Erwin de Grave | M&A Investor & Business Mentor

Erwin de Grave

The Early Years: Learning to See What Others Miss

I started my career at European Performance Institute in 1997. For four years, I worked on cost reduction and operational improvement projects for some of Europe’s largest companies: Aerospatiale, AkzoNobel, EADS, Elsevier, and others.

One project stands out. Working with a consortium of aerospace manufacturers, we identified EUR 19.6 million in purchasing savings. Not theoretical savings. Real money that went straight to the bottom line.

That experience taught me something important: the biggest opportunities are often hidden in plain sight. Companies get so focused on their day-to-day operations that they stop questioning their assumptions. Fresh eyes find what familiarity blinds you to.

Building and Investing

After consulting, I moved into building and investing in businesses. I co-founded The Coaching Tools Company with Dr. Steve Jeffs, building it into a resource used by coaches and consultants worldwide. I launched Acquisition Deal Team with Iñaki Perkins to help business owners navigate M&A transactions.

Along the way, I developed Press Plugin Suite for WordPress and worked on government transparency technology through oGov Tech. Each venture taught me something different about what makes businesses work, and what makes them struggle.

The common thread? I keep finding opportunities that others overlook. Sometimes it is a process that could be twice as efficient. Sometimes it is a market position that is stronger than the owner realises. Sometimes it is a weakness that, once fixed, transforms the business.

Why I Do This Work

I have seen too many business owners work incredibly hard without seeing the results they deserve. They know something is not right, but they cannot pinpoint it. They suspect their business is worth more, but they do not know how to prove it. They want to exit someday, but they do not know if they are ready.

I help them see clearly. My background in rigorous consulting methodology, combined with real experience building and investing in businesses, means I can quickly identify what matters most and what to do about it.

I am based in Málaga, Spain, and work with business owners across Europe and beyond. Most of my work is done remotely, with in-person sessions available when needed.

Current Ventures

Ready to Find What You Are Missing?

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