Private Equity/M&A
Private Equity
Private equity firms often face a common challenge: portfolio companies that perform adequately but struggle to break through to their next phase of growth. These “middle tier” businesses may not be unicorns, but they hold untapped potential that, if unlocked, can deliver meaningful returns. Switch partners with private equity teams to identify and activate the hidden levers of innovation within these companies — whether that’s cultivating fresh ideas, refining strategic direction, or building the leadership capacity needed to accelerate momentum.
Our Switch Innovation Method focuses on the people and processes that drive sustainable change. By aligning leadership, culture, and execution, we help portfolio companies develop environments where innovation thrives. Let us hope you move past plateaus and develop the resilience and adaptability to unlock lasting value for investors and long-term success for the companies themselves.
Typical Client Profile – Private Equity
- Portfolio companies with $5M–$50M in revenue, performing adequately but not yet breaking out
- Leadership teams that need stronger alignment and collaboration to unlock growth
- Organizations where silos, culture, or leadership gaps are holding back performance
- Recognizes that investing in people is a direct lever for improving EBITDA and exit multiples
- Values an objective partner who can ask tough questions and bring outside perspective
- Open to fresh ideas, new processes, and cultural shifts that drive growth
- Committed to measurable progress and accountability for both leadership and teams
- Seeking to turn plateaued performance into sustainable value creation
M&A
Mergers and acquisitions are critical inflection points where potential value is either realized—or lost. While strategy and financials may drive the deal, the true differentiator in post-merger success lies in how people experience the transition. Leaders and teams must navigate uncertainty, shifting roles, and cultural integration, all while maintaining performance. Without deliberate attention, these moments often lead to disengagement, talent loss, and stalled momentum.
We help M&A firms and their portfolio companies avoid these pitfalls by designing human-centered integration strategies that prioritize alignment and trust from day one, ensuring that employees at all levels feel valued and equipped to contribute in the new environment. We support founders and leaders from acquired companies in transitioning smoothly into their new roles — or into meaningful exits — while ensuring the organization retains critical knowledge and credibility. By bridging cultures, strengthening leadership, and establishing clear processes, we turn a potentially destabilizing event into a launchpad for growth so you can achieve the full promise and intended success of your investment.
Typical Client Profile – M&A
- Companies navigating the post-merger or acquisition integration phase
- Leadership teams managing the challenge of aligning two distinct cultures and processes
- Founders or key leaders from acquired firms who need thoughtful transition support
- Organizations where psychological safety and belonging are critical to retention and performance
- Recognizes that people challenges, not financial ones, are the biggest risk to deal success
- Values a trusted partner to help avoid common integration pitfalls and accelerate synergy realization
- Open to structured processes that balance tough decisions with empathy and transparency
- Focused on achieving the intended value of the deal while keeping talent engaged and aligned