Recognized Mergers and Acquisitions Leaders 2025

As EVP of M&A, Joe leads PRITCHETT's M&A integration practice which has consulted on acquisitions valued in total over $350 billion. He is the architect of PRITCHETT’s M&A integration methodology, an approach that has been used successfully by thousands of acquirers. Joe also conceived of and brought to market the Merger Integration Certification Workshop, the most successful M&A integration training program in the world. Plus, he created MergerIntegration.com which is now the most visited web site on M&A integration. MergerIntegration.com provides step-by step instruction on how to run integration projects and is populated with over 500 deliverables from PRITCHETT consulting engagements. Joe is the author of the books, Street Smart Moves for Selling your Business and What’s Next? He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

I’m P. Blake Renda—an entrepreneur, investor, and co-CEO of Veedor Holdings LLC, based in Naples, FL, with a satellite office in Santa Monica, CA. Veedor Holdings LLC not only makes strategic investments but also owns and operates Dragon Horse Agency, Dragon Horse Publishing, and Moxie Creed. My professional journey began while I was interning at NBC Studios during my time at the University of Southern California, which led to a full-time position after graduation. I then transitioned into law and finance, which ultimately brought me to Wall Street in 1996. There, I was part of a small team in Palo Alto, CA, managing over $20 billion in technology-sector assets at J. & W. Seligman & Co. In 2000, I was recognized as one of Institutional Investor Magazine’s “Best of the Buy Side.” In 2006, I joined the New Dimensions Growth Team of American Express Asset Management in La Jolla, CA, as the T/M/T manager across six growth funds totaling over $40 billion in assets under management. I was also nominated for Institutional Investor Magazine's "Best of the Buy Side" in 2004. These experiences instilled in me the importance of rigorously vetting opportunities and leading with foresight—skills I have consistently applied to every entrepreneurial venture. From 2011 to 2015, I played a key role in transforming a boutique Florida skincare startup into a nationally recognized, multi-award-winning brand, culminating in its eventual public listing post my tenure. After exiting that company, I co-founded Veedor Holdings LLC with Julie Koester. Today, we own and operate Dragon Horse Agency, a multi-award-winning, bi-coastal agency known for providing comprehensive business strategy and marketing services to global clients. Additionally, we own Dragon Horse Publishing, an award-winning publishing company, and Moxie Creed, a wellness lifestyle e-commerce platform. Beyond the accolades, successes, challenges, and failures, I hold a deep belief in resilience, mentorship, and shared success. I’m a proud father, a former youth volleyball coach, and a passionate advocate of Ubuntu—"I am because we are." Whether scaling startups, navigating global markets, or building culture, I bring the same competitive spirit and collaborative ethos to every endeavor. Success is not just about accolades; it’s about legacy, community, and the courage to keep moving forward. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Max Avery, a dynamic business development executive at Digital Ascension Group, drives growth across industries with a sharp focus on market leadership. His deep knowledge of traditional and emerging financial markets, backed by certifications like Capital Markets & Securities Analyst (CMSA)® and FinTech Industry Professional (FTIP)™, informs his strategic approach. Since 2016, he has excelled in raising capital and structuring deals in private equity and real estate. Appointed to the District Export Council by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in 2018, and a member of the National Small Business Association’s Economic Development Committee, Avery shapes policies for business growth. Guided by a philosophy of excellence, he turns complex challenges into practical solutions, establishing himself as a trusted strategist committed to lasting impact.

Private-equity-trained fractional CFO & exit-prep firm for founder-led businesses. We convert to accrual, build MFRs and KPI dashboards, run forecasting, and package for diligence to lift EBITDA and multiples across trades, e-commerce, tech, and professional services. 35+ clients Serial Founder in Health Tech, Veterinary Medicine, Plumbing, CPGs, Consulting, SaaS. Scaled from 0-2MM, sold or stabilized.

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

I’m a designer-turned-business leader who founded and scaled a digital agency from scratch in 2009. Over 15 years, I built a highly successful, people-focused web and mobile app development firm, growing it from nothing to $4M a year on 20%+ margins, culminating in a seven-figure exit, multiple industry awards, and a long list of grateful employees and clients. After that successful exit, I now help founders of creative firms do the same – build and grow profitable, sustainable businesses, and lead less stressful, more fulfilling lives. More info can be found at: jeffarchibald.ca

Ismael is Executive Chairman of FE International, a leading M&A advisory firm in the technology sector with over $46Bn in completed acquisitions. Wrixen’s previous background was in large-cap M&A investment banking, where he executed several high-profile public deals, namely in the technology sector.

I started my journey as an entrepreneur and operator, that entrepreneurial spirit remains at the heart of who I am today. Along the way, I discovered my true passion: helping businesses grow, transform, and achieve their big-picture goals. With expertise in M&A Advisory/Corporate Finance and Private Equity, I’ve had the privilege of working on both buy-side and sell-side deals.My foundation is built on a genuine interest and love for business and a solid understanding and passion for Corporate Finance which is complemented by hands-on experience in strategic advisory, negotiation, financial modelling, investment management and deal-making. Whether it’s closing a deal or brainstorming the next big move, I thrive on challenges and love connecting with like-minded professionals. Let’s connect!

