Expedited digital due diligence gives private equity firm validated data to make investment decision
Deep-yet-rapid evaluation provided critical insights on the acquisition target's technology and the basis to build a robust equity case
Our client, a top European Private Equity firm, identified strong growth and digital transformation potential in a large, local fitness aggregator. But with just a few weeks to conduct a deep analysis of the target, it turned to Stryber to assess its digital infrastructure and build a detailed picture of digital growth scenarios.
With our client seeking opportunities for digital expansion and value creation, we assembled a cross-functional team to support. We analyzed everything to provide an overview to inform its offer and guide post-close plans.
The headline results
Inside 24 days, we produced a realistic, neutral assessment of the target’s digital capabilities. Our swift and detailed work enabled our client to confidently make a ‘go’ decision, knowing its digital thesis was sound and with multiple opportunities to increase value post close.
Conducted thorough assessment of digital and technological caabilities
Compiled detailed investment committee memorandum
Delivered three scenarios to ensure max
post-purchase value
Our 6-step process for success
Comprehensive assessment
The pivotal first step was to assess the acquisition target's tech and product set-up - excluding a detailed code review.
Market analysis
With a solid understanding of the acquisition target's set-up and technology, we analyzed the market and its dynamics to provide a growth roadmap.
Digitization opportunities
Based off the base case vision and market analysis, we surfaced opportunities for digital expansion to deepen market penetration.
Ecosystem opportunities
Working from the upside case vision, we sourced ecosystem opportunities for rapid market expansion, accelerated growth, and value creation.
Detailed roadmap
For both the base and upside case vision, we produced a product and tech roadmap to demonstrate how the acquisition target could grow.
Investment case
Finally, we handed over a detailed financial analysis covering three scenarios for overall investment focused on costs.
The challenge: Sizing the digital opportunity for expansion, including base cost and upside scenarios
Our client’s investment thesis hinged on several digital strategies, including home expansion and global partnerships. But the target was relatively new to its own tech journey, leaving big questions about whether existing digital capabilities could support expansion and value creation. Our remit was to raise red flags, uncover blind spots, and guide decision-making related to the technology.
Decipher base cost and business model scalability
With the target still relatively immature, we needed clarity around existing operating costs and scalability potential of its digital business model.
Identify expansion opportunities
and risks
Our client wanted as clear a picture as possible of the target’s market expansion opportunities and the associated risks of entering each.
Produce a costed product expansion roadmap
Critical to our client’s investment decision, it needed to know what investment was needed to deepen market penetration in the target’s core market and enter new markets.
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Operating at light speed
Grasping the project complexity
The time frame was limited, and the array of components requiring analysis was vast. We were allotted a mere three weeks to perform our due diligence and contextualize the findings.
The timeline was further exacerbated by a constrained disclosure process, meaning our team had to be ready to respond at a moment's notice.
Turning over every stone with precision and depth
We quickly mobilized a senior, PE-grade team to work on site. The objective was to review all the documentation and be present in the "war room" with the client and advisory teams to present and discuss findings.
Half the team focused on near-term issues around digital maturity, scalability, technology infrastructure and product roadmap; the other half looked at market dynamics, white spaces, competitive differentiation and barriers to entry.
Faultless stakeholder management and rigorous process
With a large pool of players and limited time for internal alignment, stakeholder management was key. We held daily calls with the client, weekly calls with digital partners and other buy-side advisors, and attended a series of all-party readouts with the MD and key stakeholders.
Maintaining documentation and crystal clear communication, we produced an equity case inside the deadline and ensured our client understood the details.
3.5 weeks, 3 time zones, 1000's of data points: one independent validated investment memo
Our due diligence work culminated in a comprehensive equity case comprising three core deliverables:
- Due Diligence: A detailed red flag assessment of the target's current digital and technological capabilities, including competitor and best-practice benchmarks and key points of product differentiation.
- Investment Committee Memo: A key document in justifying the investment decision, this powerful one-pager summarized our view of Fife's digital strengths and weaknesses, the upside opportunities, and recommendations for realizing them.
- Plans and Scenarios: We delivered three detailed product plans to unlock the target's full potential post-purchase, including feature-based roadmaps, staffing requirements, and detailed financial analyses for each plan.
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We combine commercial acumen, strategic insight, rigorous due diligence, and a venture capital mindset to identify the right acquisitions and unlock the full potential of your portfolio. Identifying risks, inefficiencies, and growth opportunities, we ensure digital assets align with overarching fund and portfolio company goals.
Ultimately, we bring your digital vision to life with a hands-on approach, ensuring each initiative is seamlessly operationalized to drive efficiency, growth, and tangible results. Working closely with your team, we focus on strategic alignment, resource prioritization, and flawless execution to transform digital plans into measurable gains that boost valuations.