Our Team

We are a powerful team of experienced professionals with complementary backgrounds across strategy consulting, private equity, and M&A – supported by a dedicated group of seasoned advisors

Kerim Baccari
Founder
Kerim founded Backer Group with the belief that traditional 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 small businesses.
At Backer Group, Kerim leads the team’s initiatives on deal origination, investment strategy, and due diligence.
Kerim started his career at Boston Consulting Group, advising private equity firms in assessing investment opportunities across sectors, as well as corporates in unlocking value through various growth levers. Kerim then joined Advent International, a global private equity firm, where he focused on investments in the Business Services sector. At Advent, Kerim was responsible for identifying attractive investment opportunities, executing acquisitions, and working alongside portfolio companies to implement value creation opportunities. He notably worked on the acquisitions of Evri (formerly Hermes) and Mondial Relay, two leaders in parcel delivery services across the UK and France.
Kerim holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from McGill University in Canada and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD.

Francesca Colantuoni
Operating Advisor
Francesca joined Backer Group with the belief that small businesses can leverage their nimble culture and ways of operating to create outsized value for their customers, their employees, and their community.
At Backer Group, Francesca advises on operational topics such as strategy, organisational effectiveness, and human capital management.
Francesca started her career at Oliver Wyman, where she focused on helping large organisations transform their culture to create the best environment for their employees to thrive and achieve their full potential. Francesca then joined McKinsey & Company, leading numerous strategic projects for corporates across industries, working alongside management teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives. At McKinsey, Francesca focused primarily on business transformation projects, helping organisations achieve their value creation objectives by working hand in hand with management to deliver impact.
Francesca holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and marketing from McGill University in Canada and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD.
Advisory committee
Backer Group is supported by an advisory committee of experienced industry executives, advisors and investors committed to backing great small businesses with us.
Luigi Colantuoni
Former CEO Japan – Total
Former CEO US – Sartomer
Experience in operations, strategic planning, and international expansion
Mugurel Florea
Partner – Boston Consulting Group Experience in business strategy and operational improvement
Mugurel Florea
Partner – Boston Consulting Group Experience in business strategy and operational improvement
Adrian Kyriazi
Former Managing Director, Investment Banking – HSBC
Former Head of Europe and Middle East – EFG Private Bank
Experience in business acquisitions and investment strategy
Jacopo Meneguzzo
Head of Strategy & Value Creation – PFH Palladio Holding
Former Principal – Boston Consulting Group
Experience in business acquisitions, due diligence, and value creation