Investment philosophy
Exa operates on a fundamental principle: we acquire enterprise software companies with the intention of keeping them forever. This permanent capital model shapes everything we do, from evaluating potential acquisitions to supporting portfolio companies post-acquisition.
We look for established enterprise software businesses with strong market positions, proprietary software, loyal customer bases, and potential for continued growth.
Long-term value creation
Without pressure to sell portfolio companies, we make decisions that build value over decades, not just quarters.
Founder legacy preservation
We maintain what makes each company special – its culture, mission, and customer relationships.
Operational enhancement
We improve without interfering, providing resources and expertise that accelerate growth while respecting company autonomy.
Sustainable growth
We balance ambitious growth goals with sustainable business practices for long-term success.
What to expect as an Exa portfolio company
How we’re organised
to support your success
Exa’s organizational structure is designed to provide both strategic oversight and practical operational support while maintaining each portfolio company’s autonomy. Our structure consists of two distinct groups, each with a specific focus:
Exa HoldCo
The role of the holding company is that of a steward of long-term value. Our role is to guide, support, and challenge our businesses – while allocating capital to drive sustainable growth.
Focus Areas:
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- Stewardship – We take responsibility for the long-term success of every business under Exa. This means making decisions that prioritize resilience, durability, and long-term value creation over short-term wins.
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- Leadership development & culture – We invest in building strong leaders across the portfolio – through structured coaching, executive forums, and cross-company collaboration. We champion a culture of ownership, integrity, and accountability.
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- Best practice sharing – While each company is different, great ideas are worth sharing. We identify and scale what works, whether in pricing strategy, customer retention, or operational planning – by connecting leaders across our portfolio companies.
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- Capital allocation – We invest where we see long-term potential – both within the companies we already own and through acquisition of new businesses.
At Exa, we don’t just buy businesses – we build them. With patience, clarity, and a relentless focus on doing the right thing for the long term.
Enterprise Support Group
Our Enterprise Support Group exists to elevate the performance of our portfolio companies – without compromising their independence. Each of our businesses operate autonomously, led by their own management teams. But we recognize that certain capabilities, when shared thoughtfully, can accelerate growth, improve execution, and reduce complexity.
ESG’s approach:
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- Respect for autonomy – We do not impose one-size-fits-all solutions. Each business sets its strategy. Enterprise Support Groups’ role is to support execution and strengthen the core.
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- Embedded collaboration – We build relationships. ESG team members work closely with portfolio company leaders, often functioning as extensions of their teams – always aligned, never overreaching.
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- Shared learning – Enterprise Support Group is a hub for best practices across the portfolio. The team actively identifies insights from across the group and doesn’t just document what worked but facilitates the conversation.
Enterprise Support Group:
Resources for growth
Our Enterprise Support Group provides portfolio companies with access to expertise and resources across key operational areas:
Finance and accounting
- Strategic financial planning and budgeting
- Reporting and compliance support
- Performance monitoring and analytics
- Financial operations and controls
Marketing and sales
- Go-to-market strategy development
- Digital marketing expertise
- Sales process optimization
- Customer success frameworks
Human resources
- Talent acquisition support
- Compensation benchmarking
- Leadership development
- Enhancing employee engagement
IT and infrastructure
- Technical architecture guidance
- Security best practices
- Infrastructure optimization
- System integration support
How we measure success
Without the pressure of a fixed investment horizon, Exa evaluates success through metrics that balance growth, sustainability, and long-term value creation:
These metrics guide our collaborative approach to portfolio company development, ensuring we’re building businesses that thrive for decades, not just until the next transaction.
What our founders say
Ready to explore what working with Exa could mean for your company?
Let’s start a conversation about your business, your vision for its future, and how Exa’s unique approach might align with your goals.