Palazzo

What Palazzo does

Palazzo is a New York-based boutique investment bank founded in 2009 that provides M&A advisory, capital raising, and strategic advisory services exclusively to middle market companies in the marketing services, technology services, and consulting services sectors. Through its affiliated FINRA-registered broker-dealer, Palazzo Securities LLC, the firm delivers sell-side M&A, buy-side M&A, capital raising and private placements, formal valuations and fairness opinions, sale readiness assessments, compensation program design, corporate strategy, and board advisory. The firm has completed 150+ M&A transactions in its three target verticals and serves as exclusive financial advisor on both agency-side sales to strategic acquirers and PE-backed platforms, and on minority and majority recapitalizations.

The firm's core technology is conventional investment banking infrastructure: deal execution workflows, valuation models, CRM, and proprietary research publications (The Palazzo Quarterly, The Palazzo Report newsletter, and Digital Services M&A Spotlights covering topics such as AI impact on M&A and LatAm nearshoring). Palazzo does not develop proprietary software products; its differentiation is human-capital-driven, built on the operating and banking experience of its Managing Directors and Founder Philip Palazzo, Jr., whose 30+ years as both an agency owner and banker underpin the firm's positioning. Customer engagement is engagement-based, with fees negotiated per transaction and success-fee economics typical of M&A advisory, producing revenue streams from M&A advisory fees, capital raising fees, valuation fees, and strategic advisory retainers.

Palazzo's GTM motion combines direct enterprise field sales targeting owners and operators of middle market companies with event-driven and community-led demand generation — notably its bi-annual invitation-only Connections Dinners for marketing, media, and consulting CEOs in New York City, and recurring research and newsletter content. Distribution is anchored by referral relationships with strategic acquirers (e.g., Globant, Deloitte, Havas, IPG Mediabrands, S4 Capital) and private equity firms (e.g., Insignia Capital, Mountaingate, Charlesbank, Carlyle, Audax, Bertram Capital), which act as repeat counterparties and sources of portfolio-company deal flow.

Name

Palazzo

Legal name

P A PALAZZO LLC

Website

https://palazzonyc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Palazzo is a New York-based boutique investment bank founded in 2009 that provides M&A advisory, capital raising, and strategic advisory services to middle market companies in the marketing services, technology services, and consulting services sectors, operating through FINRA-registered broker-dealer Palazzo Securities LLC.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Investment Banking

NAICS

Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities (523)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Finance Advisory (Strategic Finance, Capital Structure & Recaps) (FSAEAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Capital Raising Advisory (Equity & Equity-Linked) (FSAEAGAC), Buy-Side M&A Advisory (FSAEAGAB)

Keywords

• Mergers and acquisitions advisory
• Investment banking services
• Capital raising services
• Middle market advisory
• Strategic advisory

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. M&A Advisory Fees: Revenue generated from serving as exclusive financial advisor on sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions. Fees are earned upon successful completion of transactions, typically a percentage of deal value.
2. Capital Raising & Private Placements: Revenue from assisting companies through complex private placement and capital raising processes, including equity and debt financing transactions for growth companies.
3. Valuation Services: Revenue from providing comprehensive valuation services including business combinations, standalone valuations, and formal fairness opinions.
4. Advisory Services: Revenue from strategic advisory engagements including Sale Readiness Assessment, Compensation design, Corporate Strategy, and Board Advisory services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Palazzo is a boutique investment bank that provides M&A advisory and capital raising services to middle market companies in marketing services, technology services, and consulting services sectors. The firm acts as exclusive financial advisor on sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, secures private placements and equity/debt financings, and delivers strategic advisory on sale readiness, compensation design, corporate strategy, and board matters. Services are supported by an affiliated FINRA/SIPC registered broker-dealer (PALAZZO SECURITIES LLC) and proprietary research publications.

