Entrepreneur-Led Search Fund
Acquiring and growing mid-market business in the Netherlands & DACH
We believe in long-term stewardship, not quick flips. Our mission is to find, acquire, and grow one exceptional business with patient capital and operational expertise.
Experience Includes
Organizations Niels has worked with or founded.
Logos are shown for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
What is a Search Fund?
An entrepreneur-led investment model where we raise capital to find, acquire, and operate a single great business for the long term. searchFund.learnMoreLink
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from Private Equity?
Unlike PE firms managing multiple portfolio companies, we focus entirely on one business. We're operators, not just financiers - Niels will run the company day-to-day for 5-7 years.
Why entrepreneur-led?
Entrepreneurs understand operational challenges and growth opportunities that financial buyers often miss. Our approach preserves company culture while driving sustainable growth.
What's the typical timeline?
Fundraising (6-12 months), Search (18-24 months), then 5-7 years of operating the business before exit. Total commitment: 7-9 years.
Why focus on Netherlands + DACH?
These markets offer stable, profitable businesses with strong fundamentals. Niels' European experience and network provide deep market understanding.
Search Fund vs. Alternatives
Search Fund (7mills Equity Partners)
- One business, full focus
- Operator-led (5-7 years)
- Culture preservation See business owner benefits
- 25%+ IRR target
Private Equity
- • Multiple portfolio companies
- • Financial engineering focus
- • 3-5 year hold periods
- • Limited operational involvement
Venture Capital
- • Early-stage, high-risk investments
- • Portfolio approach
- • Technology/growth focus
- • Limited operational control
Meet Niels Siskens
Entrepreneur, Operator, and Search Fund Founder
Over 15 years of international experience across Europe, Latin America, and North America, bringing a global mindset and people-focused approach to business stewardship.
Niels Siskens
Founder & Managing Partner
"My mission with 7mills Equity Partners is to build on the legacy of one great company — not for a quick flip, but for the long term."— Niels Siskens
Languages
Education
MBA - IE Business School, Madrid
Ranked #1 in Europe by the Financial Times at time of graduation
Global program with international exposure across multiple continents
Current Leadership
Founder & CEO - Parrolabs
Nearshore digital agency scaling Latin American tech talent into the U.S. market
Bridging cultures and building international tech teams
Thought Leadership
Host - The TILT Show
Podcast connecting North and Latin American tech leaders
Building bridges between innovation ecosystems
Professional Experience
Corporate Consulting
Early career with Ariba, Atos Origin, Heineken, ABN AMRO, and Nederlandse Spoorwegen
Entrepreneurial Ventures
• Parrolabs: Nearshore tech talent platform
• SuitcaseSupply: E-commerce platform
• Susteq: Social impact water technology
• OnRocks: Offshore development services
Global Mindset
Worked In
Studied In
Our Journey: 5 Phases
We're currently in the fundraising phase, building towards acquiring and operating one exceptional business.
Fundraising
Raising capital from investors who believe in the search fund model and our vision.
Search
Systematically identifying and evaluating acquisition targets in our focus sectors.
Acquisition
Negotiating and closing the purchase of our target company.
Operation
Leading and growing the acquired business for long-term value creation.
Exit
Realizing returns for investors while ensuring business continuity.
Why "7mills"?
Named after the Dutch windmills that represent reliability, tradition, and sustainability – values that guide our approach to business stewardship.
Reliability
Like Dutch windmills that have stood for centuries, we provide consistent, dependable partnership with businesses and investors.
Tradition
Respecting company heritage and proven business practices while embracing modern growth strategies and innovation.
Sustainability
Long-term growth focus that benefits all stakeholders - employees, customers, communities, and investors.
Target Company Profile
€2M–€6M EBITDA in "boring but essential" industries — stable, profitable businesses with predictable cash flows.