What Crete Professionals Alliance does

Current (formerly Crete Professionals Alliance) is a privately held growth platform for independent accounting and advisory firms, founded in 2023 in Tampa, Florida, and backed by Thrive Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners with a $500 million acquisition plan. The company operates through a network of 48 partner firms spanning 39 US states and three countries, collectively employing more than 2,000 professionals. Partner firms retain their own brands, leadership, and client relationships while gaining access to six interconnected platform modules: Tech Transformation (automation, AI, and streamlined workflows), Global Capacity (scalable delivery teams in India and the Philippines), M&A Services (structured inorganic growth), Talent Optimization (succession, recruitment, and performance systems), Brand & Marketing infrastructure, and Organic Growth (systematized cross-firm referrals). The platform's core technology layer embeds automation and AI into day-to-day accounting operations to shift professional time from compliance work to higher-value advisory.

The business model is a subscription- and equity-aligned platform model: revenue is generated through the collective performance of the partner firm network via recurring platform fees and equity participation in partner firms; pricing is not publicly disclosed and is negotiated individually with each partner. Go-to-market is sales-led and channel-partner oriented, targeting independent accounting and advisory firms typically in the $10M–$100M+ revenue range, with disciplined inorganic growth executed both at the platform level and through partner-led sub-acquisitions. The platform rebranded from Crete Professionals Alliance to Current in January 2025 to emphasize its evolved positioning as an enterprise-scale growth platform rather than a traditional alliance. Parent entity Thrive Holdings (also operating Shield Technology Partners) received an OpenAI ownership stake in December 2025, with AI specialists to be embedded across operating companies. Reported customer outcomes include Reid Advisors scaling from approximately $25M to $55M in annual revenue in roughly two years through platform-enabled acquisitions.

Name

Crete Professionals Alliance

Legal name

Crete Professionals Alliance, LLC

Website

https://cretepa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Current (formerly Crete Professionals Alliance) is a Thrive Capital-backed growth platform for independent accounting and advisory firms. Founded in 2023, it provides technology, talent, capital, and M&A support to a network of 48 partner firms across 39 US states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional services platform

NAICS

Management of Companies and Enterprises (55111), Management Consulting Services (54161), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

M&A Advisory (Buy-side/Sell-side) (BPAHADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Strategic Partnerships, Alliances & JVs Advisory (BPAHADAI), Corporate Strategy Advisory (BPAHADAA)

Keywords

• Accounting firm platform
• Professional services alliance
• Tech-enabled accounting
• M&A advisory services
• Audit and tax services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Professional Services Platform Fees: The company operates as a growth platform for accounting firms, providing technology, talent, capital, and strategic support. Partner firms join the network while continuing to operate under their own brands and leadership. Revenue is generated through the collective performance of the partner firm network.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Crete Professionals Alliance (operating as Current) is a B2B growth platform for independent accounting and advisory firms that provides partner firms with technology, global talent capacity, M&A execution support, brand and marketing infrastructure, and strategic capital in exchange for equity or partnership alignment. Partner firms retain their own brands, leadership, and client relationships while accessing enterprise-scale resources across a national network spanning 39 U.S. states and 3 countries.

Product overview

Current (formerly Crete Professionals Alliance) is a unified platform for accounting and advisory firms that combines technology, talent, capital, and strategy. The platform operates through a network of 48+ independent partner firms spanning 30+ states and 3 countries, providing services including Accounting, Advisory, Audit & Attest, Client Accounting Services, and Tax. The core platform offers Tech Transformation (embedding automation and AI), Global Capacity (with talent resources in India and Philippines), M&A Services, Talent Optimization, Brand & Marketing, and Organic Growth Services as interconnected modules that enable independent firms to scale while maintaining their local identity and leadership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Current Growth Platform (formerly Crete Professionals Alliance) Unified B2B growth platform providing independent accounting and advisory firms with technology, global talent, capital, and strategy to scale at enterprise level while retaining brand and leadership.
• Tech Transformation Embeds automation, AI, and streamlined workflows into everyday accounting operations so partner firm professionals spend less time on returns preparation and more on insight and strategic value.
• Global Capacity Builds scalable global service delivery teams in India and the Philippines that expand capacity, enhance margins, and allow U.S. leaders to focus on advisory and client growth.
• M&A Services Drives disciplined inorganic growth through structured M&A strategy, defining ideal acquisition targets and executing with precision to expand services, geography, and EBITDA.
• Talent Optimization Strengthens succession, career architecture, recruitment, and performance systems to protect and compound enterprise value across the partner firm network.
• Brand & Marketing Establishes brand, positioning, and demand infrastructure required to attract ideal clients, recruit top talent, and accelerate organic growth for partner firms.
• Organic Growth Services Systematizes cross-firm collaboration, keeping referrals, specialty services, and opportunity inside the platform to unlock growth within the alliance.
• Accounting Services Core accounting services delivered through the network of 48+ partner CPA firms spanning 30+ U.S. states.
• Advisory Services Multi-specialization advisory services spanning corporate restructuring, litigation support, valuation, and forensics delivered through network partner firms such as Force 10 Partners.
• Audit & Attest Services Audit and attestation services delivered through the network of partner CPA firms.
• Tax Services Tax preparation, planning, and advisory services delivered through partner firms including Maxwell Advisors (California).
• Client Accounting Services Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services delivered to end clients through partner firms.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reid Advisors grew from ~$25M to ~$55M in annual revenue in approximately 2 years through the platform
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers30 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered planned, core, supporting and major.

