Alignment. Structure. Activation.
Alignment. Structure. Activation.
181 Activate is a strategic capital partner focused on complex mid-market transactions where alignment, structure and disciplined capital frameworks unlock value.
We work with founders, shareholders and capital partners to design capital structures, align incentives and execute transactions that position businesses for their next phase of growth. Where appropriate, we participate alongside aligned capital partners on a deal-by-deal basis.
We work on a limited number of situations at any given time where alignment, structure and disciplined capital frameworks can materially unlock value.
Mid-market businesses often reach a point where capital, ownership structure and strategic direction must evolve together.
In many situations, value is constrained not by operational performance, but by misaligned shareholder incentives, inefficient capital structures or balance sheet limitations that prevent the business from executing its next phase of growth.
181 Activate works with founders, shareholders and capital partners to design capital frameworks that align incentives, unlock liquidity where appropriate and position businesses to execute transactions with discipline.
Durable value creation rarely begins with capital alone. It begins with structure.
When incentives, governance and capital frameworks are aligned, businesses are better positioned to execute transactions, deploy capital and pursue long-term growth.
At 181 Activate, each situation is approached with a disciplined focus on alignment between founders, shareholders, management teams and capital partners.
Our work focuses on situations where capital structure, shareholder alignment and disciplined transaction design are central to unlocking value.
Design of capital structures, shareholder alignment frameworks and structured liquidity solutions that position businesses for their next phase of development.
Optimisation of working capital structures and calibration of trade or stock finance solutions to support operational growth.
Architecture of transactions, coordination with capital partners and establishment of governance frameworks that support disciplined execution.
Selective deal-by-deal principal capital participation alongside aligned capital partners where appropriate.
181 Activate engages in situations where capital structure, shareholder alignment or balance sheet constraints are limiting a business’s ability to execute its next phase of growth.
These situations are often commercially viable businesses that require a more disciplined capital framework, clearer stakeholder alignment or thoughtful transaction structuring to unlock value.
Typical situations include:
Businesses where founders or core shareholders are evaluating growth capital, structured liquidity or broader ownership realignment.
Situations involving misaligned incentives, legacy ownership structures or the need to recalibrate stakeholder alignment ahead of a transaction or growth phase.
Businesses with sound operating foundations but capital or working capital structures that are constraining execution, liquidity or expansion.
Acquisitions, recapitalisations, partner buy-ins, buy-outs or other mid-market transactions requiring disciplined structuring and capital coordination.
Situations where alignment, structure and risk-reward are appropriate for participation alongside aligned capital partners on a deal-by-deal basis.
181 Activate is led by an experienced principal and works alongside a select group of investors and capital partners with deep expertise across private equity, corporate finance and strategic investment environments.
The firm’s work draws on extensive experience across complex transactions, capital structuring and long-term value creation within mid-market businesses.
Neil Eppel
Principal
Neil Eppel is a private equity investor and structured finance specialist with more than three decades of experience in investment strategy, transaction execution and portfolio value creation.
He previously served as Head of Private Equity at Sasfin, where he led the firm’s private equity activities and oversaw multiple investments across growth and mid-market businesses.
Neil’s experience spans capital structuring, strategic investing and the active scaling of companies through disciplined financial frameworks and operational alignment.
The principals of 181 Activate bring experience across private equity, corporate finance and strategic investment environments.
Private Family Office Investments
181 Activate works with a limited number of businesses and capital partners at any given time.
This allows us to focus on situations where alignment, disciplined capital frameworks and thoughtful transaction structuring can materially influence outcomes.
Each engagement is approached with independence, discipline and long-term alignment in mind.
For confidential discussions