Safeguarding legacies.

SMEs are the engines of Australia’s economy, and in 2019 we created SMEVentures to provide continuity for those businesses as their owners retire or move on to their next project. Our approach pairs one generation of entrepreneur with the next, providing reliable continuity and peace of mind for the outgoing business owners, and dreams-come-true for the incoming entrepreneurs.

SMEVentures comprises a small team of entrepreneurs looking for a business to buy and run. We understand that your business is your baby, and our unique approach is designed to preserve and honor the legacy you have built by providing reliable continuity and capable stewardship for your business.

Meet the Team

  • RYAN BERNSMANN

    An accomplished military veteran, Ryan’s family roots are in small business entrepreneurship. After completing a successful military career, obtaining an INSEAD MBA, and spending some time at Microsoft, Ryan decided to return to these roots with SMEVentures, where he is now looking for a business to buy and run for years to come.

  • ROB GAUNT

    Born in South Africa, Rob came to Australia at age eight when his family emigrated to secure a long term future for us the family. Following in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps, he cut his teeth selling copiers on commission only early in his career and worked his way up to CEO of Marine Rescue Technologies in the UK. After completing his MBA at Macquarie University and partnering with SMEVentures, Rob is now owner and CEO of ACE Training in Victoria.

  • STEVE ORELL

    After co-founding two companies of his own and leading teams at some of Australia’s most prominent organisations, Steve is now looking for a business to acquire and operate for the next decade or more. He holds an MBA from Duke University and a Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Adelaide.

  • JASON HEW

    Jason grew up in a family of small business owners, instilling in him a passion for entrepreneurship. This passion has manifested throughout his career as both an operator and investor in high-growth companies, culminating in a partnership with SMEVentures to search for a business to acquire and operate as CEO. Jason is now the CEO of two thriving energy control businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

  • JAKE NICHOLSON

    A veteran of the search fund model, Jake has coached dozens of entrepreneurs to successful business buyouts around the world. Accordingly, he designed SMEVentures with the objective of bringing together top-notch entrepreneurs with great businesses in need of succession solutions. Jake also serves as entrepreneur in residence at INSEAD, from which he obtained his MBA.

  • PETE SELIGMAN

    An accomplished entrepreneur and investor, Pete has himself completed a number of buyouts and started several businesses, including Alpin, an investment and advisory firm in Sydney. A prominent figure in the world of Australian entrepreneurship through acquisition, Pete is now a value-adding coach to SMEVentures entrepreneurs.

Let’s talk.

 

We’re on a mission to preserve SMEs and make dreams come true. If you’re excited about this mission, we would love to speak with you.

hello@smeventures.com
+61 (0)280 114 183