Kerim founded Backer Group upon realising that private equity investors are constrained by their short-term investment horizon and large deal size requirements and often overlook the outstanding opportunities associated with proven SMEs.

Alongside Francesca, Kerim co-leads the team’s initiatives on setting up new partnerships with SME owners, evaluating potential acquisition opportunities, and supporting group companies commercially and operationally.

Kerim started his career at Boston Consulting Group, working alongside management teams to grow their businesses and implement commercial and operational improvements. Kerim then joined Advent International, a private equity firm, where he was responsible for identifying attractive acquisition opportunities, executing transactions, and working alongside acquired companies to create value. He notably worked on the acquisitions of Evri (formerly Hermes) and Mondial Relay, two leaders in parcel delivery services across the UK and France.