12 M&A advisors active in Detroit technology deals in 2026. Covers software, SaaS, IT services, and tech-enabled businesses with firm profiles and recent deals.
Detroit's tech sector is larger than most founders realize. The region holds 97,000+ tech workers and 40,000 software developers.
Software and IT services draws PE and strategic buyers. AI and cybersecurity targets move fastest in competitive processes.
Michigan's top 10 M&A deals in 2025 topped $44B. Tech deals are a growing share of that activity in 2026.
Set up a virtual data room before your first advisor call. Tech buyers want organized financials and IP docs from day one.
| Firm | Deal Type | Deal Size | Sector Focus | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMCF Investment Banking | PMCF Investment Banking | Both | $10M - $300M | Software, Technology, Business Services | pmcf.com |
| Cascade Partners | Cascade Partners | Both | $10M - $150M | Technology, Healthcare, Business Services | cascade-partners.com |
| Donnelly Penman & Partners | Donnelly Penman & Partners | Both | $10M - $250M | Technology, Manufacturing, Financial Services | donnellypenman.com |
| Houlihan Lokey | Houlihan Lokey | Both | $50M - $5B | Technology, Software, Cybersecurity | hl.com |
| Lincoln International | Lincoln International | Both | $50M - $2B | Technology, Software, Tech-enabled Services | lincolninternational.com |
| Amherst Partners | Amherst Partners | Both | $10M - $200M | Technology, Healthcare, Business Services | amherstpartners.com |
| William Blair | William Blair | Both | $50M - $2B | SaaS, Enterprise Software, Tech Services | williamblair.com |
| Piper Sandler | Piper Sandler | Both | $50M - $5B | Software, Fintech, Digital Health | pipersandler.com |
| Solganick | Solganick | Both | $10M - $250M | Cybersecurity, IT Services, Software | solganick.com |
| FOCUS Investment Banking | FOCUS Investment Banking | Both | $10M - $300M | Technology, Software, IT Services | focusbankers.com |
| Strength Capital Partners | Strength Capital Partners | Both | $5M - $100M | Technology, Business Services, Manufacturing | strengthcapital.com |
| Jefferies | Jefferies | Both | $100M - $10B | Technology, Software, Cybersecurity | jefferies.com |
How to verify an advisor's track record
Ask for a closed deal list in your sub-sector. A SaaS boutique won't reach the same buyers as a cybersecurity specialist.
Advisors who know Detroit name Rocket Companies, Ally Financial, and Ford Pro. Generic Midwest references won't hold up on a reference call.
Check whether they've run both PE-backed and founder-owned exits. Detroit tech draws both buyer types in 2026.
Use Ellty to share your financials with shortlisted advisors under NDA. You'll see who opens your files before your first call. Browse the M&A guide for deal structure basics. See dynamic watermarking to protect docs during advisor outreach. See the Detroit M&A advisors guide for cross-sector context.
Running a Detroit tech deal?
Share financials with buyers under NDA. Track who opens them first.
Start free 14-day trialHow a Detroit tech deal runs
Detroit software deals close in four to seven months. AI and IT services targets move faster when PE buyers compete.
| Stage | What happens | What you need ready | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Preparation | Stage 1: Preparation | Run QoE, build CIM, shortlist advisors by sub-sector | Three years P&L, ARR breakdown, product roadmap |
| Stage 2: Advisor engagement | Stage 2: Advisor engagement | Sign engagement letter, align on buyer list | Cap table, IP schedule, key customer contracts |
| Stage 3: Marketing | Stage 3: Marketing | CIM sent to buyers, NDAs signed, meetings set | Ellty data room live with CIM and product docs |
| Stage 4: LOI | Stage 4: LOI | Buyers submit bids, LOIs negotiated, exclusivity signed | Clean ARR data, no open IP disputes or key churn |
| Stage 5: Due diligence | Stage 5: Due diligence | Buyer reviews code, contracts, financials, IP | Full Ellty data room: IP, contracts, ARR, financials |
| Stage 6: Close | Stage 6: Close | Purchase agreement signed, funds transfer | Reps and warranties signed, transition plans ready |
12 Detroit technology M&A advisors
These 12 firms advise on tech M&A in the Detroit region. Coverage spans software, SaaS, IT services, and tech-enabled businesses.
1. PMCF Investment Banking
A Detroit-based bank with a named software and technology M&A practice since 1995.
Recent Deals: Published Software & Technology M&A Pulse Q3 2025. Software deal value climbed 65% in Q3 2025 versus Q3 2024. Covers 300+ transactions since founding in 1995. Active in software, technology, and business services M&A through 2025 and 2026.
