Riverside Europe Fund VII : The Podcast That Reveals the Secrets of European Private Equity

The Private Market Square podcast, hosted by Yann Charraire, co-founder of Airfund, highlights the strategies of top fund managers and their impact on private investing. In the episode dedicated to Riverside Europe Fund VII, Karsten Langer, the fund’s managing partner, shares his expertise and market insights, offering a unique opportunity to understand investing in high-potential European SMEs.

Riverside: A Global Approach to Private Equity

Founded in the United States in 1988, Riverside is a global private equity firm currently managing approximately €12 billion in assets. With a presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, the firm operates 15 offices worldwide and has completed over 1,000 investments in mid-sized companies. Its unique positioning? Combining local proximity with the strength of an international network to support companies in their global expansion.

Fund VII : Investment Objectives and Strategy

Riverside Europe Fund VII focuses on European family-owned or entrepreneur-led businesses, often facing succession challenges or seeking a partner to accelerate international growth.

• Key objectives of the fund include:

  • Supporting companies in their international expansion

  • Optimizing strategy and the structure of leadership teams

  • Implementing the value creation playbook, including targeted strategy, management enhancement, product development, digitalization, and sustainable growth

• The fund primarily targets four sectors:

  • Technology: B2B SaaS and specialized software

  • Healthcare: Specialized pharma and pharmaceutical supply

  • Consumer: Consumer goods and ingredients

  • Specialized Manufacturing: Niche industrial manufacturing

An International and Resilient Approach

With 15 offices and local teams across Europe (Stockholm, Munich, Brussels, Madrid), Riverside offers tailored strategic support. Karsten Langer notes: “By having multiple international footholds, our companies are better able to withstand trade tensions and economic cycles.”

Performance and Concrete Examples

Riverside’s track record is impressive: a 3.4x gross multiple* on 15 exits with no losses, targeting net returns of 20–25%*. A notable example is the successful sale of Health Tech Bioactives, a Spanish company specializing in dietary supplement extracts, which quadrupled invested capital over five years through U.S. expansion and improved production and management.

Sustainability and Responsible Investing

Fund VII is launched under Article 8 of the European directive, incorporating ESG criteria: carbon neutrality, gender diversity, and annual sustainability reporting for portfolio companies. Riverside thus combines financial performance with responsible impact.

Why Invest via Airfund

Through its collaboration with Airfund, Riverside now opens its funds to retail investors and small family offices, providing easier access to private equity. This opportunity allows investors to diversify their portfolios with high-potential European SMEs managed by an experienced fund manager.

Conclusion

The Private Market Square podcast episode with Karsten Langer is a valuable resource for any investor seeking to understand European private equity, with a focus on SMEs and international growth. Riverside Europe Fund VII combines historical expertise, value creation strategy, and a sustainable approach to offer a diversified and high-performing investment solution.