Sand Hill North buys small, purpose-driven software companies.
We acquire companies that are making a positive difference in people's lives. The companies we buy typically represent years of effort and often a lifetime of determination; we acknowledge and value the sweat equity that goes into such enterprise. The reasons for selling may include:
Existing owners planning to retire
Estate planning
Owner’s health
Purpose-Driven Acquisitions
We respect what you have built.
It is very important that you, as an owner, know that your employees are cared for and that your customers are well looked after. You should feel confident that even years after the sale, your good reputation will be intact. At Sand Hill North, we want you to feel honored and appreciated, so we focus on keeping your good company on a positive trajectory.
We engage with transparency.
The typical business profile that Sand Hill North considers buying generates between $500,000 and $5 million in revenue, is breaking even or modestly profitable, has a customer base in the hundreds and hinges its business on purpose-driven principles. Though not typical, we will occasionally invest in turnarounds and IP purchases.
We build on your legacy.
Leveraging Sand Hill North’s footing in technology, operational experience and critical mass, we are often able to build and develop companies such that the customers feel like the acquisition was the best thing that happened. We love to work with existing personnel, and through mentoring and career development, give them opportunities to grow and reach their full potential.
We act with unwavering integrity.
We promise to work with honesty, promptness and clarity. We will not entertain unfriendly takeovers. While we typically enter into 100% ownership agreements, we are happy to consider purchasing departments of existing companies that are no longer strategic if they are in the not-for-profit sector or something closely related.
Our Companies
Operations Team
Dave Brereton
President and CEO
Dave Brereton holds a deep commitment to building businesses that are guided by integrity and purpose. Dave also serves as executive chairman of Tecsys Inc., a supply chain software company he founded in 1983. In 1996, Dave was named one of the country's Top 40 Executives Under 40 by The Financial Post and CTV Television. In 2000, he was a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Dave is an early investor in numerous technology start-ups including Silanis Inc., Inventure LLC., AlayaCare, and Social.mom. He also serves as international director of Youth for Christ International, and is the founder of a fully accredited high school for marginalized youth in Montreal.
Dennis Clark
Partner and CFO
Dennis Clark helps bring financial clarity to the Sand Hill North team and its partners. He has worked with organizations drawing anywhere from $2 million to $150 million in annual revenues, guiding them through audits, legal matters and financial system upgrades. With over 30 years’ experience spanning both non-profit and for-profit sectors, holding positions from systems analyst to CFO, Dennis is well-positioned to bring financial integrity and insight to a vast spectrum of businesses. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dennis focuses on family and fitness, not to mention that global quest for the perfect cappuccino.
Bradley Olsthoorn
COO and GM, Silent Partner Software
Bradley Olsthoorn brings a wealth of analytical expertise and technological prowess to the Sand Hill North team. His professional experiences have afforded him significant insight into multiple business operations including corporate information technology, accounting, internal audit and controls, taxation and IFRS. Over the last number of years, he has focused on systems architecture and strategic planning. Bradley is a lifelong learner who is passionate about business improvement processes and operational excellence, and carries a strong aptitude for technology. He is driven by purpose, having successfully grown an international software business serving the non-profit sector.
Cathy Jaynes
Chief of People & Culture
Cathy Jaynes empowers senior leaders with optimized HR and talent acquisition strategies, programs, processes and best practices. She has a passion for supporting both individual and business growth, and has successfully guided organizational development and performance through effective HR infrastructure, governance and culture cultivation. In 2009, Cathy joined DAVIDsTEA as one of its early employees, and oversaw the HR function as the company grew from 1 store to 175 stores (25 to 2500 employees) over a 5-year period. She joins the Sand Hill North team with the aim of making its companies employers of choice.
Wes Moon
COO and GM, Wisely
Wes Moon is a creative problem solver, a reasoned logician and a serial fundraiser. Over the course of more than 20 years, he has been working with non-profit organizations to accelerate and amplify their fundraising efforts, and has translated those experiences into Wisely, an AI-powered software solution that supports and improves donor solicitation. With more than $70 million raised personally and having supported over $2 billion in funds raised, Wes carries a deep portfolio of team building, business development and operational skills that help organizations of all kinds reach their full potential.
We understand that there are many dynamics at play and plenty of questions that will arise as you explore a buyout scenario. Our team has navigated many win-win-win acquisitions, and we would be pleased to discuss what that may look like for you, whether in the near future or down the line. Please reach out to us for a candid conversation.