Accelerate GrowthThrough Strategic M&A
Rialto Advisory exclusively works on retained mandates for specific buyers within Software and IT Services. We focus our efforts on thesis driven M&A where we can help move the needle. Our team will never shop deals across a client list. Our processes are relationships-driven, starting the conversations now that make the shortlist later.
Deal sourcing is changing
Owners are buried in generic pitches and can't tell a real buyer from a fake one, and even the real buyers may not have the right timing or know the best avenues to reach out. We run a different process: targeted, thesis-driven outreach built on trust and real relationships.
Four workstreams, one dedicated team
Run in sequence or in parallel depending on where you are in a deal.
Thesis formation
Translating your investment criteria into a specific, actionable sourcing thesis before outreach ever begins.
Deal origination
Targeted, relationship-led outreach in place of broad blasts — reaching the companies that actually fit your thesis.
Relationship management
Sustained, high-touch conversations over time — it typically takes hundreds of touches to find the right fit and keep it warm.
Commercial due diligence
Market sizing, competitive positioning, and customer reference work to support live processes every step of the way.
NewInstitutional buyers with access to capital
We are an extension of deal execution teams.
PE Firms
Investment teams and business development professionals building proprietary deal flow.
PE-Backed Strategics
Corporate development and executive teams executing add-on acquisitions.
Family Offices
Investment professionals looking to expand their portfolio.
Independent Sponsors
Experienced M&A professionals looking to expand access to deals.
Search Funds
Motivated buyers looking to buy and operate a single business.
From acquisition thesis to closed deal
On average it takes hundreds of conversations with different companies to close one deal. We take over that process, so that investors can focus on execution. Here's how we run that process on your behalf.
Form the thesis
Define the market, acquisition criteria, and strategic priorities.
Source and qualify
Map high-priority companies and shape a relevant outreach strategy and have conversations with companies to establish fit before it reaches your desk.
Build relationships
Lead owner conversations and evaluate fit, timing, and next steps.
Support diligence
Ensure flow of communications and assist teams on evaluation of live investment opportunities.
A trusted partner, not another vendor
We're dedicated to retained mandates only, so we never shop deals around. If our team reaches out, it is on behalf one specific strategy.
One mandate, never shopped
We're retained by a single client at a time and never run a company through parallel processes trying to close as many deals as possible. Every conversation is part of one focused, thesis-driven search.
An extension of our clients
We operate as an extension of PE business development teams and corporate development functions. When we reach out to you it is because we are working on a defined mandate, and we believe there is a strong fit. We are never fishing for data.
Deep understanding of technology
Our team's background as technology investors sets us apart. That operating experience helps us build stronger relationships with company owners and move M&A processes forward.
Compensated by the buyer
Our fees are paid entirely by the buy side. There is no fee, referral cost, or monetization on the seller at any point in the process — you're never the product.
Exclusively focused on Enterprise Software and IT Services
We stay within Enterprise Software and IT Services, so our work and knowledge compounds over time instead of resetting with every mandate.
Built by technology investors, not career bankers
Our team invested in and operated software companies before founding Rialto. That depth builds faster trust with the technical teams we approach, and sharper judgment on what's actually worth your time.
Former software investors
Years spent evaluating and backing technology companies before founding Rialto.
Deep technical fluency
We speak the language of product, engineering, and go-to-market, not just deal terms.
Operator experience
Hands-on experience building and scaling technology businesses, not just advising on them.
A growing pipeline, in real time
Every company we're evaluating for our clients lives in one place. It is constantly growing and evolving as new opportunities are sourced or as mandates evolve.
Let's partner on your next mandate
We take on a small number of retained engagements at a time. If you're investing in software or IT services, let's discuss how we can help you.
Email info@rialto-advisory.com