LinkedIn: PMCF Investment Banking LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Software, technology, business services, industrials
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $300M
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: pmcf.com
2. Cascade Partners
A Detroit boutique founded in 2012 with 43 completed transactions across tech and healthcare.
Recent Deals: Completed 43 transactions including 34 M&A deals nationally. Acquired BlueWater Partners in 2023 to expand Grand Rapids coverage. Active in technology, healthcare, and business services M&A through 2025-2026. Works with founder-owned and PE-backed businesses in the $10M-$150M range.
LinkedIn: Cascade Partners LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, healthcare, business services, industrials
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $150M
Location: Detroit (Southfield), MI
Website: cascade-partners.com
3. Donnelly Penman & Partners
A Grosse Pointe Woods firm with technology, manufacturing, and financial services coverage.
Recent Deals: Active in technology, manufacturing, and financial services M&A nationally. Covers founder-owned businesses in the $10M-$250M range. Organized with a dedicated technology industry group. Active in Midwest M&A through 2025 and 2026.
LinkedIn: Donnelly Penman & Partners LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, manufacturing, financial services, distribution
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $250M
Location: Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Website: donnellypenman.com
4. Houlihan Lokey
Ranked #1 globally in M&A by deal count in 2025, with deep technology coverage.
Recent Deals: Ranked #1 globally in M&A with 318 transactions in 2025. Ranked #1 in tech M&A with 19 deals in Q1 2026 per GlobalData. Active in software, cybersecurity, and tech-enabled services through 2026. Covers PE-backed and founder-owned businesses nationally.
LinkedIn: Houlihan Lokey LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, software, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $50M - $5B
Location: National (active in Detroit tech)
Website: hl.com
5. Lincoln International
A global mid-market bank with a dedicated technology, media, and telecom practice.
Recent Deals: Filed for US IPO in April 2026, targeting $1B+ valuation. Active in technology, software, and tech-enabled services M&A globally. Covers PE-backed and founder-owned tech businesses across the US. Active in software and tech services M&A through 2025 and 2026.
LinkedIn: Lincoln International LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, software, tech-enabled services, TMT
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $50M - $2B
Location: National (active in Detroit tech)
Website: lincolninternational.com
Selling a Detroit tech business?
Set up your data room before advisor outreach. Track who opens it.
Start free 14-day trial6. Amherst Partners
A Birmingham, Michigan firm in business since 1994 covering technology and business services.
Recent Deals: Founded in 1994 with offices in Birmingham, Michigan. Covers technology, healthcare, business services, and industrials M&A nationally. Works with founder-owned businesses in the $10M-$200M range on sell-side transactions. Active in Midwest M&A through 2025 and 2026.
LinkedIn: Amherst Partners LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, healthcare, business services, industrials
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $200M
Location: Birmingham, MI
Website: amherstpartners.com
7. William Blair
A Chicago bank that closes 30+ technology transactions per year with PE and founder clients.
Recent Deals: Closes 30+ technology M&A transactions annually. Active in SaaS, enterprise software, and tech-enabled services in 2025-2026. Covers founder-led and PE-backed tech businesses nationally. Strong in growth-stage software companies targeting premium exits.
LinkedIn: William Blair LinkedIn
Sector Focus: SaaS, enterprise software, tech services, growth companies
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $50M - $2B
Location: National (active in Detroit tech)
Website: williamblair.com
8. Piper Sandler
A national bank with strong software, fintech, and digital health M&A coverage.
Recent Deals: Active in software, fintech, and digital health M&A nationally in 2025-2026. Posted $14.09B in transaction value with 36 deals in Q1 2026 per FactSet. Covers 100+ technology companies in equity research. Works with PE-backed and founder-owned tech businesses on exits.
LinkedIn: Piper Sandler LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Software, fintech, digital health, SaaS
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $50M - $5B
Location: National (active in Detroit tech)
Website: pipersandler.com
9. Solganick
A technology-focused advisor specializing in cybersecurity and IT services M&A.
Recent Deals: Published Technology Services M&A Update Q4 2025 and 2026 Outlook. Active in cybersecurity, IT services, and software M&A nationally through 2025-2026. Covers managed security, cloud security, and identity management. Works with founder-owned and PE-backed tech businesses.
LinkedIn: Solganick LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Cybersecurity, IT services, software, managed services
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $250M
Location: National (active in Detroit tech)
Website: solganick.com
10. FOCUS Investment Banking
A lower middle market bank with a dedicated technology advisory practice.
