Question 1

Do I have to sell the whole business?

Accepted Answer

No. Fortitude can hold between 40 per cent and up to around 95 per cent of the capital, and to a collective 100 per cent alongside management. Our primary priority is to ensure alignment with those delivering the plan. Capital invested is $10m to $60m, into businesses with an enterprise value of $10m to $200m.

Question 2

Will I still be running my business?

Accepted Answer

Fortitude are not operators of businesses. We support the industry leading team who operates it, with a focus on driving long-term value. This might mean that existing leaders continue to lead the business post-investment, and it may also mean that we collectively elevate internal candidates for succession and/or augment the leadership team with Fortitude's operating partner network. Fortitude's support typically includes taking part in decisions about people, strategy, governance and networks, applied where they matter most.

Question 3

What actually changes in the first hundred days?

Accepted Answer

Governance and reporting are established. The first hires are secured, executives and non-executives are onboarded as required. The early growth priorities are made clear. Before any of that, the growth plan is agreed together: the priorities, the numbers that matter, and how Fortitude works with you and your team.

Question 4

How long does Fortitude seek to remain a shareholder for, and how does it end?

Accepted Answer

Exit pathways are planned from the beginning and reviewed quarterly. The "hold period" is driven by what is best for the business and its shareholders.

Question 5

What sort of business are you actually looking for?

Accepted Answer

Profitable businesses headquartered in Australia or New Zealand, with an enterprise value between $10m and $200m, a clear growth path and a demonstrated competitive advantage. Fortitude's themes of focus are: health, technology, food and beverage, and industrials and infrastructure services.

The questions founders ask.

Do I have to sell the whole business?

Will I still be running my business?

What actually changes in the first hundred days?

How long does Fortitude seek to remain a shareholder for, and how does it end?

What sort of business are you actually looking for?

Thinking about a partner for the next chapter?