M&A Cybersecurity Advisors: Dedicated to ensuring seamless and secure transactions.
M&A Cybersecurity Advisors:
Dedicated to ensuring seamless
and secure transactions.
BlackSwan stands alone as the boutique cybersecurity firm focused on advising private equity firms. Our foundation rests on the deep-rooted expertise of industry veterans, whose understanding of cybersecurity is integrated with the complex strategies and fast pace of M&A deals.
Our mission is to empower private equity firms and their portfolio companies with the knowledge, tools, and strategic foresight needed to exceed investor and regulatory expectations in cybersecurity. This ensures that cybersecurity investments are not just expenditures but drivers of stability, growth, and investor confidence.
Partnering for Enhanced Cybersecurity in M&A Transactions
At BlackSwan Cyber, we understand that successful transactions require collaboration across multiple stakeholders. That’s why we partner closely with your deal team, legal advisors, and other key players to ensure cybersecurity considerations are addressed efficiently and effectively, minimizing disruptions and protecting deal value. With us as your partner, cybersecurity becomes a smooth, behind-the-scenes component of your acquisition strategy, enhancing deal integrity without added complexity.
Together, we protect your investments and instill confidence among stakeholders, ensuring smoother transactions and more successful outcomes.
Leadership Team
Ryan Douglas
Managing Partner
Ryan helped form BlackSwan Cyber after working at some of the world’s largest technology consulting firms in the first two decades of his career. From 2016 to 2022, Ryan worked in and managed the M&A cybersecurity practice at a well known professional services firm.
Alex Rivera
Director of Cybersecurity Consulting
Alex joined BlackSwan Cyber in 2022 after a long and successful career within the Cyber Risk Services practice of a Big 4 consulting firm. Alex started as an analyst in the Security Operations Center and has experience overseeing the cybersecurity operations of F500 companies.
Jordan Taylor
Director of Assessments
Jordan joined BlackSwan Cyber in 2022 to further build out the assessments team. Starting in 2010, Jordan began his career as a Junior Penetration Tester and has worked at several well-known specialized penetration testing firms. He brings deep technical expertise and an ability to lead a team of technical assessors.
Alex Harper
Assistant Vice President, Due Diligence
Alex joined BlackSwan Cyber in 2023, armed with extensive experience in M&A due diligence garnered at two Big 4 consulting firms. Beginning his career as a Risk Management intern, Alex rapidly ascended to a Manager level-role, where he honed his expertise in M&A before bringing his talents to BlackSwan.
Emily Chen
Assistant Vice President, Operations
Emily Chen joined BlackSwan Cyber in January 2023 as Assistant Vice President of Operations. With a robust background in venture capital and financial services, she brings extensive experience in operational management and executive support. At BlackSwan, she leads the alignment of our team’s goals with overall organizational strategy.
Common Challenges of Conducting Cyber Due Diligence
While cyber due diligence is essential to protecting deal value and ensuring a smooth transaction, it’s not without its challenges. Private equity firms and M&A advisors often encounter obstacles that can delay timelines, create friction with stakeholders, or leave critical risks unaddressed. Below are some of the most common challenges and how they impact the due diligence process:
- Limited Access to Information: Target companies may be hesitant to disclose sensitive cybersecurity data, particularly before deal terms are finalized. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to identify potential vulnerabilities or historical breaches.
- Misalignment with IT Stakeholders: Resistance from the target’s IT or security teams is a frequent hurdle. These stakeholders often view the process as invasive or time-consuming, which can result in delays, incomplete information, or outright pushback. Explore our comprehensive guide on actionable strategies to secure IT stakeholder buy-in and streamline the cyber due diligence process.
- Tight Deal Timelines: M&A transactions operate under strict deadlines, leaving little time to conduct an in-depth cyber review. This can lead to overlooked vulnerabilities or a rushed assessment that misses critical risks.
- Technical Jargon Overload: Traditional cyber due diligence often produces highly technical reports that fail to provide actionable insights for private equity professionals. Without translating findings into business terms, deal teams can struggle to connect cybersecurity risks to deal value and structure.
- Inconsistent Cybersecurity Standards: Targets, particularly smaller companies or those outside technical industries, often lack the in-house expertise to navigate the complex and resource-intensive cybersecurity assessments typically offered by consulting firms. This challenge is precisely why we developed SwanScreen, our expedited Cyber Screening tool, to deliver focused, actionable insights without overburdening resources or delaying the deal timeline.
- Lack of Post-Close Action: Even when risks are identified, buyers often lack the resources and oversight needed to effectively address these issues post-close. Without a clear roadmap and dedicated accountability, this gap can result in post-acquisition disruptions, integration delays, and unexpected costs that undermine deal value.
