SevenUnited Group
Who We Are
Great companies are not built overnight. Many good family and entrepreneur-owned companies come to a point where the owner wants a long-term partner who can help accelerate growth while preserving what makes the business great.
SevenUnited Group is a Santa Barbara-based private equity investment firm with a family office mindset. We structure partnership transactions which allow owners to achieve liquidity but maintain a significant ongoing stake in their company to share in value creation and align interests.
With over two decades of experience in buy-and-build strategies, we provide valuable expertise in developing and recruiting management teams, structuring and executing add-on acquisitions, establishing back-office functions and building teams and processes in key areas including M&A, acquisition integration, human resources and sales & marketing.
Our Name
The United Provinces of the Netherlands, also known as the Seven United Provinces, was a federal republic that existed from 1579 to 1795 as a predecessor to the modern-day Netherlands. The republic was established after seven Dutch provinces revolted against rule by Spain and declared independence in 1581. The small state was more tolerant than other countries, which allowed trade, arts and science to flourish.
The Seven United Provinces controlled a worldwide network of trading routes and built a fleet larger than those of England and France combined. Because Dutch trade, art and science were among the most acclaimed during much of the 17th century, this period became known as the Dutch Golden Age.
The history of the Seven United Provinces shows that with focus and agility, small players can achieve outsized success. SevenUnited Group aims to partner with the best entrepreneurs and help them grow their businesses into great enterprises.
How We Are Different
Partnership
We have a collaborative approach in creating value and overcoming any hurdles that may be in our way. We invest our own money alongside our management partners.
Patience
We think in years, not quarters. We focus on working with management teams to build extraordinary companies and do not hesitate to make the investments needed to get there.
Performance
By focusing on a limited number of investments, we drive results like a private equity firm, but with the long-term mindset of a family office. We focus on results and catalyzing change, not exhausting analysis that distracts you from your mission.
People & Culture
Great companies aren’t built in spreadsheets. We focus on empowering people and organizations to reach their full potential.
Plain & Simple
We believe in simple deal structures to maximize alignment, avoid confusion and reduce risk. We typically use no or modest leverage at closing, so we have maximum flexibility to invest for growth.
What We Look For
Industries
Facility & residential services, distribution and logistics; preference for route-based business models
Business Quality
Recurring or reoccurring revenue with competitive “moat” and attractive EBITDA margins
Size
$2-15+ million of EBITDA; growing, fragmented market of at least $1 billion
Team
Joost Thesseling, CEO
Joost has over thirty years of experience in mergers & acquisitions and private company investing. Before founding SevenUnited Group, Joost was a partner and member of the investment committee at CI Capital Partners, where he focused on working with family and entrepreneur-owned companies to execute buy-and-build strategies. Previously, Joost held roles in finance, strategic planning, and mergers & acquisitions at Engelhard Corporation. Prior to Engelhard, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he advised private equity firms on mergers & acquisitions.
Joost helped position companies for organic and inorganic growth by developing high-caliber management teams, strengthening back office systems and processes, and making investments in technology to enhance or transform business models. He has helped management teams complete over one hundred add-on acquisitions. Joost holds a MSc. in Business Economics from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Julian Thesseling, Associate
Prior to joining SevenUnited Group, Julian worked for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. As a member of the Transportation Demand Management team, he focused on parking facility management, micro mobility policy and the launch of the agency’s new app-based bike locker program.
Previously, Julian served with FEMA Corps, where he worked on emergency management projects throughout the United States. Julian holds a dual BA in Government and History from Claremont McKenna College.
Howard Hubert, Senior Operating Advisor - Distribution
Howard Hubert has over four decades of experience in the specialty chemicals and industrial gas distribution sectors. Most recently, he served as President, Performance Materials at Barentz North America. Previously, Howard was Chief Commercial Officer at Maroon Group until its acquisition by Barentz. Earlier in his career, Howard served as Senior Vice President, Packaged Gas at Matheson Tri-Gas after its acquisition of Valley National Gases, where Howard served as President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to Valley, Howard held executive positions at Linde and AGA Gas. Throughout his career, Howard has been involved in over 40 acquisitions across multiple platform companies.
Howard is widely respected for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and deep industry knowledge. Having been part of the senior leadership team of two successful private equity-owned companies, he brings invaluable insight and guidance to help companies navigate complex challenges and unlock opportunities for growth. Howard is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. His ability to identify and nurture talent has not only strengthened the individuals, but also contributed to the long-term success of the teams and companies he has led. Howard holds a BS in Engineering from Michigan State and an MBA from Case Western Reserve.
Kit Cooper, Senior Operating Advisor - Talent Development
Kit Cooper is an experienced entrepreneur and executive advisor with over 25 years of experience in building and scaling businesses. Kit is the co-founder of Newco Talent, a firm dedicated to delivering tailored talent solutions for private equity-backed companies, including executive search, organizational design, and leadership development. Previously, he was a Partner at Signal Partners, an executive search and advisory firm focused exclusively on private equity-backed businesses. In both roles, Kit worked closely with investors and management teams to build leadership capacity and align talent with strategic objectives. As co-founder of Hispanic Teleservices Corporation, he led the company's growth to 3,000 employees before a successful exit to Carlyle Group.
Kit's entrepreneurial spirit and operating experience, spanning outsourced services, human capital strategy, and multi-site operations have helped him build trusted relationships with investors and executives. His particular focus lies in the talent part of operating plans for services businesses, including technology services, professional services, commercial services, home services, and industrial services. Kit is a frequent speaker on leadership and human capital in private equity. He holds a BA from UCLA and an MBA from Georgetown University.
“Our Favorite Holding Period is Forever.”
– Warren Buffett
Contact Us
We are actively seeking investment opportunities and welcome contact from entrepreneurs, executives, and intermediaries. We will get back to you in less than 48 hours and will keep anything you share confidential.
SevenUnited Group LLC
412 Anacapa St #100
Santa Barbara, CA 93101