ClearCourse
UK private equity-backed software and embedded payments specialist that acquires industry-specific software businesses across retail, hospitality, membership, and business services sectors.
Investment Requirements
Company Overview
ClearCourse
What They Buy
- Target: Industry-specific software and payments businesses
- Sectors: Retail & hospitality, golf & leisure, membership services, business services
- Requirements: Profitable, growing businesses with bonus for IP ownership
- Focus: Enhanced payment experiences benefit potential
- Size: Small and medium-sized businesses
- Geography: Primarily UK-based companies
Recent Major Acquisitions
- Rezcontrol: Hospitality property management systems (June 2025)
- Davidson Richards: Retail management and EPOS systems (July 2025)
- CSY Retail Systems: EPOS provider for retail businesses (September 2024)
- ThinkSmart Software: Club/class scheduling SaaS platform (February 2024)
- Clear: Legacy management software for non-profit/transport (January 2023)
Track Record
- Founded: 2018 in London
- Leadership: Christina Hamilton (CEO, ex-Stripe, Worldpay, Western Union)
- Backing: Aquiline Capital Partners (New York/London PE firm)
- Scale: 40+ acquisitions since inception
- Focus: Rapid growth through strategic acquisitions and integration
- Philosophy: Acquire and integrate to benefit portfolio company growth
Portfolio Companies
Similar Acquirers
ETA Equity
Search fund investor that invests in and supports entrepreneurs seeking to acquire and operate established small businesses through the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) model
Banyan Software
Leading acquirer and permanent home for mission-critical enterprise software businesses with a buy-and-hold-for-life strategy.
Arising Ventures
Holding company that acquires and operates B2B tech businesses, specializing in turnarounds and special situations with a focus on high-margin software platforms.
Last updated: October 6, 2025
Information verified from public sources. Report corrections