New York | June 16, 2025 – Drake Star is pleased to announce that Erik Hansen has joined the firm as Partner, expanding the firm’s presence in the Southern and Midwestern United States and reinforcing its commitment to high-touch, partner-led M&A advisory for growth-stage technology companies worldwide.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Erik brings nearly two decades of experience advising emerging and established software and technology companies across the globe. He joins Drake Star with a passion for helping entrepreneurs realize transformative outcomes through thoughtful strategy, authentic relationships, and deep sector insight. His areas of expertise span Retail & Ecommerce Technology, Infrastructure Software and DevOps, Mobility & Sustainability, Industrial Tech / IoT, and broader Software verticals, with a strong track record in both domestic and cross-border M&A and capital raising.

A few notable Transactions Erik has worked on in his career include:

• Aldon’s (a portfolio company of Marlin Equity Partners) acquisition by Rocket Software (a portfolio company of Court Square Capital Partners)
• Camilion Solution’s acquisition by SAP
• ExactBid’s acquisition by Spectrum Equity
• Initial State’s acquisition by Fortive
• ManageSoft’s acquisition by Flexera (a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo)
• Micram’s acquisition by Keysight
• Nuance’s acquisitions of SVOX, Shapewriter, PerSay, ITA Australia, Language and Computing, X-Solutions and Zi
• StyleSage’s acquisition by Centric Software / Dassault Systemes
• SeeControl’s acquisition by Autodesk
• Tropos Networks’ acquisition by ABB
• Veros Systems’ acquisition by Baker Hughes

"Erik represents exactly what we value at Drake Star: deep domain knowledge, strong cross-border transaction experience, and a relational approach rooted in trust and empathy," said Gregory Bedrosian, Managing Partner & CEO at Drake Star. "He has a history of walking alongside his clients through every stage of growth and value realization, and his base in Nashville perfectly aligns with our continued focus on building presence in the country’s most dynamic and entrepreneurial markets. We’re thrilled to welcome Erik to the team."

Ralf Philipp Hofmann, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Drake Star, commented: "We’re excited to welcome Erik to the Drake Star team. He brings a wealth of experience with a strong track record of highly successful transactions in the enterprise, PLM and infrastructure software space. His presence further strengthens our North American market coverage, and will be especially valuable to our European clients looking to access strategic partners, investors, and acquirers in the U.S. and beyond."

Julian Ostertag, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Drake Star, added: "Erik’s deep industry knowledge, client-centered approach, and strong credentials, will be an excellent addition to Drake Star’s global platform and team of Tech M&A industry experts. We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the impact he’ll make across our international client base. Welcome to the team, Erik."

Drake Star continues to invest in regions demonstrating strong technology momentum. With increasing innovation activity in fast-growing hubs across the Southern and Midwestern U.S., Erik’s presence will allow the firm to deepen its relationships with founders, investors, and strategic acquirers throughout the region.

Reflecting on the move, Erik Hansen shared: "As I begin my 20th year in investment banking, I couldn’t be more energized to join Drake Star, a global team of seasoned professionals who lead with both conviction and expertise. This firm’s mission to partner closely with founders, deliver exceptional outcomes, and do so with authenticity and integrity resonates deeply with me.

Having grown up in Silicon Valley during its foundational years, and now raising my family in Nashville, I see the same entrepreneurial energy in cities like Atlanta, Columbus, Indianapolis, Raleigh, and beyond. These regions are rich with talent, innovation, and resilience, and I’m passionate about bringing world-class M&A advisory to founders building in these often-underserved ecosystems.

Drake Star’s global reach, collaborative culture, and commitment to doing right by its clients offer an ideal platform to build meaningful connections and deliver lasting value. I look forward to deepening relationships across my network and writing the next chapter together."

Prior to joining Drake Star, Erik was a founding team member and Managing Director at Menalto Advisors. His previous investment banking experience includes roles at Duff & Phelps (via the acquisition of Pagemill Partners), Oppenheimer & Co. (via the acquisition of CIBC World Markets), and SVB Alliant. Over the course of his career, Erik has advised on approximately 50 transactions, serving clients ranging from early-stage innovators to bootstrapped vertical market leaders and publicly traded enterprises.

With Erik’s addition, Drake Star continues to build on its momentum as a leading global technology investment bank, distinguished by its senior-led execution model and deep commitment to founder success.

Contact details

Gregory Bedrosian, gregory.bedrosian@drakestar.com

Ralf Philipp Hofmann, ralf.hofmann@drakestar.com

Julian Ostertag, julian.ostertag@drakestar.com

Erik Hansen, erik.hansen@drakestar.com

About Drake Star

Drake Star is an award-winning global tech investment bank that has completed over 500 transactions since 2003. The Drake Star global team of experienced professionals and senior advisors across offices in New York, Munich, London, Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Dubai* focuses on mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance services worldwide in Software/SaaS, HR Tech, Digital Services, FinTech, Digital Media, Industrial Tech, Consumer & Retail Tech and Mobility & Sustainability.

Drake Star is the marketing name for the global investment bank Drake Star Partners Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates. In the USA, all securities are transacted through Drake Star Securities LLC. In the USA, Drake Star Securities LLC is regulated by FINRA and is a member of SIPC. Drake Star UK Limited (FRN 942020) is an appointed representative of Razlin Ltd (FRN 730805), which is authorized and regulated by the FCA. © 2025 Drake Star Partners Limited.

*Partner Office