13 M&A advisors active in San Diego technology deals in 2026. Covers software, SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, and semiconductors with firm profiles and recent deals.
San Diego is one of the top tech markets on the West Coast. Qualcomm, ServiceNow, and Tandem Diabetes all operate major operations here.
Qualcomm closed its $2.4B Alphawave Semi acquisition in December 2025. SaaS M&A hit a record in 2025, up 28% year over year.
Software, AI, and cybersecurity draw the fastest deal timelines in 2026. PE buyers were involved in 58% of all SaaS deals in 2025.
Set up a virtual data room before your first advisor call. Tech buyers want organized financials and product docs from day one.
| Firm | Deal Type | Deal Size | Sector Focus | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Equity Group | Software Equity Group | Sell-side | $10M - $500M ARR | SaaS, B2B Software, AI | softwareequity.com |
| Objective Investment Banking | Objective Investment Banking | Both | $5M - $300M | Technology, Healthcare Tech, SaaS | objectiveibv.com |
| Houlihan Lokey | Houlihan Lokey | Both | $50M - $5B | Technology, SaaS, Digital Infrastructure | hl.com |
| Lincoln International | Lincoln International | Both | $50M - $2B | Technology, Software, Tech-enabled Services | lincolninternational.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 |
| Jefferies | Jefferies | Both | $100M - $10B | Technology, Software, Cybersecurity | jefferies.com |
| LR Tullius | LR Tullius | Both | $10M - $300M | Technology, Software, Business Services | lrtullius.com |
| Stout | Stout | Both | $20M - $500M | Technology, Software, Business Services | stout.com |
| RA Capital Advisors | RA Capital Advisors | Both | $10M - $250M | Technology, Manufacturing, Business Services | racapitaladvisors.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 |
| Generational Group | Generational Group | Sell-side | $5M - $150M | Technology, Business Services, Manufacturing | generationalgroup.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 San Diego name Qualcomm, ServiceNow, and Tandem. Generic tech references won't hold up on a reference call.
Check whether they've run both PE-backed and founder-owned exits. San Diego tech draws both buyer types in 2026.
Use Ellty to share financials with shortlisted advisors under NDA. You'll see who opens your files before your first call. Browse the San Diego M&A advisors guide for cross-sector context. See dynamic watermarking to protect sensitive docs during outreach.
Running a San Diego tech deal?
Share financials with buyers under NDA. Track who opens them first.
Start free 14-day trialHow a San Diego tech deal runs
San Diego software deals close in four to seven months. AI and cybersecurity targets move faster when 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, code IP |
| Stage 6: Close | Stage 6: Close | Purchase agreement signed, funds transfer | Reps and warranties signed, transition plans ready |
13 technology M&A advisors in San Diego
These 13 firms advise on tech M&A in San Diego. Coverage spans software, SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, and semiconductors.
1. Software Equity Group
The only San Diego bank that works exclusively with B2B software and SaaS companies.
Recent Deals: Published 2026 SaaS M&A report tracking 2,698 transactions in 2025, up 28% YoY. Runs a dedicated SaaS M&A deal database with 5,000+ transactions. Advises companies with $5M-$100M ARR on sell-side processes. Active in SaaS M&A nationally through 2025 and 2026.
LinkedIn: Software Equity Group LinkedIn
Sector Focus: B2B software, SaaS, AI, PropTech, GovTech, HealthTech
Deal Type: Sell-side
Deal Size: $10M - $500M ARR
Location: San Diego, CA
Website: softwareequity.com
2. Objective Investment Banking
Named Best Investment Bank and Valuation Firm 2025 USA, based in Carmel Valley.
Recent Deals: Named Best Investment Bank & Valuation Firm 2025 USA. Completed 500+ M&A engagements nationally. Advised Beacon Mobile in its sale to DRB/Vontier in 2025. Active in technology, healthcare tech, and SaaS M&A through 2026.
LinkedIn: Objective Investment Banking LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, healthcare tech, SaaS, manufacturing
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $5M - $300M
Location: San Diego (Carmel Valley), CA
Website: objectiveibv.com
3. Houlihan Lokey
Ranked #1 globally in tech M&A by deal count in Q1 2026, with 19 transactions.
Recent Deals: Ranked #1 in technology M&A with 19 deals in Q1 2026 per GlobalData. Topped all M&A advisors globally by deal count in 2025 with 318 transactions. Active in SaaS, digital infrastructure, and tech-enabled services through 2026.
LinkedIn: Houlihan Lokey LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, SaaS, digital infrastructure, industrials
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $50M - $5B
Location: Los Angeles, CA (active in San Diego tech)
Website: hl.com
4. 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 San Diego tech)
Website: lincolninternational.com
5. William Blair
A Chicago bank closing 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 San Diego tech)
Website: williamblair.com
Selling a San Diego tech business?
Set up your data room before advisor outreach. Track who opens it.
Start free 14-day trial6. Piper Sandler
A national bank with strong coverage in software, fintech, and digital health M&A.