I’m a hands-on tech engineer and entrepreneur focused on streamlining and simplifying real estate operations. As Founder & CEO of PropTechVision, I help clients connect the internal software tools they already use, automate repetitive work processes, and turn scattered data into clear, trusted insights. My style is practical. We map processes, integrate what’s there, add automation where it pays off, and show results within weeks. For the client, this means less busywork, faster reporting, and lower investment and legal risk.

Originally from London, England, now US-based, I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2005, expanding my initial company to a team of fifty and providing services to clients nationwide. Currently, I serve as an Accredited Small Business Consultant assisting small businesses and facilitating mergers & acquisitions in collaboration with the Decain Group. As an entrepreneur, I believe in both learning and sharing experiences; I author a daily small business blog offering insights to aid fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners. I am also committed to giving back to the community. I actively participate in various non-profit organizations and also serve as the Co-Chair of the IFDF Public Relations Committee.

A senior communications practitioner and corporate storyteller with a decade's experience across strategic communications, public relations, journalism, brand management, and creative advertising, I've helped early-stage founders and senior executives navigate today's distracted, diverse, and multi-stakeholder information landscape to achieve their business objectives while staying true to who they are.

Experienced M&A Investment Banking professional known for honesty and a strategic approach to business transitions.

Iris Duan is a dynamic venture partner and operational leader specializing in early-stage investments, decentralized technologies, and sustainable innovation across international markets. As a Venture Partner at a $50M+ AUM VC firm, she successfully chaired weekly investment committees, managed cross-border deals, and fully returned Fund 1 with a 2.4x MOIC. Her investment focus includes renewable energy, cloud computing, medtech, and Machine Learning. Concurrently, as COO and Co-founder of Immutable Labs, Iris drove the creation of an operating model generating $25M in revenue, leading the integration of advanced packaged technology across edge computing, FLLMs, secured oracles, and explainable AI, delivering significant compute and cash reductions. Fluent in English and Mandarin, Iris leverages a global perspective from her experience in Zurich, Beijing, and Milan, blending deep financial acumen (BBA in Finance, Minor in Economics from Emory University) with practical, high-growth startup leadership. Her expertise lies in translating complex client needs into tangible business requirements, orchestrating R&D, and building robust client bases that support hybrid cloud and idle computing solutions. Iris is a two-time TEDx speaker and a passionate advocate for social enterprise, having led non-profit consulting teams focused on strategic PR and market research for diverse international clients.

The daughter of a modern-day wildcatter and a day trader, both of whom are business owners, I grew up in Houston surrounded by business risk and the “ups and downs” of the oil and gas industry. So, it is no surprise I am considered very business-minded when it comes to advising my clients, whether it is about the acquisition of another company, the purchase of real estate, the negotiation of a commercial lease, or the setting up of a new business venture. While in law school, I gained valuable experience interning with the second largest CPA firm in the United States, the federal government, and a national non-profit organization. I spent my last year of law school as a Shapiro Fellow at the Securities and Exchange Commission. While there, I worked on high-profile securities litigation cases and investigations, and in some cases right alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and the Internal Revenue Service. Upon graduation from law school, I went to work for a major accounting firm where I assisted major Houston oil and gas clients with international taxation transactions. I received my Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and General Business from Texas Tech University. Upon graduation, I was awarded “highest ranking graduate” from the Rawls College of Business. After completing undergraduate studies, I attended The George Washington University Law School where I received my Juris Doctorate in 2014. Upon graduation, I was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for extensive pro bono work with the homeless and unemployed in the heart of Washington, D.C. While handling multiple large acquisitions for a Fortune 200 company at the same time, I went back to school to obtain my L.L.M. and a Certificate in International Taxation from Georgetown University. Upon graduation, I was once again recognized for pro bono work in my local community. I am a managing partner with Quadros, Migl & Crosby PLLC, a growing boutique Texas business law firm with four locations throughout the state.

Gaurav Shah is the Managing Partner at Arete Ventures, advising founders, early-stage teams, and institutional investors across the US, EU, UK and India, with extensive experience in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Over the past 19+ years, he has worked across the full spectrum of entrepreneurship and private capital; from guiding startups on market signals, traction, fundraising, and scaling decisions to supporting investment firms on due diligence, M&A, portfolio value creation, and performance improvement. He brings a blended operator–investor perspective, having evaluated hundreds of companies for institutional investors (PE, VC, hedge funds, and family offices) while also working directly with investor backed entrepreneurs on strategy, product-market fit, and execution. His pattern-recognition across both sides of the table allows him to translate real market truths into practical, founder-ready insights. He further serves on the investment committee (IC) for venture capital firms and advises board members actively across US & EU. Focus Areas Entrepreneurship & Startup Advisory: product-market fit, early traction, market validation, GTM strategy, fundraising readiness, founder coaching Institutional Investor Advisory (buy side): commercial & technical due diligence, M&A strategy, competitive intelligence, investment memos, portfolio performance improvement Sectors: AI, SaaS, fintech, blockchain, climate-tech, renewable energy, Web 3.0, deeptech, life sciences and other frontier technologies