Contact
Talk to a partner
Tell us what you’re working on. A partner will read it, get back to you, and set up a 30-minute intro call to talk it through.
Read by a partner
Every note, from the first line.
Back to you quickly
We aim to reply within a day or two.
In confidence
Every conversation is confidential, and we’re happy to share our NDA.
Send a note
Tell us what you’re working on
A few lines is plenty. There’s no need to share anything sensitive at this stage.
We’ll only use your details to get back to you. Our privacy policy explains more.
Before you write
Not sure what to say?
Pick whatever’s closest and we’ll suggest what’s worth mentioning. It fills in the form for you too.
Worth mentioning
- Your stage, and who owns the business.
- The growth question the board is asking.
- Any date that matters, such as a board meeting or a budget round.
How long it usually takes
We’ll agree the scope and timetable with you up front.
Worth mentioning
- The kind of business you want to buy, or the target if you have one.
- How far you have got.
- Who else is involved, such as your investor or lawyers.
How long it usually takes
Around three months for a typical deal.
Worth mentioning
- The sector and the stage of the deal.
- Your investment committee date.
- Whether you want customer interviews.
How long it usually takes
Typically four weeks from kick-off to report.
Worth mentioning
- Why you want customer evidence now: a deal, churn or a pricing change.
- Roughly how many customers the business has.
- Who will read the findings.
How long it usually takes
Two to three weeks, depending on how quickly customers are free to talk.
Worth mentioning
- What you use AI for today.
- The question your board or investor is asking.
- The teams involved.
How long it usually takes
Four to six weeks.
Worth mentioning
- When you might sell, and whether you have had an approach.
- Who owns the business.
- Roughly how big it is, for example annual revenue.
How long it usually takes
Four to six weeks for an exit baseline. A sale takes six months to get ready, then three to six months from launch to completion.
Worth mentioning
- The decision you face, and when you need to make it.
What to expect
If we’re not the right people, we’ll say so, and where we can we’ll point you to someone who is.
After you send it
What happens next
We’ll get back to you quickly
A partner reads every message. We aim to reply within a day or two.
A 30-minute intro call
We’ll set up a short call to understand what you need and answer any questions you have.
A proposal, then more conversation
If it looks like a good fit, we’ll follow the call with a proposal, then further calls to work through your questions. If we’re not the right people for it, we’ll say so on the call.
The partners
You’ll hear from one of us
Our partners have run strategy and M&A inside technology businesses and sit on the boards of technology companies today. A partner leads every project.
Les Elby
Partner
More than 20 years in the technology sector, with senior roles in corporate development, strategy and executive management at AVEVA and at Lighthouse. Les advises the executive teams of technology firms and mentors start-ups and smaller businesses.
Mat Truche-Gordon
Partner
More than 20 years in software leadership. Ten years at AVEVA, where he ran strategy and M&A among other areas as a member of the executive board, then five years in corporate development at Hg Capital, completing more than 25 acquisitions and disposals. Mat joined Lighthouse in 2020.
Common questions
Questions people ask first
Is what I send confidential?
Yes. A partner reads it, and we treat every call as confidential. We’re happy to sign an NDA, or share ours, if you need one.
Do I need a project in mind?
No. We’re happy to talk at the thinking-about-it stage. Most of our client relationships start that way.
Do you only work with technology companies?
Yes. We work with software and technology businesses, and the investors who back them.
I run an earlier-stage business. Can we still talk?
Of course. Our project work is with established technology businesses with a trading record, but we’re glad to have a first chat and, if it helps, point you to someone better placed.
How quickly can you start?
It depends on the scope and our diary. For due diligence and live deals we can usually start within days of a brief.
Other enquiries
Other ways to reach us
Press
press@lighthouse-advisory.co.uk
Comment, interviews and background briefings on technology M&A and growth strategy.
Careers
careers@lighthouse-advisory.co.uk
We’re a small partner-led team and rarely recruit. A short note works better than a CV.
Lighthouse Advisory Partners Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 10737301.
Registered office: 86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE. We can meet in London or Cambridge.