• Sciarabba Walker & Co.plannedStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026Announced to join Bowers/ Current in July 2026 as part of the regional growth strategy for New York coverage.
• Maxwell AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 April 2026California-based tax advisory firm joined Crete/ Current, expanding presence in California. Maxwell gains access to technology, resources, and global delivery capabilities including talent resources in India and the Philippines. Firm continues operating under its established brand and leadership.
• Bowers AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026Syracuse, New York accounting and advisory firm joined Crete/ Current, significantly expanding footprint across New York State. Brings over 200 professionals and clients operating in more than 40 states. Joseph Mocciaro promoted to Managing Partner with continued growth through acquisitions and strategic partnerships anticipated.
• Force 10 PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 January 2026Nationally recognized financial advisory firm specializing in corporate restructuring and litigation support joined Crete/ Current. Adds specialized restructuring expertise to the network of over 40 accounting and advisory firms. Firm gains access to long-term capital and operational resources while continuing to operate under its own brand.
• HKMPsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Firm acquired by Reid Advisors in January 2026 as part of multi-state expansion strategy.
• OpenAImajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025OpenAI is taking an ownership stake in Thrive Holdings (which operates Crete Professionals Alliance/Current) and will embed AI specialists at Thrive Holdings' operating companies. The partnership is designed to demonstrate how businesses can harness AI technology.
• Shield Technology PartnerscoreOthers · 1 December 2025Shield Technology Partners is an IT services provider also operated under Thrive Holdings alongside Crete/Current. Combined, Crete and Shield have over 1,000 employees.
• McDowell-PerhamsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025South Carolina firm acquired by Reid Advisors (December 2025) as first Southeast foothold. Columbia, South Carolina based accounting firm.
• Barb & CompanysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025South Carolina firm acquired by Reid Advisors (December 2025) as first Southeast foothold. Columbia, South Carolina based accounting firm.
• AccuitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2025Hawaii-based accounting and advisory firm marked Crete/ Current's 30th partnership and first expansion beyond the continental United States. Partnership aims to modernize the accounting profession through technology, collaboration, and scale.
• TKRcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025Washington D.C. based accountants and advisors joined Crete/ Current, expanding into the D.C. market and strengthening real estate expertise. Firm continues operating under its name and leadership with access to broader network and enterprise resources.
• Reid AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024Long Island-based accounting and advisory firm that joined Crete/ Current in February 2024. Has scaled into multi-state platform through series of acquisitions, growing from approximately $25 million to $55 million in annual revenue. Expanded across New York and into Southeast with South Carolina acquisitions.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Citrin Cooperman: Private equity-backed (Harvest Partners) accounting, tax, and advisory platform pursuing the same federation-style growth model serving entrepreneurial mid-market clients. Direct competitor for partner firm targets.
• Aprio: PE-backed (HGGC) national accounting and advisory platform built via roll-up of independent firms. Directly comparable in business model, target customer (mid-market firms), and acquisition-led growth strategy.

Broad incumbents

• BDO USA: One of the largest US accounting and advisory networks, competing for the same mid-market client base and talent. Comparable in service breadth (audit, tax, advisory) but competes with Current by offering an alternative to independence.
• CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA): Top-10 US accounting and advisory firm serving mid-market private businesses, formed via merger. Comparable client base and service breadth, and competes for partner firm talent and targets.
• Baker Tilly US: Top-10 US advisory, tax, and assurance firm with significant mid-market and PE-backed client base. Comparable service portfolio and client overlap with Current's partner firms.
• Plante Moran: Large US accounting, tax, and consulting firm focused on middle-market companies. Comparable in client target, service mix, and growth-via-M&A history.
• Marcum LLP: Top-15 US accounting firm built via aggressive M&A. Comparable in mid-market accounting/advisory focus and acquisition strategy, but operates as a single merged brand rather than a partner network.
• Wipfli: Top-20 US accounting and advisory firm built largely through acquisitions of regional firms. Comparable in M&A-driven scale strategy and mid-market focus, but operates as a unified brand rather than a federated alliance.
• RSM US: Global mid-market-focused audit, tax, and consulting firm with strong US presence. Competes for the same mid-market clients Current's partner firms serve and is a structural alternative to joining Current's platform.
• Forvis (formerly FORVIS & BKD): Top-10 US accounting firm formed through merger, serving mid-market clients with audit, tax, and advisory services. Competes directly for the same client segment and acquisition targets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Crete Professionals Alliance