Business investment today is dominated by short-term gains and quick exits. Permanent Equity offers a refreshing alternative.

Permanent Equity is a long-term investment model focused on growing businesses into the future. Unlike Private Equity or Venture Capital, which have an investment horizon of a few years, Permanent Equity investments can have a decades-long horizon.

It can be the perfect match for niche software businesses with a track record of success, a loyal customer base, and a clear vision for the future.

The founders we work with lead highly successful niche software businesses they can be proud of. They have a high market share and are cashflow positive and attract recurring revenues. But their company’s value is more than purely financial.

As important are its customer satisfaction, the motivated teams, and the culture it has created. Great companies deserve great deals to secure their future.

Our Permanent Equity approach brings extra investment to help drive long-term growth – effectively building on founders’ visions.

What makes Upliift’s Permanent Equity model different?

Upliift offers Permanent Equity investment aligning with your vision, values, and goals. We are genuinely focused on fair valuations and long-term growth – over decades, not just years – without saddling companies with unsustainable levels of debt.

We recognise the value and vision of the original business, and of its loyal customers, dedicated employees, trusted partners, and the industries they serve. In addition, we can help fund and drive complementary mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

We can arrange investments in stages so that you can take some money off the table while remaining involved.  You continue to be involved, sharing in the upside created through the partnership.

Our investments are supported by a team across Europe that truly understands the rich tapestry of European business cultures. Our deep software expertise means we support continued innovation and product development.

 Not all Permanent Equity is created equal – What to watch out for

It is worth being aware that Permanent Equity doesn’t always look like this.

Some Permanent Equity investors claim to “buy now and hold forever”, without really being true to that. Instead, they operate a standardised, conventionally prescribed approach that simply doesn’t work for every niche software business.

• Undervaluation: Businesses are often undervalued from the start, leaving founders worse off.
• Lack of growth investment: After the buyout, some firms leave businesses to rely solely on recurring revenues, without further investment in growth or innovation.
• Risk to customer loyalty: Pushing up prices without adding value can put customer loyalty at risk.

Build your legacy with Permanent Equity investment from Upliift

At Upliift, we understand that your company is more than just numbers on a balance sheet—it’s a reflection of your values, hard work, and vision for the future.

Our Permanent Equity approach is designed to safeguard these principles, ensuring your business’s long-term growth in a way that remains true to its original spirit.

Get in Touch

Interested in learning more about Permanent Equity from Upliift? Contact us today or email us at [email protected] for a no-obligation valuation or to discuss how Upliift can partner with you for long-term growth.