Erik Hansen is a Partner at Drake Star based in Nashville, Tennessee, where he advises founders and investors across the global technology ecosystem. With nearly two decades of experience in M&A and capital advisory, Erik brings a strategic, empathetic, and relationship-first approach to every engagement. His areas of expertise span Consumer & Retail Technology, Software / SaaS, Mobility & Sustainability, and Industrial Technology, with a focus on helping clients articulate their differentiation and unlock long-term strategic value.
Raised in Silicon Valley and immersed early in the heart of the tech industry, Erik developed a deep appreciation for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the people behind the companies. Since relocating to Nashville in early 2019, he has become an advocate for emerging technology hubs across the South and Midwest — regions he believes share the same entrepreneurial DNA that defined the Valley during its formative years.
Over his career, Erik has advised on approximately 50 transactions across the technology landscape, with more than 40% involving cross-border dealmaking. His client base spans from early-stage innovators to bootstrapped vertical market leaders and publicly traded companies, with successful outcomes involving global leaders such as Alibaba, Autodesk, ABB, Baker Hughes, Dassault, Dialpad, Fortive, HBO, Nuance, SAP, Spectrum Equity, and Thoma Bravo.
Prior to joining Drake Star, Erik was a Founding Team Member and Managing Director at Menalto Advisors. His previous experience includes senior roles at Duff & Phelps (via Pagemill Partners), and as part of the TMT groups at Oppenheimer & Co. (via CIBC World Markets), and SVB Alliant. Earlier in his career, he worked with two venture-backed companies — TIBCO and Ikanos Communications — ahead of their IPOs.
A hallmark of Erik’s approach is his ability to navigate not just the strategic and financial dimensions of a deal, but also the human ones. Having personally experienced multiple corporate M&A transactions and restructurings as an employee, he brings a rare level of empathy, alignment, and advocacy to the founders and teams he advises.
Erik earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Finance and Entrepreneurship, and a minor in Economics from the University of the Pacific. He graduated Summa Cum Laude, was the top-ranked student in his class, and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.
Outside of work, Erik is passionate about his family, travel, classic automobiles, and global motorsports. He’s equally committed to giving back to his local community and enjoys exploring new ways to stay connected with the people and places that inspire him.
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