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M&A Advisory Services

Precision-Driven M&A Insights for Technology & Cyber Deals

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The High-Stakes Reality of M&A Transactions

M&A deals are complex, fast-moving, and fraught with hidden risks, especially in the technology and cybersecurity sectors. Whether you’re evaluating a SaaS company, a cybersecurity platform, or a broader tech-enabled business, operational risks, technical debt, and post-close integration challenges can impact deal success.

Kernel Advisory partners with private equity firms, corporate investors, and technology targets and acquirers to provide deep operational, technical, and cybersecurity insights throughout the M&A lifecycle. We help investors evaluate targets, mitigate risk, and create value—pre and post-close.

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

Why Kernel?

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Deep Cyber & Tech Expertise

Unlike generalist firms, we focus on cybersecurity, software, and tech-driven businesses, bringing real-world operational knowledge to every deal.

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Speed & Precision

Our rapid, data-driven assessments align with the fast-paced nature of M&A transactions, delivering clear, actionable findings.

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Full-Lifecycle Support

From investment thesis development to post-close integration, we ensure your investment is structured for long-term value creation.

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Trusted by Leading Investors

Our advisory experience spans private equity, venture capital, and strategic buyers in high-stakes transactions.

why Kernel?

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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Who We Help

Trusted by Leading Investors & Strategic Buyers

Private Equity & Venture Capital Firms

In-depth due diligence, risk analysis, and post-close strategy to ensure cybersecurity acquisitions align with investment objectives.

Private & Public Strategic Acquirers

Evaluating cybersecurity targets for growth potential, innovation, and security resilience.

Lenders & Credit Investors

Advising on financing solutions for transactions, helping lenders assess the security posture and viability of target companies.

Early-Stage Startups & Venture Capital

Supporting founders in preparing for acquisition or investment, optimizing their security frameworks and go-to-market strategies.

M&A Advisory Services

Strategic & Technical Expertise for Every Stage of the Deal

Every deal presents opportunities and risks. Kernel Advisory ensures your investments are protected and optimized for success by identifying critical cybersecurity and technology factors that impact valuation and post-close performance.

Investment Thesis Development

Aligning Cybersecurity with Investment Strategy

A strong investment thesis ensures that cybersecurity risks and opportunities align with the broader investment strategy, reducing surprises and maximizing value.

What We Do
  • Conduct in-depth cybersecurity market mapping and competitive analysis
  • Evaluate cyber resilience as a key driver of business growth
  • Align cybersecurity and risk profiles with investor objectives
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  • Identify sectors with strong cybersecurity growth potential
  • Reduce exposure to cyber risks early in the investment cycle
  • Ensure alignment between cyber maturity and financial goals
  • Reduce post-close surprises  tied to security flaws or operational gaps
  • Understand how technology, service delivery, and risk posture impact valuation
  • Build confidence in your acquisition with validated findings across cyber, IT, and business operations 

Due Diligence (Buy-Side & Sell-Side)

Uncovering Risks Before They Impact Your Deal

Thorough cyber, IT, operational, and commercial due diligence ensures investors understand key risks and scalability before close, protecting valuation and supporting informed decisions.

What We Do

  • Perform cyber, IT, and operational due diligence on acquisition targets

  • Assess technical scalability, security posture, and infrastructure maturity

  • Evaluate commercial models and go-to-market risks

  • Quantify risks and deliver actionable mitigation strategies 

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Growth Strategy & Value Creation

Building Long-Term Business Value

Enhancing cybersecurity post-acquisition can drive value creation by reducing operational risk, improving compliance, and enhancing competitive positioning.

What We Do
  • Develop post-close cybersecurity enhancement roadmaps
  • Integrate security best practices into business operations
  • Optimize security processes for cost efficiency and scalability
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  • Strengthen security operations to support business growth
  • Increase enterprise value by improving security maturity
  • Reduce compliance risks and enhance customer trust
  • Reduce post-close surprises related to security flaws
  • Gain a clear understanding of IT and cyber risks impacting valuation
  • Build confidence in acquisition decisions with validated risk assessments.

Pre- & Post-Close Advisory

Ensuring Seamless Integration & Risk Management

From pre-close assessments to post-close execution, we help ensure that cybersecurity risks are managed effectively throughout the transaction lifecycle.

What We Do
  • Conduct pre-close risk assessments and security action planning
  • Develop security integration strategies for newly acquired entities
  • Provide ongoing advisory for security governance and risk management
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Proven Expertise Across Cybersecurity & IT

Managed Security Services (MSSP)
Managed Security Services (MSSP)

Strengthening cyber operations with top-tier MSSP acquisitions.

Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Evaluating authentication, SSO, and compliance-driven security providers.
Cloud & Infrastructure Security
Cloud & Infrastructure Security

Assessing resilience in cloud-native security companies.

Threat Intelligence & SOC Solutions
Threat Intelligence & SOC Solutions

Ensuring seamless integration of cybersecurity analytics and automation.

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Compliance & Risk Management

Advising on security frameworks, governance, and regulatory alignment.

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

How We Work

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Initial Consultation

Understanding investment goals and risk tolerance.

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Deep-Dive Analysis

Conducting a structured evaluation of cyber risks, IT infrastructure, and security frameworks.

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Strategic Insights

Delivering comprehensive findings and tailored recommendations for risk mitigation and value creation.

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Execution Support

Assisting in integration, remediation, and security enhancement initiatives post-close.

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Beyond the Deal: Strengthen Cybersecurity for Long-Term Growth

Cybersecurity due diligence is just the first step. Whether it’s integrating new acquisitions, improving security operations, or building a scalable cyber program, our Technical Advisory Services help businesses manage risk, meet compliance needs, and stay ahead of threats.

Learn More About Technical Advisory

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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Let’s Talk About Your M&A Strategy

Whether you're conducting due diligence, optimizing security for value creation, or planning a strategic acquisition, Kernel Advisory provides the expertise you need.