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14/05/2025

Meet the team: Sofía Timón

Associate

– Tell us about yourself

I was raised in Madrid and grew up with an international mindset, shaped by an English-style education. Along the way, I developed an early curiosity for finance and quickly realised that gaining a global perspective would be key to truly understanding the field. That’s why I pursued a degree in International Business that split between Madrid, Boston, and later New York – each city gave me the chance to expand my horizons and experience different cultures. After finishing my studies, I made the decision to move to London, where I gained hands-on experience in the centre of European finance before joining Portobello.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about discovering new cuisines (I love cooking, though I’ll leave the judgement of taste to others!) and traveling to new places that challenge my thinking and broaden my understanding of the world. If the destination also happens to offer the chance to swap my passport for a wetsuit and dive alongside marine life, all the better – I can’t think of a more exciting way to connect with nature. To keep a balance in my fast-paced life, I’ve recently discovered the sport Barre – it’s the perfect way to release some endorphins and kickstart my day with energy.

– How did you enter the Private Equity Industry?

Prior to joining Portobello, I worked in Investment Banking at Bank of America as part of the TMT team, where I had the chance to work with companies across different verticals and stages, from established market leaders to high-growth challengers. Working closely with management teams and investors, gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to elevate and scale a successful business. After a few years in the industry, I realised I wanted to play a more direct role in helping businesses unlock their next phase of growth. Private equity was the natural next step – identifying high-potential companies in attractive sectors and working hand-in-hand with management teams to drive long-term value creation.

I joined Portobello after a thorough interview process where I had the chance to meet the whole team. It quickly felt like the right fit – Spain’s leading mid-market investor with a proven playbook, focused on backing high-quality, growing businesses and partnering with founders and management teams to take their companies to the next level while driving long-term value creation. What excites me most about the middle market is its dynamism – no two opportunities are the same. I love stepping out of my comfort zone, tackling new challenges, and applying past experiences to help companies reach their full potential. Every business brings a new puzzle to solve, making every investment an opportunity to learn and grow.

– What are your main responsabilities at Portobello Capital?

As an Associate in the Investment Team at Portobello, I focus on sourcing and evaluating new opportunities, managing deal flow, and working closely with our portfolio companies to drive growth. A big part of my day-to-day is diving into new sectors and businesses – quickly getting up to speed to decide if they’re worth exploring further. If they are, I lead the due diligence process, teaming up with advisors, industry experts, and management to refine the business plan, flag key risks and attractiveness, and shape a clear strategy for value creation. It’s a hands-on process where aligning with founders and teams is key to unlocking long-term growth. Once we invest, I stay closely involved – supporting management on everything from international expansion to M&A and operational improvements. Ultimately, as partners, we share insights and challenge ideas – we create a strong alliance, providing the necessary support for our companies to thrive. Finally, when the time comes, we help set the stage for a successful exit, handing over the reins to a new partner while delivering strong returns to our investors.

– Tell me about your last transaction: Serveo

Some deals keep you on your toes from day one – and in my case, quite literally. I started working on Serveo on my very first day at Portobello, and it’s been a deal that has been full of learning opportunities and a key part of my journey. These last few months have kicked things up a gear, as we prepared to launch our continuation vehicle. Translating three years of hands-on value creation into one compelling story (and anticipating every investor question) has been one of the most rewarding challenges so far. You realize quickly how hard it is to put into words the conviction and excitement we feel about this asset. In this process, building a continuation vehicle means switching hats constantly – playing both seller and buyer, all while staying focused on delivering the best outcome for our existing LPs.

Looking ahead, with the additional fire power brought by the continuation vehicle, we’re doubling down on Serveo’s future. The next phase is all about driving consolidation in the Spanish FM space and unlocking the full potential of the business. We’re just getting started.

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