Preserving Purpose,
Unlocking Potential
AION Succession Partners is dedicated to supporting businesses in their next phase of growth. We focus on preserving the core values of companies while unlocking their full potential through strategic investments and operational expertise.
10+
Years of
Experiences
About AION Succession Partners
AION Succession Partners is dedicated to supporting businesses in their next phase of growth. We focus on preserving the core values of companies while unlocking their full potential through strategic investments and operational expertise.
Our Approach
AION is a long term investor looking to provide a sustainable solution for a succession situation
- Problem to solve
- An entire generation of founders and business owners is looking for suitable succession solutions
- Founders are looking for a safe home for their business
- New owners and operators are needed to protect the legacy including employees and customers
- AION Value Proposition
- AION is investing in businesses and will be operationally involved post transaction
- We have a long-term focus and extensive experience in operating and growing businesses
- AION is backed by a large pool of entrepreneurial and institutional investors
Meet The Founder
Wernher Pikali is the Founder and Managing Partner of AION Succession Partners.
An investor and operator with a background in software, Wernher brings over a decade ofprofessional experience in business leadership, value creation and investing.
Before launching AION, Wernher managed a portfolio of software companies at Everfield and was responsible for driving organic growth. Previously, he worked in M&A at Lazard and Barclays where he was involved in more than 20 transactions in a variety of sectors including TMT (technology, media and telecommunication), healthcare, industrials and business services.
Wernher is based in the UK and grew up in Switzerland. Beyond business, Wernher is a devoted husband and a lifelong sports enthusiast — he is a proud finisher of several international marathons and enjoys skiing in the mountains.
Wernher Pikali
Founder and Managing Partner
Operational Experience
Extensive track record in creating value and accelerating growth in software businesses.
Depotnet
Field management softwarefor the telecom, utilities, andinfrastructure sector
Fitfactory
MRP and ERP software for themanufacturing andengineering sector
KOST
Inventory managementsoftware and point of sale(POS) systems for the care &catering industry
helloTess
POS software for catering,hotel, and restaurant industry
Ondeso
Automated operational technology (OT)
VSX
CPQ software for the fuild hadling industry
Fenz
Inventory management software for the food sector
SoCom
ERP software for the textitle sector
Matrix POS
POS software for the hotel and gastronomy market
ParkHere
Software for smart parking
Meet The Advisory Board
Support from a senior board of advisors with deep sector expertise in the SME market.
Dr. Gernot Eisinger
Partner at INSETA
Co-founder of PE firm AFINUM Management, which he led for 24+ years; now on its Supervisory Board. Deep expertise in succession planning, small/mid-cap buyouts, and value creation. Entrepreneur in Residence with the INSEAD ETA/Search Fund Club.
Jan Van der Beke
Co-founder of Capforce
Runs Capforce, a long-term-hold investment holding company. Board member at Templec Services, Feys-Pattyn, and Orion Dynamic, and Director of Group VHC. Track record across industrial services, climate tech, and construction in Belgium and the UK.
Felix Leuschner
Co-Founder and CEO of Venmark
Building an AI-native platform for the testing, inspection & certification sector. Previously founded Drover, a UK car-subscription platform acquired by Cazoo (2021). Active angel and search-fund investor across Europe.
Nige Wilkinson
Cybersecurity and Technology Advisor
25+ years across government, defence, and private sector. Former COO and Managing Director; advises boards on risk, compliance, and digital transformation. Full Member of CIISec; MSc in IT Security (Distinction).
Matei Beremski
Co-Founder of SoundSense AI
Former Co-founder & CTO of 7bridges, an AI supply-chain platform acquired by IFS; raised £30m in VC. 15+ years building AI/data teams; ex-IBM.
Stan Beremski
Co-Founder of SoundSense AI
Former Product Director at Chambers and Partners through its £400m+ exit. Ex-Lead PM at frog; earlier product roles at King and Zynga.
Our Investment Criteria
Extensive track record in creating value and accelerating growth in software businesses.
Sector
- Technology and Software
- Tech-enabled Services
- Cybersecurity
- ERP Consulting
Business
- Mature businesses with consistent cash generation
- Mission-critical products and services
- B2B customer focus
- High share of recurring revenue
Geography
We focus on businesses based in the United Kingdom
Financials
- Revenue of £1–50m
- EBITDA of £0.5–5m (min. 10% margin)
A sustainable solution for a succession situation
We provide a long-term solution for succession situations protecting the interests of customers and employees
Profound experience in driving growth and profitability
We have profound experience in professionalize and grow technology businesses through organic and inorganic growth strategies
Flexibility to structure the transaction according to the preferences of the seller
We have a flexible investment approach and can structure transactions to accommodate specific preferences of the seller
Transparency and confidentiality throughout the entire process
We are focused on creating win-win situations and value transparency and confidentiality
Contact Us
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