Why I Left VC and Institutional Investment Management for SME Business Acquisition — Launching Archimax

After 25 years in institutional investing across venture capital, public and private markets, and strategic advisory, I recently stepped away to build something different.

I had the privilege of working with world-class founders, visionary entrepreneurs, and leading institutional funds, deploying capital into deep tech, biotech, and breakthrough innovation.

From sustainable aviation fuel made using genetically modified flies to cultivated meat and diagnostic tools that save lives, the technologies we backed were extraordinary.

But over time, something in me started to shift.

As the model faced real headwinds, I began to question whether early-stage VC was still right for me.

What if, instead of backing early technologies still searching for product–market fit, with long timelines and uncertain outcomes, I focused on real, proven businesses that already work well?

That question led me to SME business acquisition.

Often founder-led.

Typically built over decades.

Recurring clients. Steady demand. Real margins.

Not necessarily glamorous, but resilient, recession-proof, AI-proof — and in my price range!

Many SME founders are baby boomers reaching retirement age, often with no clear succession plan. Many are looking to realise the value they’ve spent decades building, step into the next chapter with peace of mind, and preserve their legacy.

This is a rare moment.

A chance to acquire great businesses thoughtfully, improve them incrementally, and build a platform of recurring cash flows and enduring assets.

In the age of AI, where no job feels entirely safe and companies prioritise efficiency over loyalty, I truly believe that business ownership is becoming a strategic personal imperative.

Don’t leave your future in the hands of others. Owning the system is safer than depending on it.

And the most encouraging part? Business ownership is more accessible than people think.

With the right structure, support, and creative financing, more people can do this than ever before.

That is the vision behind Archimax:

ARCHIMAX GLOBAL HOLDINGS is my permanent holding company for acquiring established, profitable SME businesses — companies that have stood the test of time, with owners ready for their next chapter.

To support this work and help others do the same, I also launched ARCHIMAX GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, a UK-based advisory firm that supports business owners, like-minded aspirational business buyers, and private investment firms with strategic advice and operational support.

We are also quietly building next-gen capabilities designed to help SMEs and boutique investment firms operate, scale, and stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

We’re just getting started. I’ll share progress as we go.

No guru talk. No influencer-style preaching.

Just honest updates on the journey, the challenges, the wins, and what we learn along the way.

If this resonates, I’d love to connect.