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The Eyes of All People are Upon Us. Our January Fintech, Data & Analytics M&A Update

Jan 11, 2021

The Eyes of All People are Upon Us. Our January Fintech, Data & Analytics M&A Update

Economy, Fintech, Market Update 0 Comments

Dear Clients and Friends:

“Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us—and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, State, and local, must be as a city upon a hill—constructed and inhabited by men aware of their grave trust and their great responsibilities.”— John F. Kennedy. January 9, 1961 – exactly 60 years ago today, as I write this…

Normally we begin these reports commenting on m&a values among mid-sized FinTech, Data and Analytics companies.  That report is HERE.  It shows that the market was strong in 2020.  A strong 2021 presumes continued economic strength and a return to political stability – and that’s where the eyes of all people are now turned.

We begin 2021 with cautious optimism – believing that the US is an innovative, resilient nation that can and will overcome the challenges of a global pandemic that has led to millions dead, shuttered businesses, unemployed millions, and overwhelmed healthcare systems; believing we can meet the challenges of global warming, international opportunism, domestic unrest, and an outgoing President that has denied election results certified by all 50 US states, repeated allegations of election fraud rejected by the US Departments of Justice and Homeland Security as well as scores of courts – and exhorted thousands of acolytes to march on the US Capitol to “…make Congress do the right thing“ – resulting in horrific acts that left five people dead, including a 35-year-old female Air Force veteran Trump supporter, and a U.S. Capitol Police officer. 

We start this New Year with the eyes of all people upon us – most believing that, with leadership, we will unite to overcome these challenges – and reclaim the mantle as “…a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for people everywhere.” 

As you will see in our report, despite our challenges, m&a values among FinTech, Data and Analytics companies remain strong as we enter this New Year.  We believe that there is light at the end of this tunnel – and that our world and yours will emerge stronger than ever.  A few of the more interesting recent transactions over the past month include: 

The eyes of all people are truly upon us.  

Ken 

Ken Marlin

Ken Marlin

Ken Marlin is Managing Partner and Founder of Marlin & Associates and the author of "The Marine Corps Way to Win on Wall Street: 11 Key Principles from Battlefield to Boardroom" (St. Martin's Press 2016).

Over the course of more than 30 years Ken has advised scores of U.S. and international middle-market technology enabled firms on the best ways to buy, sell, grow and thrive. Along the way, he's been an entrepreneur (three times), a tech company CEO (twice), a senior corporate executive (twice) and an investment banker.

Seventeen years ago, Ken embarked on a journey to create a different sort of investment bank - one that would meld the investment banking skills he learned over 20 years on Wall Street with lessons he learned as a tech entrepreneur and the principles he learned during the decade he spent on active duty as a U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer. Today, Marlin & Associates is one of the most active M&A advisers in the information technology arena.

Institutional Investor Magazine has five times named Ken as one of II’s “Tech 50” and the II “FinTech 35” - both of which honor the most influential figures in the financial technology data and analytics sector.

Outside the office, Ken is a trustee of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club, which serves underprivileged kids throughout the five counties of New York City; and an active supporter of the Phoenix House Foundation, The Wall Street Warriors Foundation, The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, University of the People, the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, and Outward Bound Peacekeeping.

Ken’s book has garnered strong reviews and is consistently ranked among the top in governance, finance and leadership. One reviewer called it a compelling vision to improve Wall Street by returning to solid core values like taking the long view, behaving with honor, delivering excellence and working for a cause greater than money.

Ken earned a BA from the University of California (Irvine), an MBA from UCLA, and a post-MBA Advanced Professional Certificate in Corporate Strategy from New York University. He lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, a dog, a cat and turtle.

Connect with Ken:
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