Quintas Capital has completed its first Managed Equity investment, committing €15.9 million to Petal Group on November 10, 2025. The Dublin-based investment firm is partnering with the fast-growing floral gifting and e-commerce operator that spans Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. The transaction marks a debut deal for Quintas Capital’s deal-by-deal private equity model and signals its appetite for scalable, technology-led consumer platforms.
Investment Overview
The €15.9 million round is backed and led by Quintas Capital under its Managed Equity division. This structure allows the firm to assemble targeted syndicates for specific high-growth opportunities while maintaining close alignment with founders and management. In Petal Group’s case, Quintas Capital will support acquisitions and entry into new strategic markets as part of the next expansion phase.
Company Background
Petal Group operates a portfolio of online flower brands, including Flowers.ie, FlowersDirect.ie, BloomMagic.ie, and Flowers.ae. The brands deliver thousands of premium floral gifts each week across Ireland and the UAE, with a focus on quality, customer experience, and speed. Founded by entrepreneur and technologist Garreth Knowd, the company has built same-day delivery capabilities and a proprietary platform that underpins fulfillment efficiency.
Strategic Rationale
Quintas Capital describes Petal Group as a high-growth, scalable, technology-led business with international reach. The firm sees significant potential to compound growth by consolidating fragmented online floral markets and broadening product and geographic coverage. Investment proceeds and board-level support are expected to be directed toward bolt-on acquisitions and operational scaling in priority regions.
Investor Group
The Petal transaction was syndicated to a select group of ten strategic investors alongside Quintas Capital. Participants include Abbey International Finance, led by Mark Good, as well as industry leaders Leo Crawford, formerly CEO of BWG Group, Tom O’Connor, formerly CEO of Version 1, and John Riordan, formerly Chairman of Shopify International. The composition of the investor cohort is intended to add operating expertise, sector networks, and governance depth as the company scales.
Leadership Commentary
Kevin MacSweeny, Head of Managed Equity and a shareholder at Quintas Capital, called the deal a landmark first investment for the strategy. He said the firm was thrilled to partner with Knowd and the team, highlighting Petal Group’s unique blend of technology, fulfillment, and brand equity. MacSweeny added that the focus now shifts to supporting acquisitions and new market entries to accelerate growth.
Founder Perspective
Garreth Knowd will remain a shareholder and continue leading Petal Group through its next chapter. He said Quintas Capital concentrated on assembling a value-add investor mix, some of whom will work closely with the company at the board level. Knowd emphasized that the partnership is designed to preserve the company’s technology focus while scaling its customer proposition across markets.
Platform and Mission
Beyond Managed Equity, Quintas Capital operates an EIIS fund and a Private Credit platform under CEO Kevin Canning. The firm’s stated mission is to democratize access to private markets by providing structured opportunities usually reserved for institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth investors. Its team brings experience across private equity, credit, and structured finance, positioning the platform to back a range of alternative investments.
Advisors and Execution
The transaction was led by MacSweeny at Quintas Capital with support from Liam Holland and Fawad Khan in the UAE. Grant Thornton in Ireland and the UAE, led by Gareth Cosgrove, advised on financial, tax, and technology due diligence, while A&L Goodbody, led by Laura Kennedy, handled transaction legals and legal diligence. Petal Group was advised by PKF Brenson Lawlor, led by Jason Bradshaw and Gordon Wilson for corporate finance, and by Simmons & Simmons, led by David Brangam, on legal matters.
Quintas Capital’s inaugural Managed Equity deal signals growing investor interest in technology-enabled consumer logistics and gifting. For Petal Group, the funding and board-level expertise provide a platform to consolidate brands, deepen logistics advantages, and expand internationally. Both sides frame the partnership as a springboard for disciplined acquisitions and sustained growth across Ireland, the UAE, and new markets.