Search Fund | Red Forest Capital

We’re a

group

operators

investors...

...that prides itself on being hands-on and deeply involved throughout all stages of a fund's lifecycle. Our entrepreneurs find us as highly engaged, available, and willing to roll up our sleeves on any issue.

We focus 100% of our time on helping our search
fund entrepreneurs succeed.

Pioneers of the search fund investor ecosystem

Through Craig Burr's activity in the initial search funds in the mid-80s, we have partnered with search fund entrepreneurs since the very beginning of the asset class.

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The meaning behind name

“Red Forest Capital” pays homage to a forest property in Austria purchased by the Burr family in the 1800s. The heart of the property was called Rothwald, or "Red Forest." Matthew's great, great grandfather recognized the forest's unique ecological characteristics and also wished to preserve the family business that was conducted thereon. Through purchasing the tract, he not only ensured the survival of the business but also preserved an exceptionally beautiful landscape that includes one of the last remaining old growth forests in Central Europe. To us, Red Forest represents heritage, durability and foresight.

Experience, partnership, flexibility, and support

There are numerous search fund investors in the ecosystem. We provide an institutional level of support with the investment flexibility of a family office.

Since 1984

continuous investments in the asset class

Meet our team

We are world class team of investors and operators, with the experience and drive to help you succeed.

Matt Burr

General Partner

Matt has become a recognized leader in search fund investing. Prior to Red Forest Capital, Matt worked for Cambridge Associates and assisted universities, foundations, and high net worth families with asset allocation and investment manager selection. Here, he also worked as a hedge fund analyst, evaluating global long/short equity managers for potential investment. Matt currently serves on the Board of Directors of Atlantic Duct Cleaning, Bridge, Dragonfly Pond Works, Freehold Ophthalmology, and HousingWire. Matt earned a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Harvard College and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University.

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Max Schaefer

Operating Partner

Max joined Red Forest Capital as Operating Partner in 2023. Prior to joining Red Forest, Max ran a search fund, Spinnaker Capital Management, focused on healthcare services and healthcare IT. Before launching his search, Max was a member of the leadership team at Shields Health Solutions, a leading specialty pharmacy business, where he focused on growth and strategic operations. Earlier in his career he held numerous strategic and operational roles in technology consulting. Max currently serves on the Board of Directors of Life Support Systems and Strobes N' More. Max earned a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

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Craig Burr

General Partner

Craig is one of New England’s foremost experts in venture capital and private equity. Craig was one of the founders and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the New England Venture Capital Association. Prior to NEVCA, Craig was a founding member of Burr, Egan, Deleage & Company, a venture capital firm focused in technology, healthcare and biotechnology, and communications. Previously, he served as a General Partner at TA Associates, a private equity firm that leads buyouts and recapitalizations. Craig earned a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Sarah Walton

Internal Operations

Sarah is RFC's Head of Internal Operations and has been with the firm since 2018. In this role, Sarah is responsible for supporting the executive management team and managing the day to day operations of the business. Sarah prides herself on ensuring all of our partners receive an exceptional experience working with us. Sarah previously worked for several start-ups in the software space, heading up customer services and sales. Sarah is originally from Nottingham in the U.K. and moved to the US with her family in 2010.