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Our Clients & Use Cases

Every business faces unique business and security challenges. Here’s how we help our customers solve them.

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How We Help

Key Use Cases

Buy-Side Due Diligence

  • Identify cybersecurity risks before an acquisition closes.
  • Evaluate security posture, compliance, and technical debt.
  • Provide a roadmap for post-close risk mitigation.
Explore M&A Cyber Due Diligence

Post-Acquisition Cyber Integration

  • Align newly acquired assets with enterprise security standards.
  • Minimize security risks during mergers and integrations.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations.
Learn More About Integration Support

Incident Recovery & Crisis Management

  • Contain and investigate security incidents with expert-led response.
  • Reduce downtime and mitigate financial and reputational damage.
  • Implement security hardening measures to prevent future breaches.
Get Incident Response Support

Risk Management & Compliance Strategy

  • Build cybersecurity programs aligned with business priorities and regulations.
  • Conduct risk assessments to improve security maturity.
  • Provide ongoing vCISO leadership to guide security operations.
Talk to a vCISO Expert

Cybersecurity Program Development

  • Build security programs from the ground up for growing businesses.
  • Provide vCISO leadership to align cybersecurity with business priorities.
  • Establish security policies, governance, and compliance frameworks.
Learn More About vCISO Services

Security & Compliance Readiness

  • Prepare organizations for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and other compliance audits.
  • Conduct gap assessments and security control implementation.
  • Ensure cybersecurity programs meet regulatory and investor expectations.
Talk to a Security Compliance Expert

Cybersecurity for High-Growth Companies

  • Scale security programs to support expansion, fundraising, and acquisitions.
  • Implement security controls to meet investor and customer requirements.
  • Strengthen cybersecurity posture before an IPO or major funding round.
See How We Help Scale Security

Security Support for SaaS & Technology Companies

  • Protect customer data, cloud infrastructure, and SaaS platforms.
  • Conduct cloud security reviews and penetration testing.
  • Ensure secure software development and DevSecOps best practices.
Get SaaS & Tech Security Support

M&A Cybersecurity for Portfolio Companies

  • Help private equity firms manage cybersecurity across portfolio companies.
  • Standardize security operations for acquired entities.
  • Ensure security programs align with exit strategies for maximum valuation.
See Our M&A Cybersecurity Approach

WHO WE WORK WITH

Trusted by Investors, Executives, and Security Leaders

Private Equity & Venture Capital Firms

Managing risk and maximizing value across M&A transactions.

High-Growth Companies

Scaling security programs to match business expansion.

Enterprise Security Teams

Providing specialized expertise and operational support.

Regulated Industries

Navigating compliance and risk management for critical sectors.

Success Stories

Learn How Leading Companies Grow with Kernel

assetplatform-1-1

Publicly Traded Digital Asset Platform

Challenge
Addressing Targeted Threats While Reducing Business Risk

Solution
Kernel vCISO + Digital Risk Protection

Outcome
Strong Detection and Response Capabilities to Enable Rapid Growth

financial services-1

Publicly Traded Financial Services Firm

Challenge
Improving Vulnerability Management Across a Vast, Complex Infrastructure

Solution
Kernel vCISO + Management Consulting

Outcome
Faster Time to Remediate; Clear Responsibility and Accountability Matrix for Vulnerability Management 

retailer-1-1

Publicly Traded Global Retailer

Challenge
Rebuilding an Enterprise Security Program to Drive Shareholder Value

Solution
Kernel vCISO + Technical Controls Evaluation and Enhancement

Outcome
A Measurably More Resilient Digital and Physical Environment

private equity-1-1

Private Equity Sponsor

Challenge
Lack of Visibility to Cybersecurity Control Efficacy in Target Acquisition

