New York, Munich | June 26th, 2026 – The M&A Advisor announced the winners of the 17th Annual International M&A Awards and Drake Star was honored in the category Boutique Investment Banking Firm of the Year.
Despite a challenging Tech M&A environment, Drake Star delivered for its clients, closing several strategic mid-market transactions with multi-billion-dollar acquirers and leading global private equity firms in 2025. The firm's ability to execute across a wide range of market cycles continues to set it apart.
Drake Star is a leading tech-focused investment bank with deep sector expertise across Artificial Intelligence, Software/SaaS, FinTech, Digital Media, HR Tech, Industrial Tech, Retail Tech, and more. With 500+ completed transactions, $22B+ in deal volume, and a team of professionals across 9 global offices, the firm brings unmatched cross-border reach and sector depth to each engagement.
Drake Star's sector insights are frequently sought by leading media outlets including Bloomberg, S&P, Forbes, CNBC, TechCrunch, Handelsblatt, Rueters, Table.Media, Wall Street Journal, and the firm is a regular presence at influential industry events around the world. The team has garnered 60+ industry awards including multiple Investment Bank of the Year and 45+ Deal of the Year honors, reflecting a track record built on results.
Gregory Bedrosian, Managing Partner & CEO at Drake Star commented: "Winning Boutique Investment Banking Firm of the Year is a reflection of what our team does every day, delivering exceptional outcomes for clients in some of the most complex, high-stakes transactions in the tech sector. We are grateful to the clients who trust us with their most important decisions, and to a team that shows up and performs regardless of market conditions. This recognition belongs to all of them."
Ralf Philipp Hofmann, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Drake Star commented: "We built Drake Star to be the firm that tech founders and CEOs turn to when it matters most. The clients who have chosen us, the outcomes we've delivered, and the trust they continue to place in us are the proof points we're most proud of. That mission hasn't changed since day one, and recognition like this tells us we're executing on it. I'm proud of what this team has built across every market cycle for decades."
Julian Ostertag, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Drake Star commented: "Tech M&A is a relationship business, and this award reflects the trust our clients place in us at critical moments in their companies' trajectories. Drake Star's global platform, sector depth, and cross-border execution capability continue to differentiate us, and our clients feel that difference in their outcomes."
"The International M&A Awards recognizes the firms and professionals whose transactions and leadership continue to shape the future of global dealmaking," said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor. "This year’s recipients exemplify excellence, innovation, and resilience in an increasingly competitive and evolving market environment."
The winners will be formally recognized during the 2026 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit, taking place September 14 & 15, 2026 in New York City. The summit will bring together influential executives, advisors, investors, and industry leaders for two days of networking, thought leadership, and celebration of achievement across the global M&A community.
About The M&A Advisor
Founded in 1998, The M&A Advisor is the premier global organization dedicated to connecting, recognizing, and informing professionals in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate finance. Through its industry-leading events, awards programs, and digital platforms, The M&A Advisor provides insights and networking opportunities that empower professionals at every stage of their careers.
This award was granted by The M&A Advisor on June 15, 2026, in New York, recognizing transactions, financings, or restructurings completed between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The M&A Advisor is an independent third-party organization. Participation in the nomination process required a submission fee. Additionally, Drake Star Partners paid a minimum promotional spend to license the award logo and promote this recognition.
For more information on how winners are chosen, visit: www.maadvisor.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, West Palm Beach and Dubai* focuses on mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance services worldwide in Software/SaaS, Artificial Intelligence, 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.
© 2026 Drake Star Partners Limited.
*Partner Office