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Arcus Partners is a growth equity investment firm founded to support proven and profitable businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Established with backing from the Besen family office, the firm operates from its offices in Sydney and Melbourne. Arcus Partners focuses on partnering with exceptional leaders to drive business growth, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises.
The firm has a fund size of $70 million, which it deploys primarily in growth equity investments. Arcus Partners acts as the first institutional investor for many of its portfolio companies, providing both minority and majority partnership options. This approach allows them to support businesses that demonstrate compelling growth prospects while enabling founders to maintain control over their operations.
Since its inception, Arcus Partners has emphasized a collaborative approach, working closely with portfolio companies to enhance their capabilities without interfering with management. The firm’s commitment to flexible growth capital has positioned it as a key player in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Arcus Partners targets small and medium-sized businesses that operate in growing markets and offer differentiated products or services. The firm specifically looks for companies generating annual operating profits between $2 million and $10 million, with a strong emphasis on those demonstrating annual profit growth of 30-70%. This focus aligns with their investment strategy of providing growth equity to scale these businesses effectively.
The firm’s investment strategy includes geographic expansion, channel optimization, and strategic mergers and acquisitions. Arcus Partners often acts as the first institutional investor, allowing them to provide flexible capital solutions that support the growth ambitions of their portfolio companies. They prioritize investments in the consumer and healthcare sectors, where they see significant potential for growth and innovation.
Arcus Partners has a diverse portfolio of five companies, each demonstrating strong growth potential in their respective sectors:
These companies reflect Arcus Partners' commitment to investing in proven, profitable businesses that are well-positioned for growth in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Daniel Hong — Managing Director. Daniel has extensive experience in finance and private equity, focusing on growth equity investments.
Andrew McGill — Chair. Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge in corporate governance and investment strategy.
Daniel Besen AM — Director. Daniel has a strong background in finance and private equity, backed by the Besen family office.
Duncan Murray — Director. Duncan has expertise in corporate management and investment analysis.
Christine Christian AO — Director. Christine is known for her leadership in various sectors and brings significant experience to the team.
Jake Hum — Investment Team. Jake contributes to the investment strategy and portfolio management with a focus on operational support.
To pitch Arcus Partners, founders should send an email to contact@arcuspartners.com.au. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. The firm appreciates clarity and detail in presentations, as this helps them assess the potential of the business quickly. Response times may vary, but founders can expect a timely acknowledgment of their submission.
In recent months, Arcus Partners has actively engaged with its portfolio companies, emphasizing partnership and support in various business aspects, including branding, marketing, operations, and technology. Testimonials from CEOs of portfolio companies highlight the firm's collaborative approach and commitment to empowering business growth.
Notable feedback includes praise from Julie Mathers, CEO of Snuggle Hunny, who described the team at Arcus as true partners in investment, highlighting their solution-focused and supportive nature. Rosa Piteri, CEO of Our Patch Group, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the exceptional skills and caring professionalism of the Arcus team.
What are Arcus Partners' investment criteria?
Arcus Partners focuses on proven and profitable businesses in Australia and New Zealand, particularly those with annual operating profits between $2 million and $10 million. They seek companies demonstrating strong growth potential, specifically those with annual profit growth of 30-70%.
How does a startup apply or pitch to Arcus Partners?
Founders can reach out to Arcus Partners via email at contact@arcuspartners.com.au. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections.
What makes Arcus Partners different from other investors?
Arcus Partners emphasizes a collaborative approach, acting as a partner rather than just a financier. They focus on geographic expansion, channel optimization, and strategic market adjacencies while allowing founders to maintain control over their businesses.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Arcus Partners typically invests between $10 million and $30 million in their portfolio companies, providing flexible growth capital tailored to the needs of each business.
What is the geographic focus of Arcus Partners?
The firm primarily invests in Australia and New Zealand, targeting businesses that operate within these regions and demonstrate strong growth potential.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive post-investment?
Arcus Partners provides operational support, strategic guidance, and resources to help portfolio companies scale effectively. They focus on enhancing capabilities without interfering with the management of the business.
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