The Entrepreneur's Advisory Firm
Strategic Advisory for Founders. Before Decisions Become Processes.
When Founders Contact DQM
Founders typically reach out to DQM when they're facing one of three situations:
Inbound Interest &
Strategic Opportunities
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A buyer or private equity firm has made an unsolicited approach
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They’re evaluating whether (and how) to engage and manage an investment bank
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They want help navigating early buyer conversations without losing leverage
Valuation, Capital &
Path-Forward Decisions
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They want a clear view of valuation, drivers, and key operating metrics
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They’re considering raising capital, particularly early-stage or growth capital
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They’re weighing alternatives: capital raise, partnership, or sale
Quiet Preparation Without Commitment
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They want to diligently prepare without signaling intent to the market
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They’re assessing buyer intent and seriousness
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They want a senior, independent perspective before committing to a path
How DQM Helps
We work with founders on a fractional basis to help them evaluate inbound interest, understand valuation, and decide what, if anything, to do next. Many of our clients never sell because making a better decision earlier is often the best outcome.
Fractional Strategic Advisory
We support founders considering a capital raise by reviewing investor materials, pressure-testing valuation and structure, preparing for diligence and investor Q&A, and evaluating proposed terms.
Capital Raise Support
When a process becomes appropriate, we help founders decide if they even need a bank and manage that investment bank if they do.
Banker Selection & Oversight
Leading a customized M&A sale process.
Full M&A Execution
About DQM
DQM is an independent strategic advisory firm built exclusively for founders and family-led businesses navigating high-stakes M&A and capital decisions.
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We work with operators who are receiving inbound interest, weighing a sale or capital raise, or quietly preparing for what may come next, often months or years before a formal process begins.
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DQM was built by a founder who has lived these decisions firsthand: starting, scaling, and selling businesses; investing alongside private equity and venture capital; and advising founders through complex transactions. That perspective shapes everything we do.
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Our role is not to push founders toward a transaction. It’s to help them think clearly, protect leverage, and avoid costly mistakes before decisions become irreversible.
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Most engagements begin on a fractional advisory basis, allowing founders to access senior-level judgment without committing to a full process. When appropriate, we support banker selection and oversight, capital raise preparation, or (selectively) full M&A execution.
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We do not represent private equity firms or corporate buyers. Our only mandate is to act in the best interest of founders and their families.
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DQM is designed for founders who want clarity before commitment, and an advisor who understands that the decision not to transact can be just as valuable as the right transaction.
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