Recent Deals: Active in technology and software M&A advisory through 2025-2026. Covers IT services, managed services, and business software companies. Works with businesses in the $10M-$300M range on sell-side transactions. Senior team brings direct sector expertise into buyer outreach.
LinkedIn: FOCUS Investment Banking LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, software, IT services, managed services
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $300M
Location: National (active in Detroit tech)
Website: focusbankers.com
11. Strength Capital Partners
A Detroit-area firm focused on lower middle market tech and business services deals.
Recent Deals: Active in technology, business services, and manufacturing M&A in Michigan. Covers founder-owned businesses in the $5M-$100M enterprise value range. Works with Midwest sellers seeking PE-backed and strategic buyers nationally. Active in the Detroit region through 2025 and 2026.
LinkedIn: Strength Capital Partners LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, business services, manufacturing, distribution
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $5M - $100M
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: strengthcapital.com
12. Jefferies
A top-five global bank with a dedicated technology and cybersecurity M&A team.
Recent Deals: Active in technology, software, and cybersecurity M&A globally through 2025-2026. Covers enterprise software, cloud, and cybersecurity companies. Works with PE-backed and founder-led tech businesses on large-cap exits. Strong in cross-border technology M&A transactions.
LinkedIn: Jefferies LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, software, cybersecurity, cloud
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $100M - $10B
Location: National (active in Detroit tech)
Website: jefferies.com
Who buys Detroit tech companies
Detroit draws PE sponsors, strategic acquirers, and fintech-focused buyers. Rocket Companies and Ally Financial are active in tech and fintech M&A.
PE buyers dominate mid-market software deals. They target ARR quality, customer retention, and AI positioning in 2026.
Strategics focus on product capability and distribution. A Detroit IT services firm with recurring revenue gets premium bids from national platforms.
Use Ellty to share your ARR breakdown and IP schedule with each buyer separately. Set permissions so PE sponsors don't see strategic pricing data. Read the private equity guide to understand how PE buyers evaluate tech deals. See the Detroit M&A advisors guide for cross-sector context.
What buyers check in Detroit tech diligence
Revenue quality is the first thing PE buyers check. They want durable recurring revenue with low churn and strong net retention.
Customer concentration comes next. Buyers discount if more than 20% of ARR sits in one account.
IP ownership and code history surface in week two. Buyers also check key employee agreements and equity vesting schedules.
Use Ellty to share ARR data, contracts, and IP schedules in one trackable room. Analytics show which buyers reviewed your key files before LOI. See the due diligence guide for what to prepare. Read the features page to understand what buyers expect in a data room.
AI and software M&A in Michigan for 2026
Detroit's tech sector includes AI, mobility software, and fintech. Buyers pay more for products with AI embedded in core workflows.
Almost half of strategic tech deals over $500M in 2025 cited AI positioning as a key reason. Companies with genuine AI integration command the highest multiples.
Rule of 40 still matters. Buyers want ARR growth plus EBITDA margin to add up to 40 or more before LOI.
Use Ellty to share AI product docs and financial models with buyers under NDA. Watermarked links mean you control what each buyer sees. See the sales enablement guide for how to organize deal materials. Browse the industries page to see which sectors draw the most buyer interest.
How Ellty helps you close an M&A deal in Detroit
You've picked your Detroit tech advisor. Set up your data room next. Get buyers reviewing files fast.
- 1.Upload ARR data, IP filings, and financialsOrganize by type. Tech buyers check ARR and IP schedules first.
- 2.Set access by buyer type and NDA statusPE sponsors and strategics need different document packages.
- 3.Track who reviews your key filesSee which buyers open your ARR model and how long they spend.
Common questions about Detroit technology M&A advisors
- Software, IT services, fintech, and AI draw the most buyer interest. Mobility tech and cybersecurity also saw active deal flow in 2025 and 2026.
- Local firms like PMCF and Cascade Partners know the Detroit buyer network. National banks like Houlihan Lokey and Lincoln reach more PE platforms.
- Most software deals close in four to seven months. IT services and SaaS targets with stable ARR can move faster in competitive processes.
- ARR quality and customer concentration come first. IP ownership and key employee agreements surface in week two of diligence.
- Before your first advisor call. Buyers want organized ARR data, IP schedules, and financials from day one of the process.
- PMCF, Cascade Partners, Donnelly Penman, Strength Capital Partners, and Amherst Partners all work in the lower middle market.
