Entrepreneur-Led. Long-Term Oriented.

Your business took decades to build.
It deserves the right successor.

Tempo Partners partners with business owners seeking a long-term successor. We acquire and operate companies ourselves — preserving what works and building carefully for the future.

Start a conversation Our Criteria

Our Approach

Operators. Not investors.

We are not a private equity firm. We do not manage a portfolio and we are not building toward a short-term exit. We are operators who intend to own and run the businesses we acquire.

That means we will be present. We will know your team. We will carry forward the culture you have spent years building — because we understand that the people and the way things are done are the business.

We are backed by long-term institutional capital and experienced operators who have navigated this transition themselves. Our capital is patient. Our commitment is long-term.

If you are thinking about succession — even in the early stages — we welcome a quiet, confidential conversation. No pressure. Just a serious discussion about what comes next.

We honour the decades of work behind every enduring business, and we approach succession with deep respect for legacy and a commitment to thoughtful transition.

— Mark Proudfoot & Eli Berenbeim, Founders

What We Buy

Our Criteria

We focus on established Canadian and U.S. businesses with durable economics and a capable team in place. The following characteristics guide our approach.

Recurring Revenue

Contracted or repeat revenue with predictable cash flow. We value businesses with loyal customers and recurring demand.

Strong Team in Place

An experienced team that manages the day-to-day operations. We operate alongside existing leadership — strengthening and supporting the foundation already in place.

Durable Moat

Regulatory barriers, specialized execution, long-standing customer relationships, or an installed base — advantages that protect the business over time.

Geography

Canada and the United States. We focus on businesses where we can be meaningfully engaged as long-term owners.

Low Customer Concentration

No single customer represents an outsized portion of revenue. Diversified, loyal customer bases reduce risk and support long-term stability.

Operationally Grounded

Businesses built on people, process, and long-term relationships — where operational excellence drives performance.

Financial Profile

Businesses generating approximately $2–5 million in EBITDA, with consistent profitability, healthy margins, and strong free cash flow. We are open to seller participation in the transaction when aligned — it can support a smooth and thoughtful transition.

Why Tempo

What sets us apart

There are many buyers in the market. Here is what differentiates Tempo — and why it matters.

Hands-on ownership

We are active owners. When we acquire a business, it receives our direct attention and long-term commitment. We are not distant capital — we are present operators.

Operators, not financial engineers

We have built and run businesses ourselves. Our focus is operational improvement, disciplined growth, and long-term value creation — not short-term financial optimization.

We protect what you have built

Your team, culture, and brand matter. We do not impose a standard playbook. We take the time to understand what has made the business successful before making changes.

Institutional backing, personal accountability

We are supported by long-term investors, which provides the capital and certainty to close. At the same time, we are personally accountable for the businesses we own — our reputation and careers are invested alongside them.

How It Works

A process built for owners

We keep the process clear and efficient — without unnecessary complexity or wasted time.

Initial Conversation

Confidential and without pressure. We learn about your business and you learn about us. No documents required.

Understanding the Business

If there is mutual interest, we review financials, operations, and leadership in greater depth. We move efficiently and treat your time with respect.

Letter of Intent

We present a clear and fair proposal. Valuation is explained transparently, and we remain open to thoughtful discussion.

Due Diligence & Closing

We work closely with your advisors to complete the transaction professionally and efficiently — thorough, focused, and minimally disruptive to the business.

Transition & Handoff

We collaborate on a transition plan tailored to your timeline — whether weeks or months. Continuity and stability remain the priority.

Our Team

Two operators.
One focus.

Mark and Eli have built and operated businesses together for over a decade. They are not investors who became operators — they are operators first.

Mark Proudfoot

Managing Partner

Mark is a serial entrepreneur with 15+ years of operating experience across technology, consumer products, and education. He's founded companies, scaled teams, and navigated the full arc of business ownership — which means he genuinely understands what it means to hand something off.

MBA, University of British Columbia

Eli Berenbeim

Managing Partner

Eli has spent his career building operational infrastructure for growing organizations across healthcare services, real estate technology, and venture-backed companies. Post-acquisition, he focuses on systems, people, and disciplined execution — continuing to build upon the foundation already in place.

MBA, University of British Columbia