Connecting accredited investors with acquisition entrepreneurs to power the next generation of SMB ownership.
Connecting accredited investors with acquisition entrepreneurs to power the next generation of SMB ownership.
CapitalPad delivers accredited investors a highly curated pipeline of sponsor-led deals from proven acquisition entrepreneurs.
CapitalPad invests in searcher and independent sponsor deals. Connect with value-add investors, fund your acquisition, and build an enduring business.
CapitalPad for Investors
Forget venture capital.
CapitalPad only invests in historically profitable, cash-flowing companies led by motivated operators.
Build a diversified, passive portfolio of legacy businesses with our curated pipeline of lower-middle market search fund and independent sponsor deals.
CapitalPad reviews hundreds of opportunities and only invests in the rare few that meet our strict profitability and durability standards.
Aggregate search fund returns have historically outperformed both venture capital and private equity¹.
CapitalPad makes it possible to build one of the only truly passive portfolios of small businesses.
CapitalPad only invests in searcher and independent sponsor deals, giving you a capital partner aligned with your model who can make decisions fast.
One partner, one wire. Our structure pools capital into a single entity—simplifying your close.
We’re invested in your success. Beyond the wire, our team brings SMB and private equity experience to help you build an enduring business.
CapitalPad for Searchers
CapitalPad invests equity in searcher and independent sponsor deals, bringing alongside a trusted network of funds, family offices, and accredited investors.
Fill your equity gap and close with confidence.
“As a long-time SMB investor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of the search fund model. However, I also saw how many talented searchers struggled to access the capital they needed, while countless investors were eager to participate but lacked access.”
“CapitalPad’s investment was invaluable for helping close our SMB deal. Highly recommended for self-funded searchers.”
Founded by a team with deep expertise in private equity and small business operations, CapitalPad combines institutional rigor with a passion for building enduring companies.
Gain access to a carefully curated selection of search fund and independent sponsor opportunities. Participate in this overlooked asset class with confidence and clarity.
Close with confidence. CapitalPad invests equity and brings a trusted network of investors, simplifying your raise and helping you secure the right partners.
Our team’s disciplined and modern approach, combined with deep experience, has resulted in dozens of successfully closed deals.
CapitalPad backs acquisition entrepreneurs in lower middle market deals, where valuations remain attractive and competition from traditional private equity is limited.
These acquisitions are led by acquisition entrepreneurs, who are generally classified as either a “self-funded searcher” or an “independent sponsor”. These operators acquire established, historically profitable SMBs — not startups or venture-style bets.
Deals typically involve the acquisition of well-established companies with multi-year track records of profitability.
Common examples of target deals on CapitalPad include:
CapitalPad gives approved, accredited investors the option to pool together capital to fund the acquisition, essentially partnering with the acquirer. In return, investors receive equity ownership and share in both ongoing cash distributions from operations and potential capital gains upon exit.
CapitalPad is only available to approved accredited investors, pending approval through our onboarding process.
Yes, CapitalPad is available for funds and family offices dedicated to the independent sponsor space (some restrictions apply). You can choose to sign up as an institution during onboarding.
$25,000 per deal.
Once approved, accredited investors gain access to the CapitalPad dashboard.
Deals are posted only as opportunities arise, each with a detailed due diligence data room that includes:
Investors review the materials and choose to co-invest on a per-deal basis.
Investments on CapitalPad are long-term and illiquid. While investors may receive cash distributions during ownership, most returns are realized when the company is sold. Illiquidity is what allows for disciplined growth and attractive returns.
CapitalPad is fully aligned with investors. We don’t charge management fees. We only earn a 20% share of profits after investors have received their full initial investment back. If a deal isn’t profitable, investors pay nothing.
Target company should be established, historically profitable, and cash-flow positive.
No — Operators, Searchers, and Sponsors do not pay a fee. CapitalPad is not a capital raising service.
CapitalPad is industry-agnostic but focuses on businesses with durable demand, low risk of technological disruption, and clear, proven profitability. No speculative startups or turnarounds.
CapitalPad has become one of the top investors in the self-funded search fund and independent sponsor space by avoiding shortcuts, sticking to what we know, and consistently backing proven, enduring businesses.
CapitalPad can provide a signal within days and commit capital in as little as two weeks. The more time you allow, the larger the potential commitment.
It’s driven by the operator. CapitalPad can be a hands-on partner in certain deals or take a passive role in others. The level of involvement is entirely up to you.
CapitalPad does not provide personalized investment advice or recommendations to any individual investor. All information provided through this website, including details related to potential investment opportunities, is for informational purposes only and is not provided by CapitalPad.
Investors acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of investing in private securities, including the risk of total loss of invested capital. Past performance of any entity, individual, or investment strategy is not indicative of, and does not guarantee, future results. Any forward-looking statements or projections are hypothetical, may not materialize, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance.
Investors are solely responsible for conducting their own independent due diligence prior to making any investment decision. Investments made through CapitalPad are speculative, illiquid, not FDIC insured, not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. There may be no secondary market for these securities.
Investments may also involve limited or no voting rights, and investors should assume that they will not have influence over the management or operations of the underlying entity.
By participating, investors acknowledge that all investments involve significant risk, and that neither CapitalPad nor its affiliates make any representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the performance of any investment.