Solution
Kernel Due Diligence + vCISO

Outcome
Lower Underwriting Risk and Post-Close Value Creation

cybersecurityplatform-1

Publicly Traded Cybersecurity Platform

Challenge
Enhancing Corporate Development Program to Drive Shareholder Value

Solution
Kernel M&A Advisory + Due Diligence

Outcome
Growth in Enterprise Value Through Accretive M&A

renewable-1

Renewable Energy Producer

Challenge
Maturing an Enterprise Security Program to Align with Government Regulation

Solution
Kernel vCISO + NERC CIP Aligned Program Development

Outcome
Acceleration of Business Through Successful Government Bid

software-1

Publicly Traded Software Platform

Challenge
Assess In-House Security Operations Center (SOC) Efficacy

Solution
Kernel SOC Audit

Outcome
Benchmark to Industry SOC Practices; Holistic Plan to Integrate Broader Security Program into SOC

Why Kernel Advisory?

Hear From Our Founder

We don’t just identify potential problems, we fix them. Our team provides real-world cybersecurity and M&A expertise to ensure businesses are not only secure but also positioned for growth.
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our experience

Trusted Advisors for Complex, High-Stakes Transactions

40+

transactions across cybersecurity, IT services, and cloud computing

20+

private equity-led deals, supporting buy-side acquisitions, strategic advisory, and financing.

300+

cybersecurity and tech companies evaluated across diligence, market scans, and strategy development

Hear From Our Customers

Very thoughtful framework on the competitive landscape and market size. I appreciated their approach and how they were able to synthesize a lot of information and develop a TAM and SAM that we can use to run the business.

I was very impressed with the entire team from how they engage to their work output. They were easy to work with, were able to make a tight turnaround/deadline and were very responsive.

Kernel stood out among our due diligence advisor set on the target company with deep industry knowledge and operational understanding.

Tying concepts back to hard numbers helped shape our thinking and next steps tremendously. Very insightful and valuable. 

Kernel's comprehensive due diligence process allowed us to move forward with confidence. Their team’s domain expertise in managed IT services and cybersecurity product, technical and operational assessments, combined with their deep operator experience and understanding of the market, provided us with critical insights necessary to make informed decisions.
CEO, Enterprise E-Learning Provider
Managing Director, Global Private Equity Firm
CEO, Cybersecurity SaaS Provider
Managing Director, Global Investment Firm

Our Approach

What Sets Kernel Apart

Expertise Rooted in Real-World Experience

Results That Align with Your Objectives

Data-Driven Insights, Clear Decisions

A Partner Committed to Your Success

We bring an operator-focused approach to every engagement, ensuring our recommendations are practical and impactful in real-world scenarios.

For Private Equity Professionals:
Our deep technical and business acumen ensures risk is minimized and value is preserved during transactions.

For Founders and C-Suite Leaders:
We provide actionable strategies that align with your operational realities and growth objectives.
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Real World Expertise

Your goals are our goals. From pre-deal due diligence to post-close integration or building a scalable security program, we deliver measurable outcomes that align with your priorities.

For Private Equity Professionals:
Accelerate your deal cycle with precise risk assessments and integration strategies.

For Founders and C-Suite Leaders:
Enhance your security posture with solutions tailored to your business needs.
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Results Aligned With Your Objective

We simplify complex information to enable confident decision-making. With insights rooted in rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis, we help you address risks and seize opportunities.

For Private Equity Professionals:
Make informed decisions with robust diligence reports and risk models.

For Founders and C-Suite Leaders:
Gain clarity on your risk landscape with detailed, actionable insights.

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Data Driven Insights

We’re more than consultants, we’re your strategic partner. Through continuous collaboration, we adapt to your needs and provide ongoing support to ensure sustained success.

For Private Equity Professionals:
Rely on us for seamless support throughout the M&A lifecycle.

For Founders and C-Suite Leaders:
Leverage our expertise to scale securely and maintain compliance as your business grows.

Let's Do This
Srtategic Partner
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Master the Business of Cybersecurity

Let’s discuss how Kernel Advisory can support your business and security goals.