Experienced Investors in Middle Market Companies
What We Do
At SEEM Capital, we specialize in acquiring and transforming middle-market companies. With decades of experience completing control transactions across a wide array of industries, we have built a reputation for partnering with business owners to unlock untapped potential.
Our approach is rooted in collaboration. We often partner with existing owners, encouraging them to roll over a portion of their equity into the deal. This ensures alignment of interests as we work side-by-side to drive growth. Together, we pursue add-on acquisitions, branch into adjacent industry segments, and implement strategies to expand rapidly and sustainably.
Our expertise in "Buy and Build" strategies and access to significant capital enable us to amplify value beyond the initial transaction. Time and again, owners who have partnered with us have achieved outcomes far exceeding their expectations, both financially and operationally. At SEEM Capital, we don’t just acquire businesses—we help build enduring legacies.
Why We’re Different
Selling your business is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. Choosing the right buyer is about more than just price—it's about finding a partner who knows how to close the deal efficiently and who will be a responsible steward of your business and its employees post-closing.
Many transactions fall apart because of inexperience—buyers who over-negotiate, fail to secure financing, or abandon deals over minor diligence findings. At SEEM Capital, we know how to get deals done. More importantly, we know how to grow and protect what you’ve built, ensuring that your business thrives for years to come.
At SEEM Capital, we stand apart because of our experience, expertise, and values:
Efficient Diligence Process—
We understand the importance of a seamless diligence process. Our deep experience allows us to focus on what matters most, avoiding unnecessary disruptions to your business.
Insightful Decision-Making—
Challenges in diligence don’t scare us. We know how to differentiate between critical issues and minor hurdles, ensuring the deal stays on track.
Capital Certainty—
With decades of experience raising billions of dollars, we know how to have all capital parties aligned and ready to close. This eliminates delays and ensures a smooth transaction.
Fair and Balanced Negotiations—
We believe in creating win-win agreements. Our negotiation approach is transparent, balanced, and rooted in mutual respect.
Post-Closing Partnership—
Our commitment doesn’t end at closing. We bring a steady hand and strategic insight to help management teams and owners develop impactful growth and acquisition strategies. Together, we drive organic growth and execute transformative add-on acquisitions.
Proven Track Record Across Industries—
With decades of experience acquiring and building businesses across various industries and economic cycles, we bring unmatched expertise and a history of success to every partnership.
Stephen W. Etter
Stephen brings four decades of middle market investing experience to SEEM capital. He was one of the original Founding Partners of Greyrock Capital Group. During his tenure with the Fund, Stephen co-managed almost a billion dollars in four funds investing junior capital in dozens of middle market companies with both funded and un-funded sponsors. At Greyrock, he sat on the board of directors of numerous companies and has garnered a wide array of experience across many industries including manufacturing, food, building materials, industrial equipment, software, education and business services.
Most recently he has worked with Acumen in an Advisory Role across both its early stage, high growth, patient capital Pioneer Investment Group as well as Acumen Capital Partners, covering the globe (Africa, Pakistan, Latin America, and the United States). He assisted in fund raising, investment selection, portfolio construction and management. His work for Acumen extended down to the portfolio level where he currently serves on the boards of numerous companies in developing countries.
His Social Impact work has been focused in four verticals; Regenerative Sustainable Agriculture, Education, Energy and Forcibly Displaced People. He has also spent a great deal of time working with Acumen Academy focused on educating future social impact entrepreneurs in their fellows program.
Stephen is a long-time member of the Professional Faculty at the Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley, which he joined in 1995. He teaches a variety of accounting and finance classes across both of the schools key programs (Undergraduate & MBA) and has also done extensive executive education classes in the Middle East and Bay Area. He has been awarded the Chiet Distinguished Teaching Award three times at Haas.
Early in his professional career, Stephen worked at PWC during which time he obtained his CPA. He currently serves on the Audit Committee for the University of California at Berkeley Foundation. He previously served extended terms as a University of California at Berkeley Foundation Trustee and the San Francisco Giants Community Fund Director. Mr. Etter received his undergraduate degree and MBA from the Haas School of Business.