Frequently Asked Questions

What types of businesses does Marina Ventures acquire?

Marina Ventures is a self‑funded holding company that focuses on buying micro‑businesses in the UAE. The firm targets companies with audited financial statements, consistent cash flow of AED 0.5 – 2 million, and margins of 20 % or more.

What does the acquisition process look like?

Will my sale discussions with Marina Ventures remain confidential?

How is Marina Ventures funded?

Who is behind Marina Ventures?

Yes – absolutely. We treat all conversations and details of the potential sale with strict confidentiality. At the very start, we’re happy to sign a NDA to protect your sensitive information. This means any financial data, customer lists, or trade secrets you share with us won’t be disclosed to anyone else. We also won’t discuss the sale with your staff, clients, or competitors until you’re ready and we have mutually agreed on how to communicate it.

The firm was founded by Toño Álvarez, a senior investment professional with over eight years of M&A and corporate development experience in the Middle East and Europe. Before founding Marina Ventures he built Pic Blanc Advisory, advising sovereign wealth funds, family offices and corporates in the GCC region. He combines strategic rigor with a passion for building lasting businesses.

The process is designed to be simple and transparent. It starts with a confidential, no‑obligation conversation to understand your business and goals. Marina Ventures then reviews the company’s financials to confirm alignment with its investment thesis. Closing and transition with a collaborative handover to ensure continuity.

Marina Ventures is a self-funded search fund, which means our founder uses personal capital (and bank financing if needed) to acquire businesses. Unlike a large private equity fund, we aren’t backed by institutional money – we’re investing our own resources and have a very personal stake in the success of your company.

Who will run my company after you buy it?

Our approach is to be a hands-on owner-operator. In practical terms, the founder of Marina Ventures plans to step into the leadership role and manage the business day-to-day after acquisition. We are not just financiers – we’re entrepreneurs who want to actively run and grow the company we acquire. This means you’re dealing directly with the person (or team) who will be running your business going forward.

We tailor the transition period to what makes sense for you and the business. Typically, we do ask the selling founder to stay on for a short transition period – often a few months – to help train us as the new owners. Your insight is extremely valuable in ensuring a smooth handover, and many founders appreciate the chance to guide the new owner and see that their life’s work is in good hands. That said, the length and depth of your post-sale involvement is flexible.

What does the transition period look like? Will I need to stay on after the sale?