A network that understands the automotive industry
Fouriertransform aims to be an owner that provides expertise, networks and good ownership governance to help the portfolio companies achieve their full potential. This ownership model promotes value creation and is a key factor in the company’s ability to succeed.
In order to go in as a minority investor in all of a company’s phases, sometimes as principal owner, some-times as a traditional minority, Fouriertransform needs a strong organization and ownership model. In order to help the portfolio companies create value Fouriertransform needs to have people with relevant expertise who can assist the companies in all stages of their development.
Industrial and financial expertise
Since the start Fouriertransform has placed a great deal of importance on ensuring that the necessary experience is available. This applies to the composition of the company’s own Board of Directors, and employees, and building an external Swedish and international network with industrial and financial expertise. Many people in Fouriertransform’s network have backgrounds with one of the main automotive manufacturers in Sweden or elsewhere in Europe.
Tailored boards
Advisors and board representatives from Fouriertransform’s network are recruited for the portfolio companies. If the portfolio companies are to be successful, it is crucial that their boards are tailored to include personal qualities, expertise and experience that complements the company’s executive management. At the end of the year 15 individuals from Fouriertransform’s network were sitting on the boards of the portfolio companies.
Fouriertransform’s Investment Directors and Investment Managers also have solid experience from the automotive industry, the venture capital sector or strategic consulting, often from working for international corporations. They play a key role in the entire investment process by identifying and carry out investments, producing valuecreation plans for each company, and evaluating and engaging external board members. They also ensure that reporting is adequate and act as sounding boards for the CEO and Chairman of the Board. In some cases the Investment Directors serve as interim Chairman of the board on the boards of portfolio companies.
Fouriertransform’s own Board of Directors also maintains an ongoing dialogue with the portfolio companies’ board representatives for an exchange of professional experiences. At least one board meeting a year takes place at the offices of one of the portfolio companies.