Recent Deals: Active in software, fintech, and digital health M&A nationally in 2025-2026. Covers 100+ technology companies in equity research. Works with PE-backed and founder-owned tech businesses on exits. Strong in mid-market software and SaaS transactions nationally.
LinkedIn: Piper Sandler LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Software, fintech, digital health, SaaS
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $50M - $5B
Location: National (active in San Diego tech)
Website: pipersandler.com
7. Jefferies
A top-five global bank with a dedicated cybersecurity and software 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 San Diego tech)
Website: jefferies.com
8. LR Tullius
A San Diego boutique with 200+ closed transactions and $3B+ aggregate deal value.
Recent Deals: Completed 200+ transactions with $3B+ aggregate deal value. Active in technology, software, and business services M&A nationally. Senior team led by Lance Tullius with direct sector experience. Works with founder-owned and PE-backed businesses through 2025-2026.
LinkedIn: LR Tullius LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, software, business services
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $300M
Location: San Diego, CA
Website: lrtullius.com
9. Stout
Opened its San Diego office in 2022 via the Vantage Point acquisition.
Recent Deals: Opened San Diego office in 2022 by acquiring Vantage Point Advisors. Active in technology, software, and business services M&A nationally. Covers founder-owned and PE-backed mid-market businesses. Combines M&A advisory with valuation and disputes expertise.
LinkedIn: Stout LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, software, business services
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $20M - $500M
Location: San Diego, CA
Website: stout.com
10. RA Capital Advisors
A San Diego firm in business since 1988, focused on middle market exits.
Recent Deals: In operation since 1988 with a San Diego-based team. Led by Joel Weinstein with 20+ years of experience and Jeff Dittmer. Active in technology, manufacturing, and business services M&A through 2025-2026. Works with founder-owned businesses seeking exits in the mid-market.
LinkedIn: RA Capital Advisors LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, manufacturing, business services
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $250M
Location: San Diego, CA
Website: racapitaladvisors.com
11. Solganick
A technology-focused advisor specializing in cybersecurity and IT services M&A.
Recent Deals: Published Cybersecurity M&A Market Update Q4 2025. Active in cybersecurity, IT services, and software M&A nationally. Covers managed security, cloud security, and identity management. Works with founder-owned and PE-backed cybersecurity businesses.
LinkedIn: Solganick LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Cybersecurity, IT services, software, managed services
Deal Type: Both
Deal Size: $10M - $250M
Location: National (active in San Diego tech)
Website: solganick.com
12. FOCUS Investment Banking
A lower middle market bank with a named 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 carries 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 San Diego tech)
Website: focusbankers.com
13. Generational Group
Opened its San Diego office in April 2024, focused on founder-owned exits.
Recent Deals: Opened San Diego office in April 2024. Active in technology, business services, and manufacturing M&A nationally. Works with founder-owned businesses across the US on sell-side transactions. Covers lower middle market exits in the $5M-$150M range.
LinkedIn: Generational Group LinkedIn
Sector Focus: Technology, business services, manufacturing
Deal Type: Sell-side
Deal Size: $5M - $150M
Location: San Diego, CA
Website: generationalgroup.com
Who buys San Diego tech companies
San Diego draws PE sponsors, strategic acquirers, and growth equity funds. Qualcomm and ServiceNow are active acquirers in the region.
PE buyers dominate SaaS M&A in 2026 — they were behind 58% of all SaaS deals in 2025. They target ARR quality, customer retention, and AI positioning.
Strategics focus on product capability and distribution. A San Diego SaaS company with embedded workflows and 90%+ retention gets premium bids.
Use Ellty to share your ARR breakdown and product roadmap with each buyer separately. Set access by buyer type so PE sponsors don't see strategic pricing data. Read the venture capital guide to understand how VC-backed exits differ. See the features page to understand what buyers expect in a modern data room.
What buyers check in San Diego tech diligence
ARR 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 heavily 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, customer contracts, and IP schedules in one trackable room. Analytics show which buyers reviewed your key files before LOI. See the sales enablement guide to organize your deal materials. Read the industries page to see which sectors draw the most buyer interest.
SaaS valuations and AI positioning in 2026
San Diego SaaS valuations in 2026 depend heavily on AI positioning. Buyers pay up for products with AI embedded in core workflows.
72% of SaaS M&A targets in 2025 referenced AI in their positioning. 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 San Diego aerospace and defense M&A advisors guide for context on adjacent markets. Browse Los Angeles technology M&A advisors for Southern California context.
How Ellty helps you close an M&A deal in San Diego
You've picked your San Diego 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 San Diego technology M&A advisors
- SaaS, AI, and cybersecurity draw the most buyer interest. Semiconductors and defense tech also saw major deals in 2025 and 2026.
- Local firms like Software Equity Group and Objective IBV know San Diego buyer networks. National banks like Houlihan Lokey and Lincoln reach more PE platforms.
- Most software deals close in four to seven months. AI and cybersecurity targets with strong 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. Tech buyers want organized ARR data, IP schedules, and financials from day one of the process.
- Software Equity Group, Objective Investment Banking, LR Tullius, Generational Group, and FOCUS Investment Banking all work in the lower middle market.
