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Founded in 2020, 9T Capital is an investment firm that focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and Search Fund model. The firm was established by Rodrigo Barrenechea and Gustavo Fernández de Loyola, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in business operations and investment. Headquartered in the United States, 9T Capital operates across North America, Europe, and South America, providing capital and support to search fund entrepreneurs aiming to acquire and operate established small to medium-sized businesses.
Since its inception, 9T Capital has evolved from a private investment vehicle to a full-time fund managing third-party capital. The firm emphasizes operational support alongside financial investment, leveraging the partners' experience in acquiring and managing businesses. This approach positions 9T Capital as a unique player in the venture capital space, focusing on the specific needs of search fund entrepreneurs.
9T Capital invests primarily in search fund entrepreneurs who are looking to acquire businesses characterized by profitability, strong margins, recurring revenue streams, and a diversified customer base. The firm is particularly interested in large, growing, and fragmented industries, while avoiding sectors that involve complex regulatory frameworks or high capital expenditure requirements. This focus allows 9T Capital to identify and support businesses that align with their investment thesis.
The firm operates across various stages, including Friends & Family, Angel, Accelerator/Incubator, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, and Growth Equity. Their geographic focus spans North America, Europe, and South America, enabling them to tap into diverse markets and opportunities. 9T Capital seeks entrepreneurs who are ambitious, coachable, and committed to leading a company for the long term, ensuring a strong alignment between the firm and its portfolio founders.
9T Capital has built a diverse portfolio of 13 companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects 9T Capital's commitment to supporting search fund entrepreneurs in acquiring and operating established businesses across multiple regions.
Rodrigo Barrenechea - General Partner. Rodrigo has a background in business operations and investment, having previously worked with Tyson Foods and Boston Consulting Group. He has successfully acquired and managed businesses, which informs his approach to supporting search fund entrepreneurs.
Gustavo Fernández de Loyola - General Partner. Gustavo has extensive experience in the healthcare sector, having served as the general manager of Hospitales Puerta de Hierro. He founded Innova-Mex Capital and has a strong track record in acquiring and operating businesses.
Diego Suárez - Associate. Diego previously worked at SC Angeles, focusing on angel investments in Latin American technology companies. He also has experience in asset and wealth management from LarrainVial.
Samuel Vaca - Intern. Samuel has prior internship experience at Banco de Crédito de Bolivia and CAMSA, where he supported various operational tasks within the 9T Capital team.
To pitch to 9T Capital, entrepreneurs should use the contact form available on their website. It is essential to include a comprehensive business plan and details about the target acquisition. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders should anticipate a thorough review process.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. The firm values clear communication and a well-structured pitch that outlines the entrepreneur's vision and operational strategy.
In 2025, 9T Capital announced several new investments in search fund entrepreneurs, including notable acquisitions such as S.A.M.U in France and ABC Empilhadeiras in Brazil. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in acquiring established businesses.
Additionally, 9T Capital has been actively backing search capital investments, with several new partnerships formed in 2025, including Encruzado Partners in Portugal and Alka Oaks Partners in the U.S. This activity highlights the firm's ongoing engagement in the search fund space.
What are 9T Capital's investment criteria?
9T Capital focuses on search fund entrepreneurs seeking to acquire profitable businesses with strong margins and recurring revenue. They prefer industries that are large, growing, and fragmented, while avoiding sectors with complex regulations or high capital expenditures.
How can I pitch to 9T Capital?
Entrepreneurs can reach out through the contact form available on their website. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information about the target acquisition.
What makes 9T Capital different from other investors?
9T Capital emphasizes operational support alongside capital investment. The partners have firsthand experience in acquiring and managing businesses, which allows them to provide valuable guidance to entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of business acquisitions.
What is the geographic scope of 9T Capital's investments?
The firm operates across North America, Europe, and South America, allowing them to engage with a diverse range of markets and opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Specific check sizes are not disclosed, but 9T Capital invests across various stages, including pre-seed, seed, and growth equity, depending on the needs of the entrepreneurs they support.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
9T Capital provides hands-on guidance and operational support to portfolio companies, leveraging the partners' extensive experience in business operations to help entrepreneurs succeed in their acquisitions.
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