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. Ryan is now owner and CEO of Grima Recycling.

  • 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 partnered with SMEVentures to find a business to acquire and operate as CEO. Steve is now the CEO of eMerge ITS, a managed IT service provider in Darwin.

  • 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.

  • ABDY MOHAMED

    Early experience running his family's businesses in Somalia and Kenya provided the foundation for a successful, 20+ year career in the healthcare sector in Australia. A proven product and strategy leader, Abdy has spearheaded product launches, driven profit growth, and managed a A$700 million portfolio. Leveraging his strategic thinking, leadership skills, and financial acumen, Abdy has partnered with SMEVentures to acquire a business to lead and grow for the long term.

  • KYLIE WRIGHT

    Growing up on a rural Australian farm instilled in Kylie Wright the values of hard work and resilience. Her experience leading global companies through transformation has equipped her with the strategic and operational expertise needed for successful business ownership. Kylie is now partnering with SMEVentures to acquire a business to operate and grow.

  • 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