Product overview

Palazzo is a boutique investment bank offering a unified platform of investment banking and advisory services. The core offering comprises Investment Banking Services (sell-side M&A, buy-side M&A, capital raising, and valuations) and Advisory Services (sale readiness assessment, compensation design, corporate strategy, and board advisory), supported by proprietary research publications including The Palazzo Quarterly, The Palazzo Report newsletter, and Digital Services M&A Spotlights. The firm specializes in the marketing services, technology services, and consulting services sectors, with a focus on middle market companies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PALAZZO Securities LLC: Registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC

Products and services

• Investment Banking Services Investment banking services including sell-side M&A advisory, buy-side M&A advisory, capital raising and private placements, and business valuations for middle market companies in marketing services, technology services, and consulting services sectors. Transactions typically generate success-based fees upon deal completion.
• Advisory Services Advisory services including sale readiness assessments to prepare companies for exit, bespoke cash and equity-based compensation program design, corporate strategy and strategic planning facilitation, and high-level board advisory services.
• The Palazzo Quarterly Quarterly in-depth report covering M&A activity, market trends, and stock performance in the marketing services and digital transformation sectors.
• The Palazzo Report Newsletter Weekly e-newsletter providing M&A news and financial trends in the marketing services, media, and technology industries.
• Digital Services M&A Spotlights Research reports on digital services M&A trends including acquirer perspectives on AI impact, digital marketing trends, and Latin American nearshoring market analysis.

Quantifiable outcome

• 150+ M&A transactions completed in marketing services, technology services, and consulting services sectors

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

74 partnerships are on record, tiered notable.

