FinTech M&A
Unlocking the potential in FinTech
About Us
Our Vision
FinTech is one of the most significant business opportunities in the UK and Europe. However, the current funding environment has left a gap between early stage VC investors and traditional Private Equity. A new approach is required to maximise the value from the rich FinTech startup ecosystem that exists in the UK and Europe.
Our Approach
We are filling this gap by helping funds and corporates acquire majority stakes in promising FinTechs. We are hands on and results driven. Post-acquisition we remain involved to ensure maximum value is created through a relentless focus on sales and operational excellence and by reaching scale through synergies with other portfolio companies.
Who We Are
Hi5 Partners is a FinTech corporate strategy consultancy based in London. The founders together has over 40 years experience scaling technology businesses, the last 15 of those in FinTech. Both did an MBA at INSEAD and started their careers as strategy consultants. They are passionate about bringing their extensive experience and industry network to bear to help UK and European FinTechs scale.
What We do
For FinTechs
Capture growth
opportunities
Whether you are looking to acquire, be acquired or merge Hi5 Partners can help you implement the right strategy for your business. We help you implement your chosen growth strategy faster by using our extensive network of startups, established banks, payment providers and lenders, VCs and PE funds.
For FinTechs
Exits and roll ups
FinTech was all about growth-or-die. Higher interest rates and an overhang among VCs from high valuations in 2020 to 2022 have put an end to this. Hi5 Partners specialises in finding creative exit and roll up opportunities for startups with a proven product in fast growing parts of the FinTech market but with insufficient runway to capture their full potential
For Investors
Deal Sourcing
The Hi5 Partners founders have over 25 years of experience in the FinTech market and a deep network among both startups and established financial service businesses in the UK and Europe. This has allowed them to build proprietary deal flow in this sector. They can also put their network to use to find deals that fit your specific thesis.
For Investors
Strategic Due Diligence
The Hi5 Partners founders started their careers in strategy consulting and both did their MBA at INSEAD. Unlike other Corporate Finance advitors, they have over 25 years experience running
FinTech businesses. This gives them a strong position evaluating what matters in strategic due diligences: pipelines, products, processes and management teams.
For Investors
Portfolio Management
Hi5 Partners' extensive operational experience allows them to remain actively involved post acquisition to oversee the business and accelerate sales, lower costs and retain talent. The team have a special focus on distressed assets with high potential return but also higher execution risk where their operational experience help reduce this risk.
What We Look For
We are specialised in the following types of businesses
FinTech
FinTech software or consultancy
Ideally active in payments, embedded finance, banking software or wealth tech
Enterprise focus a plus
UK or European
UK or European headquartered
Growth stage
£5m+/€5m+ revenue
30%+ annual growth rate
Breakeven or close to it