — committed without a predetermined timeline | 3-5 years, driven by fund life and investors needs | Uncertain — subject to the parent business's ongoing strategy |
The origins of 1868
The name 1868 Capital refers to the year London St Pancras Station was opened.
It has since been meticulously restored to enhance its historic grandeur, while integrating modern functionality, exemplified by its international rail link to Paris via the world's longest undersea rail tunnel.
It has achieved progress, while preserving legacy, which neatly echoes 1868 Capital's own ethos, and its Paris link embody the same Franco-British roots.
It's of further personal significance given the beautiful Dent clock overlooking the train shed, built by a one time family business.
Referral Program
Do you know a great business that 1868 Capital should be speaking with?
1868 Capital is looking for introductions to well-run, UK-based businesses where the owners may be considering a change of ownership. If you know a company like this, an introduction is appreciated—and a £10,000 referral fee is offered if the transaction completes.
How it works:
- Complete the short form below with a few key details.
- Receive a confirmation as to whether an introduction is appropriate.
- All conversations are then handled by 1868 Capital with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
- If a transaction completes, you will receive £10,000 as a referral fee.
Investing in legacy to build the future
Contact
Let's talk about your business to start building your dream exit
Curious about what 1868 Capital can do for you or considering stepping back from your business while ensuring its success?
Whatever the reason, I'd love to hear from you. Complete the form or email me for a confidential discussion. I value your privacy and am here to answer your questions discreetly.