INVESTORS
An opportunity to invest in search funds, a rare asset class with exceptional return potential
An opportunity to invest in search funds, a rare asset class with exceptional return potential
Village Search Partners is the first search investment fund providing access to this high-performing asset class with a specific focus on exceptional female searchers. The wave of female searchers is picking up momentum and Village is the first female-focused search investment fund, poised and ready to fund this exceptional talent pool. As an investor, you're not just making an investment—you’re empowering the next generation of female leaders.
WHY SEARCH?
The search fund model is a proven asset class that consistently delivers impressive returns. It involves a disciplined approach where entrepreneurs, known as searchers, raise funds to acquire and grow small businesses. Returns from search funds have historically outperformed traditional investment benchmarks and have come with diversified portfolios with low beta. According to the 2024 Stanford Search Study, traditional search funds have achieved an internal rate of return (IRR) of 35% since 1984.
Our investment strategy is guided by these key performance drivers that have been the backbone of attractive industry returns
TALENTED ENTREPRENEURS
We invest in exceptional female entrepreneurs who have demonstrated strong leadership skills, are highly motivated and have the grit needed to thrive in an entrepreneurial setting.
EXPERIENCED MENTORS
Our team and the network of seasoned investors in this industry provide invaluable guidance and support to our searchers, helping them navigate the complexities of identifying, acquiring and growing enduring businesses.
ATTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES
We target industries with strong growth potential and limited exogenous risks, ensuring that our investments are positioned for long-term success.
ENDURING COMPANIES
Our focus is on acquiring and building enduring companies with strong fundamentals and market positions.
CONSERVATIVE USE OF LEVERAGE
We employ conservative leverage strategies to manage risk and enhance returns.
MULTIPLE ARBITRAGE
We capitalize on multiple arbitrage opportunities created through successfully growing a business.
In search, similar to venture, each searcher raises capital from a number of investors. We invest alongside other established search funds who provide various support to our searchers and also allow us to diversify our risk.
The future of search looks bright. Over the past few years, the interest from searchers has grown significantly and the wave of qualified women participating in search is gaining momentum. With a tsunami of retiring business owners on the horizon, we anticipate the continued availability of quality businesses. For those who are able to access this asset class, we believe the returns will continue to be strong.
WHY WOMEN?
Our commitment to investing in female searchers is not just a mission-driven initiative; it is a strategic decision based on robust performance metrics. Women founders and leaders have outperformed men in venture capital and the public markets. Women now represent 40% of graduates from top business school programs and are ready and primed to enter search. Last year 18 percent of search funds were women-led compared to none as recently as 10 years ago. As the first search investment fund focused on female searchers, we plan to be the “go-to” partner for women in search.
VENTURE CAPITAL SUCCESS
Female-founded startups generate 10% more revenue over five years and experience 2.5x higher revenue per dollar invested compared to their male-founded counterparts, despite receiving less funding (BCG). Additionally, these startups achieve higher exit rates and valuations, according to a BCG study and Pitchbook’s 2020 “All In: Female Founders and CEOs in the US VC Ecosystem” [63% higher value after 10 years]
PUBLIC MARKET PERFORMANCE
Companies with higher gender diversity in executive teams are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability, as found by a McKinsey report. [Women CEOs had 8% higher stock price performance versus the rest of the market when they took over]
SEARCHER CRITERIA
We partner with exceptional female entrepreneurs who are passionate about the search journey, capable of motivating and leading those around them, and committed to working hard to find and grow an enduring business. We look for the following qualities:
leadership
skills
Ability to inspire and manage all stakeholders effectively.
Entrepreneurial Drive
Highly motivated with a bias toward action
growth mindset
Demonstrates curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning
grit + persistence
Possesses resilience and determination to navigate the challenges of the search process.
relevant business skills
Has acquired strong business skills to succeed as a leader.