Blank Canvas Capital is committed to supporting outstanding entrepreneurs and business owners to grow successful businesses. As a value-adding firm, we provide capital, expertise and deep strategic insights coupled with a different way of thinking to help our investee businesses achieve their full potential.
What We Look For In Investments
Investment Criteria
Blank Canvas Capital is free from the restrictions of a traditional fund therefore our investment approach is flexible in terms of investment size, industry type and capital structure. We look for scalable businesses that can deliver superior returns on capital for our investors.
We are quick to act, have a multi-deal track record in mobilising large amounts of capital required in a process and will fully engage in an opportunity's fulfilment - from initial investment to its ultimate exit.
We are in our deals for the long term. We buy in alongside our partners and we realise value with our partners as a general rule.
Our investment strategy focuses on private equity as our main area of focus, but we also pursue real estate investments which are of an opportunistic nature or where our portfolio company is a tenant.
What We Look For In Investments
Partner Selection
We partner with proven entrepreneurs and strong management teams who share our vision and commitment to success. We conduct thorough due diligence to ensure that we select the best partners within our investment portfolio, and our partners are comfortable and energised in selecting us.
What We Look For In Investments
Investment Size
Blank Canvas Capital has a flexible approach to investment size, typically investing from R50m into a single opportunity with no upper limit. We specialize in acquiring significant, non-controlling stakes in our portfolio companies.
What We Look For In Investments
Value Add
Our strength lies in our ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with our portfolio companies’ management teams and provide guidance and support. We back management to run the daily operations but play a key role in the strategy of the business, including:
- Director representation on the board
- Fundraising (debt and equity)
- Introductions to potential business partners and customers
- Changes to the business model
- Introducing well aligned incentive structures
- Assistance with BEE requirements
- Optimisation of the capital structure
- Access to key management hires
- Preparing the business for sale
- Identifying potential suitors
- Assisting in the disposal process
What We Look For In Investments
Exit Strategy
Ideally, we realise value when our partner feels the time is right to do so. We have no time pressure for exits and focus on the long-term success of our portfolio companies. We work closely with our partners to develop growth and exit strategies that align with their goals, and then assist with the execution of these plans.
At Blank Canvas Capital, we are driven by a shared passion for creating exceptional value. We seek out outstanding businesses run by exceptional individuals who are willing to partner with us to deliver outstanding returns for all stakeholders. Along the way, we strive to build organizations that all parties can be proud to be associated with.