Europe's most underleveraged asset in Private Equity is female talent
The underrepresentation of women in private equity
Women make up less than 10% of senior private equity professionals in Europe. This isn't a pipeline issue, it compounds: the fewer female operators close deals, the fewer get considered for the next one. WAD Capital backs the operator first. That operator builds the track record. That track record reshapes who gets access.
Inside the WAD Capital Experience
Step inside our ecosystem and hear directly from the operators who are actively sourcing, acquiring, and scaling European businesses. Watch one of our CEOs-in-Residence share her journey of navigating the SME succession landscape with the full backing of WAD Capital.
Become a CEO-in-Residence
Join WAD Capital’s CEO-in-Residence program and take the next step toward owning and growing a European SME.
The CEO role: what it requires and what it delivers
You don't need a private equity background. You need to be able to run a company. A CEO in Residence identifies a target SME in the €1–5M EBITDA range, manages the acquisition with WAD's institutional backing, and takes the helm post-close. We provide the capital structure, the investment committee, and the due diligence infrastructure.
Europe's SME succession crisis represents a generational acquisition opportunity
Tens of thousands of European SME owners are approaching retirement with no succession plan, profitable, established businesses in healthcare, energy, and B2B services looking for the right operator. The operators who move now build the track records that define private equity leadership in the next decade. WAD Capital is building the access structures to make sure that includes women.
What WAD Capital Provides
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WAD Capital funds the acquisition. You don't need personal capital or co-investors.
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We work with you through deal sourcing, due diligence, and negotiation.
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Access to WAD's LP network, legal partners, and existing portfolio operators.
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You step into the business as CEO. WAD holds a board seat. You run the company
The candidate profile WAD Capital is looking to back
8–15 years of experience in management consulting, strategy consulting, operations, or sector leadership. You've managed teams, driven P&L, and made decisions under pressure. No private equity background required, this programme is built for operators, not financiers. If you've spent your career building inside other people's structures and want to own one, this is the programme.
Cohort model
Leaders driving innovation while safeguarding the foundations of legacy businesses. Designed for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs.
Redefining ETA
WAD Capital reimagines ETA, combining innovation with respect for legacy businesses. We guide leaders to drive growth while safeguarding and building upon strong foundations.
Empowering Leaders
Our CEOs foster growth and embrace digital transformation. With WAD’s support, they bring fresh perspectives to legacy businesses, ensuring long-term success and modernisation.
Investment Strategy
We focus on unlocking the potential of SMEs by merging tradition with digitisation. Our data-driven approach and network ensure businesses grow while staying true to their heritage.
Join Our Mission
We invite leaders who are ready to innovate while preserving what makes businesses great. As a CIR, you’ll drive transformation, and growth while respecting the legacy of European SMEs.
Residents
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![Nina Bos - Corporate Events & Experiential Marketing]()
Nina Bos
Corporate Events & Experiential Marketing
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![Etienne Van den Bogaert, Industrial Technology Solutions, WAD Capital CEO in Residence]()
Etienne Van den Bogaert
Industrial Technology Solutions
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![Jan Schüller Transportation & Logistics]()
Jan Schüller
Transportation & Logistics
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![A professional headshot of a middle-aged man with blonde hair, wearing a dark blue suit and white shirt, against a light gray background.]()
Sammy Lasseel
Packaging
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![Antoine Fierens Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Distribution]()
Antoine Fierens
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Distribution
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![Mathieu Loquet - Business Services]()
Mathieu Loquet
Business Services
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![Portrait of a man with dark hair, wearing large black glasses, a white dress shirt, standing against a neutral background.]()
Frédéric Schilling
RACHP
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![Portrait of a man with short brown hair, blue eyes, wearing a dark blue suit jacket and light blue dress shirt, smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.]()
Michaël Vandelaer
Circularity
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![A man with light brown hair, a beard, and blue eyes wearing a white dress shirt, posing against a plain gray background.]()
Guy-Louis de le Vingne
Energy & Climate Transition
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![Portrait of a middle-aged man with a bald head and gray beard wearing a white dress shirt and navy blazer against a plain neutral background.]()
Kristof Lemahieu
Healthcare & Proactive Health Management
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![A professional man in a navy blazer and white shirt smiling against a plain background.]()
Steven Bourgeois
Fire Safety & Protection
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![Close-up of a man with brown hair, beard, light skin, wearing a navy suit and light blue shirt, smiling against a light gray background.]()
Thomas Muyldermans
Engineering Consulting Services
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![Two men standing side by side, dressed in business suits, smiling with arms crossed against a plain, light-colored background.]()
Ulrik Vercruysse & Peter van den Steen
Data Technology
Become a CEO-in-Residence
Join WAD Capital’s CEO-in-Residence program and take the next step toward owning and growing a European SME.