• GateMaker Community MarketingnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to GateMaker Community Marketing, a leading influencer marketing agency specializing in paid, earned, and owned creator partnerships, on its partnership with Residence, a global network of independent creative companies. GateMaker manages $20M+ in creator contracts annually for brands including Estée Lauder Companies, Glossier, LG, Reebok, and Starbucks.
• adMixtnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to adMixt, a leading performance marketing agency with proprietary technology across Meta, Google, TikTok, on its sale to Interluxe Group, a portfolio company of Mountaingate Capital. Founded in 2012, adMixt serves premium lifestyle and luxury brands.
• Socium MedianotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2026PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Socium Media, a performance marketing and digital growth agency, in its acquisition by Front Row Group, a portfolio company of Charlesbank Capital Partners. Socium supports brands across travel, wellness, and lifestyle including Auberge, VINCE, Canopy, Magic Spoon, and OSEA.
• GrapevineAInotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2026PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to GrapevineAI, a creator-powered performance content network, on its sale to New Engen, a portfolio company of Insignia Capital Group. Works with 700+ performance-minded creators for whitelisted paid social campaigns.
• The Opinionated GroupnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to The Opinionated Group, an award-winning advertising and creative agency, in its acquisition by Tombras. Founded in 2017, Opinionated serves clients including Panda Express and Shake Shack.
• Vaan GroupnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026PALAZZO served as financial advisor to Vaan Group, a leading D2C agency and Shopify Platinum Design & Technology partner, on its acquisition by Verndale, a portfolio company of Trinity Hunt Partners.
• Taktical DigitalnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Taktical Digital, a high-growth provider of performance-driven digital marketing, media, and content services, on its sale to MediaMint. Comprises 100+ seasoned digital marketing professionals.
• Exverus MedianotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Exverus Media, a Los Angeles-based media agency recognized as Adweek's 2024 Breakthrough Media Agency of the Year, on its acquisition by Brainlabs, a portfolio company of Falfurrias Capital Partners. Manages $100M+ annual media spend.
• Lockard & Wechsler DirectnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2025PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Lockard & Wechsler Direct, a performance video agency, on its sale to McKinney, part of Cheil Worldwide. Founded in 1991.
• Donut DigitalnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2024PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Donut Digital, a creative-led performance marketing agency based in Manhattan Beach, California, on its sale to New Engen, a portfolio company of Insignia Capital Group.
• True Independent HoldingsnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to True Independent Holdings, parent company of True Media, True Media Canada, Coegi, and RADaR, on its sale to Meet The People, a portfolio company of Innovatus Capital Partners.
• Giant MachinesnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Giant Machines, a leading software engineering and digital solution company, on its sale to Deloitte. Founded in 2015, specializes in product design and development.
• GUTnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to GUT, Cannes Lions 2023's Independent Network of the Year, on its sale to Globant. Has employees across seven offices in Miami, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Toronto, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam.
• AmpushnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Ampush, a leading growth marketing agency with core focus across social platforms, on its sale to Tinuiti, a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital. Partners with e-commerce brands including Instacart and Blenders Eyewear.
• Evolution RoadnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2022PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Evolution Road, a digital innovation company in life science omnichannel and digital marketing, on its sale to Inizio. Now part of Inizio's MarComms business unit Evoke.
• Outloud MedianotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2022PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Outloud Media, a Detroit-based creator economy business, on its sale to BBTV. Expert in distributing and monetizing creator content across social media platforms.
• ERGOnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to ERGO, a world-class email marketing company, on its sale to Shift Paradigm, a portfolio company of Growth Catalyst Partners.
• OePnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to OeP, a best-in-class eCommerce agency specializing in Amazon sales optimization, on its sale to Acosta.
• RaybeamnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Raybeam, a software engineering and analytics consulting firm, on its sale to Dept, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group. Has 100+ engineers across Newburyport, Mountain View, and Austin.
• ZemoganotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Zemoga, a Colombia-based digital transformation services firm with nearly 400 technology specialists, on its sale to S4 Capital. Clients include Bridgestone, Morningstar, Sony, and Roku.
• MedEvokenotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to MedEvoke, a medical analytics consultancy, on its sale to MEDiSTRAVA, a division of Huntsworth.
• Five MillnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Five Mill, a digital marketing agency and industry leader in enterprise-level search engine marketing and social media, on its sale to Barrington Media Group, a portfolio company of Fort Point Capital.
• OutformnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Outform, an international retail innovation agency, on its sale to Rapid Displays, a portfolio company of Gemspring Capital. Headquartered in Miami with offices in US, Europe, Israel, and China.
• DecodednotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Decoded, an integrated creative, technology, and media agency, on its sale to S4 Capital. One of Adweek's 2019 fastest growing agencies with nearly 200 employees.
• ArtericnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Arteric, a digital healthcare marketing agency known for proprietary machine learning-driven multichannel marketing, on its sale to Relevate Health Group, a portfolio company of Mountaingate Capital.
• Jarrard Phillips Cate & HancocknotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, a Nashville-based strategic communications and change management firm serving healthcare industry, on its sale to The Chartis Group, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity.
• Camp + KingnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Camp + King, an award-winning creative agency with offices in San Francisco and Chicago, on its sale to Havas Group.
• Kameleon PartnersnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Kameleon Partners, a provider of Electronic Health Records solutions to life sciences companies, on its sale to Precision Value & Health.
• Spire DigitalnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Spire Digital, a digital transformation consulting and software development company based in Denver, on its sale to Kin + Carta.
• SkookumnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Skookum, an innovative digital strategy, design, and development firm, on its sale to GlobalLogic.
• Firewood MarketingnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Firewood Marketing, an international digital marketing agency, on its sale to S4 Capital in a transaction valued at $150 million.
• BEAMnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to BEAM, a premier experience design, digital marketing and technology consultancy, on its sale to MERGE, a portfolio company of Keystone Capital.
• 89 DegreesnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to 89 Degrees, a Boston-based strategic consulting firm specializing in advanced marketing analytics and customer journey management, on its sale to Iris Worldwide.
