Oakley Capital takes majority stake in Graphwise in one of Bulgaria’s largest software exits

Oakley Capital has agreed to purchase a controlling interest in Graphwise, a prominent enterprise AI data platform based in Bulgaria. This acquisition marks one of the largest software deals in the country's history and a significant exit for the nation's AI sector. Graphwise was established in 2024 as a result of the merger between Ontotext, a Sofia-based pioneer in semantic technologies founded in 2000, and Semantic Web Company, a Vienna-based company founded in 2004.

Since its inception, Graphwise has experienced robust organic annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth of over 30%, driven by the AI market. The company caters to over 200 global blue-chip clients in sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and public services by providing essential AI data infrastructure services. Through this deal, Portfolion Capital Partners has sold its stake in the company, which it acquired in 2022 alongside other investors.

The transaction underscores the potential for domestic and regional private equity firms to achieve substantial success in the competitive global deep tech market. Jenő Nieder, Deputy CEO and Partner at Portfolion Capital Partners, emphasized the significance of this transaction. Graphwise's President and Co-founder, Atanas Kiryakov, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Oakley Capital, noting their shared vision and Oakley's proven ability to transform founder-led software companies into unicorns.

Oakley Capital, in collaboration with the management team, intends to expand the company's international footprint and pursue additional acquisitions. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.