A team of experienced mergers and acquisitions (M&A) specialists, formerly with the investment bank Alantra, has struck out on its own to establish a new advisory firm targeting the vibrant technology sector.
Meet Khepri Advisory: The New Player in Tech Deal-Making
The new venture, named Khepri Advisory, is spearheaded by a quartet of seasoned professionals: Mark Linton, James McHugh, Tom Cowap, and James McKeown. This group brings a wealth of collective experience from their time at Alantra, where they were instrumental in building and leading the firm's successful UK technology M&A practice. Their departure and new launch signal a confident move into the independent advisory space.
Khepri Advisory will operate as a dedicated M&A boutique, offering strategic advice to companies within the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) landscape. Their core mission is to provide high-level, partner-led service to entrepreneurs, founders, and management teams across the United Kingdom and Europe. The firm aims to carve out a niche by focusing on complex, cross-border transactions, leveraging the team's established network and deep sector knowledge.
Building on a Foundation of Proven Success
The founding team is not starting from scratch. During their tenure at Alantra, they were responsible for executing numerous high-profile deals. Notable transactions they advised on include the sale of Fourth to HotSchedules (now part of Shiji Group), the sale of Rezolve to Aramex, and the sale of Brandwatch to Cision. This track record demonstrates their capability in handling significant deals within the tech ecosystem and provides a solid foundation of credibility for their new enterprise.
The launch of Khepri Advisory comes at a time when the M&A market, particularly in technology, is navigating a period of recalibration after the exuberant years of 2021 and 2022. The founders believe that their focused, independent model is well-suited to the current environment, where clients seek highly specialised and senior-level attention during complex negotiations.
Strategy and Vision for the Future
Khepri Advisory's strategy is clear: to remain deliberately boutique in size while aiming for a high impact. The firm plans to maintain a lean structure, ensuring that clients work directly with the senior partners who possess the expertise and decision-making authority. This model is designed to contrast with larger, more bureaucratic investment banks, offering agility and dedicated focus.
The founders have expressed that their decision to launch independently was driven by a desire for greater entrepreneurial freedom and the ability to shape a client-centric culture from the ground up. While they will compete with both large banks and other boutique firms, their deep specialisation in the TMT sector and proven deal sheet are seen as key differentiators. The move underscores a continuing trend of experienced bankers launching their own firms to capitalise on niche opportunities in the market.
As Khepri Advisory opens its doors, the London corporate finance scene gains a new, specialised player. The success of this ex-Alantra team will be closely watched by competitors and potential clients alike, serving as a barometer for the appetite for independent, sector-focused advisory services in the evolving tech M&A landscape.