• Stern Investor RelationsnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Stern IR, a leading investor relations firm for entrepreneurial biotechnology and healthcare companies, on its sale to Precision Medicine Group. Supports 70+ companies.
• Heard CitynotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to the majority owner of Heard City, an audio post-production company, in the sale of equity interest to a private investor group.
• SoulsightnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Soulsight, an award-winning strategic branding and creative agency headquartered in Chicago, on its sale to Bruin Sports Capital.
• RepublicanotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Republica, a leading independent multicultural agency based in Miami, on its transaction with Havas.
• Click3XnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Click3X, a pioneering video and post production studio, on its sale to Industrial Color Studios, a portfolio company of Frontenac.
• PIAnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to PIA, a motion content agency, on its sale to CreativeDrive, a portfolio company of Bertram Capital.
• TandemSevennotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to TandemSeven, a digital customer experience consulting firm headquartered in Boston, on its sale to Genpact.
• ClearheadnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Clearhead, the digital optimization company based in Austin, on its sale to Accenture.
• ScoutnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Scout, a leading healthcare and consumer marketing agency, on its sale to The Stagwell Group.
• Grupo GallegosnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Grupo Gallegos, an independent creative agency, on its acquisitions of Canvas and RL Public Relations forming United Collective.
• TrisectnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Trisect, a creative agency located in Chicago, on its sale to Match Marketing Group, a portfolio company of Beringer Capital.
• UpshotnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Upshot, an industry-leading consumer marketing agency based in Chicago, on its sale to Advantage Solutions. Founded in 1994 with 170 employees.
• PraytellnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Praytell, an award-winning PR and creative communications agency headquartered in Brooklyn, on its sale to Project:Worldwide.
• Standing DognotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Standing Dog, a Dallas-based digital marketing firm specializing in SEO/SEM and social media, on its sale to Wpromote.
• Muhtayzik HoffernotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Muhtayzik Hoffer, a San Francisco-based creative agency founded in 2010, on its sale to VCCP, an operating group of Chime Communications.
• NorthPoint DigitalnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to NorthPoint Digital, a leading NY-based digital, technology and design solutions firm, on its sale to Ernst & Young (EY).
• Media ExpertsnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Media Experts, a Canadian media planning and buying agency, on its sale to IPG Mediabrands.
• Ferrara & CompanynotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Ferrara & Company, a full-service advertising and marketing agency, on its sale to PureRED Integrated Marketing, a portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners.
• inVNTnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to inVNT, a New York-based experiential marketing company, on its sale to Time Inc.
• Digital KitchennotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Digital Kitchen, a digital content and design agency with offices in Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles, on its sale to kyu, a strategic operating unit of Hakuhodo DY Holdings.
• Flying Point DigitalnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Flying Point Digital, a performance-based digital marketing agency, on its sale to Women's Marketing, a portfolio company of PNC Riverarch Capital.
• Pereira & O'DellnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Pereira & O'Dell, a leading international advertising agency, on its share repurchase from Grupo ABC.
• Underline CommunicationsnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Underline Communications, a New York City based CRM and digital solutions agency, on its sale to Sandbox.
• FormulanotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2014PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Formula, a national public relations agency, on its sale to Havas.
• SwiftnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2014PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Swift, a digital agency specializing in creative, strategy, branded content and social media, on its sale to POSSIBLE, a WPP company.
• MKTG INCnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2014PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to MKTG INC, a full service marketing agency headquartered in New York, on its sale to Aegis Lifestyle, a subsidiary of Dentsu Aegis Network.
• AMMIRATInotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2014PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to AMMIRATI, a New York-based full service creative agency, on its sale to Resource.
• GA Communication GroupnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to GA Communication Group, a full-service healthcare marketing and communication agency, on its sale to Sandbox.
• La ComunidadnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to La Comunidad, a leading multicultural creative agency, on its sale to SapientNitro.
• McKinneynotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2012PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to McKinney, an award winning advertising agency located in Durham, North Carolina, on its sale to Cheil Worldwide.
• Stratagem Healthcare CommunicationsnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2012PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Stratagem Healthcare Communications on its sale to Dudnyk.
• Middleberg CommunicationsnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2012PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Middleberg Communications on its acquisition of GS Schwartz & Co.
• TargetCast tcmnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2012PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to TargetCast tcm, a leading full-service media agency, on its sale of majority partnership interest to MDC Partners.
• Luckie & CompanynotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2011PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Luckie & Company on its acquisition of data analytics firm Integrative Logic.
• St. John & PartnersnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2011PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to St. John & Partners on the sale of selected assets to Team Detroit, a member of WPP.
• Cell DivisionnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2011PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Cell Division, a digital life science agency, on the sale of selected assets to Euro RSCG Life, a member of HAVAS Health.
• Seidler BernsteinnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2011PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Seidler Bernstein Healthcare Marketing Agency on its sale to KHJ.
• ENGINEnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010PALAZZO acted as financial advisor to Engine USA on its acquisition of Noise, a young-adult marketing agency.
• Grupo GallegosnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010PALAZZO served as exclusive financial advisor to Grupo Gallegos, an independent creative agency, on its acquisition of promotional marketing agency Nine Two.
• Deep FocusnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010PALAZZO acted as exclusive financial advisor to Engine USA on its acquisition of Deep Focus, a New York-based full-service interactive marketing agency.
• TargetCast tcmnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010PALAZZO acted as exclusive financial advisor to TargetCast tcm on its acquisition of digital marketing agency Triumph360.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Market position

Competitive moat3 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1040721

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Palazzo