PieLAB Venture Partners

Overview

PieLab Venture Partners is an Australian investment company focused on acquiring, holding, and nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with strong free cash flow. The firm provides family offices and high-net-worth individuals with the opportunity to invest in the lucrative SME asset class without taking an active, hands-on approach. PieLab's first fund, the PieLab Real Estate Industry Venture Capital Fund, achieved a return of 32.4% per annum as of March 31, 2022, and is now fully allocated and closed to new investors. The PieLab Council Capital Fund has invested $19 million across four key acquisitions and is seeking to raise additional capital to further grow the fund through new SME acquisitions. PieLab targets SMEs with revenue between A$3 million to A$15 million, profit of at least A$1 million EBITDA annually, and a recurring, consistent revenue model. The firm has reviewed over 350 potential portfolio companies across diverse sectors, including commercial fire services, financial planning, commercial pest control, and IT managed service providers. PieLab's evergreen business model allows the firm to hold onto companies indefinitely, focusing on sustainable, long-term growth rather than short-term exits. This approach offers business owners a rare opportunity to transition with confidence, knowing their legacy is in capable hands. PieLab's executive team comprises experienced leaders and entrepreneurs with years of experience across various sectors and industries. Their vast network of investors, business owners, and corporate leaders has allowed PieLab to create a unique place in the market where portfolio companies gain access to some of the best business minds in the country. From SMEs to enterprise, PieLab's CEO Council, investors, and network have run and exited many successful businesses, bringing that knowledge and culture to PieLab's portfolio. The firm's managing partner, Chris Rolls, has built and exited four businesses and was most recently the founder of Rental Express, Queensland's largest residential property management business. After selling Rental Express in 2015, he launched PieLab Venture Partners in 2016 with a $20 million fund to invest in businesses that provided services to the real estate sector. After fully allocating that fund, PieLab turned its focus towards investing in a broader range of businesses outside the real estate industry, with the goal of holding those businesses and developing their leaders for the long term.

Investment Focus

• Profitable SMEs with recurring revenue models
• Revenue between A$3 million to A$15 million
• EBITDA of at least A$1 million annually
• Long-term ownership and growth potential

Portfolio Companies