My Story | Erwin de Grave - M&A Investor & Business Mentor

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, PcW Uitgevers, 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, Investing, and Finding Opportunities

After consulting, I moved into building and investing in businesses. In 2017, I co-founded Dynamic OpenGov Technologies with Juan Manuel Roa. Our brand, oGov Tech, provides open government SaaS solutions and consultancy to help public organisations implement transparency technology.

In 2020, I established EdG Holding 1315 SL as my base for M&A investments and advisory work, focusing on healthy SMEs with EUR 1-10 million in revenue.

In 2023, I co-founded The Guiding Matrix with Dr. Steve Jeffs with a clear mission: help coaches become better coaches and better CEOs of their coaching businesses. A year later, we acquired The Coaching Tools Company to expand our resources for the coaching community. In 2025, we launched The Coaching Edge Podcast together, bringing real conversations about coaching, business, and whatever else grabs our attention.

That same year, I launched Acquisition Deal Team to help startups scale through acquisitions, supporting both the startups themselves and their investors in navigating M&A transactions.

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.