Rhein Invest is not
Here’s five reasons why:
One
SMEs love us.
We understand what makes small and medium-sized enterprises different from large(r) companies and have tailored our approach to perfectly suit them. We focus on the long-term, specialise in succession situations and create tangible value for the company.
Long-term focus
Our fund structure allows us to commit to a long-term investment strategy without running out of time or money. We create value for our investors, and the only way to do so is to create value in our portfolio companies by growing and developing them over time. So no rush – we’re not looking for a quick exit.
Succession specialists
Succession of an entrepreneur is often a key concern for the long-term success of an SME. We plan succession together, whereby governance, management and ownership are all part of the equation. New management needs a real mandate and should also be a shareholder, but all in good time – this can be from the outset or after some time, whatever is best in each specific situation.
Value creation
Driven by innovation, investment and discipline, we have a clear value creation strategy from the outset – and in-house expertise to help SMEs to realise it. We are active shareholders but allow managers to remain entrepreneurs, in order to achieve success together.
Two
Germany is our butterbrot bread and butter
We have extensive experience and a relevant network in Germany: we understand the nature of doing business there.
With our German-Dutch team, we are the perfect partner for ambitious German and Dutch SMEs – we know the market well and we understand the subtleties of both language and culture.
Three
Like the police, we have a nose for traces of DNA.
Our investment philosophy seeks out strong embedded DNA in companies.
Strong DNA according to Rhein Invest:
Sustainable Market Fundamentals
Strong Business Acumen
Proprietary Knowledge or IP
Strong Teams
Defensible Market Position
Innovation Driven
Four
Skin in the game?
Hell yeah.
Each member of our team is invested in each of our portfolio companies. We invest not only third-party capital but substantially out of our own pockets, driving entrepreneurship and ensuring our alignment with management, entrepreneurs and investors.
20
* 20 cents out of every euro we invest comes from the team.
Five
No greenwashing.
Just sound citizenship.
We consider responsible investing self-evident and make investment decisions with sound citizenship in mind.
Environmental, Social & Governance factors, in adherence with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing (UNPRI), are elementary considerations for all of our investments.