Fractional CIO | IT Strategy for High-Stakes M&A | Faster M&A, Smoother Exits | De-risking IT & unlocking value | Author

Most technology integrations miss their synergy targets. Not because the technology is wrong, but because the right leadership wasn't in place early enough.

That's where I come in.

I'm an Interim / Fractional CIO specialising in Transformation & Resilience. I work with CEOs and boards of multi-site, acquisition-led businesses, typically PE-backed, 500–10,000 employees, to turn technology from a source of risk into a source of value.

When integration timelines slip, cyber posture is unclear, or the estate has grown faster than the team can manage, I step in to stabilise delivery, simplify complexity, and build a roadmap the board can trust.
Recent engagement:

VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, £1B revenue, 14,000 staff, 9 countries). Built the Group IT Strategy from scratch. Created acquisition integration blueprints. Accelerated new practice onboarding by 30%. Simultaneously ran IT operations for 540 UK practices.

Career outcomes:

£700M+ M&A technology integration across the platform and bolt-on acquisitions
£15M+ annual EBITDA contribution through operational excellence and cost optimisation
Technology leadership across automotive retail, consumer goods, and veterinary services

Clients call me when:

→ Integration is off-track, and synergies are at risk
→ The board wants cyber confidence before exit, audit, or due diligence
→ Technology is a red flag in the data room
→ They need senior leadership fast—without permanent headcount

I also serve as NED (Digital & Technology) at Age UK, and I've published on AI governance, IT leadership, and board-level technology strategy.

Available for select interim and fractional mandates.

Let's talk: DJ@Starkhorn.co.uk

Daniel J. Jacobs

Malcolm Peace

Assistant Men's Tennis Coach

Run a small business in Texas? We'll buy it

Reshaping legacies, one acquisition at a time. 🤝

↓Building Texas-based businesses that are not dependent on me ↓ 

I am a deal guy, who happens to know how to operate. 

Our approach involves implementing cutting-edge software and refining operations, ensuring a seamless transition to businesses we believe have been neglected. We want to take the next phase of success.

▷ Born and raised in Austin, I take pride in helping family-owned small businesses sustain a lasting legacy. We become that succession plan solution by taking the baton from family-owned businesses and leading the charge through building businesses instead of tearing out people. 

↓ Elevating businesses, preserving roots. ↓

▷ As a long-term buyer, I commit to maintaining existing teams and honoring the legacy of previous owners. I see each acquisition as an opportunity to merge tradition with innovation, propelling businesses forward and leaving an enduring impact on the Texan business landscape.

▷ Hyper-focused, I identify profitable small businesses with revenues from $3M to $12M in stable industries that have endured the test of time. More here: 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚.𝐜𝐨𝐦

▷ Driven by a passion for sustainable growth and small business empowerment, I've had the privilege of sharing our insights and learnings from the frontlines of M&A on various podcast shows, 🔗 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐛.𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤/𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭_𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. Each acquisition isn't just a transaction; it's a story of resilience, adaptation, and growth. Join me as we journey to reshape the Texan business landscape, one acquisition at a time.

🔉Join Tsetserra for a transformative acquisition experience with our General Vice President Program,🔗 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐛.𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤/𝐆𝐕𝐏𝐏_𝐋𝐁. With dedicated mentorship and a focus on implementing our game plan, you can unleash your business leadership potential.

Lead Business Coach and Consultant

Having partnered with small business owners for years, Idea Labs Consulting aligned directly with my core competencies. By taking a custom-tailored approach to each business, I help decision-makers identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and execute new strategies with confidence. 

I engage with small businesses owners across every industry, taking a holistic approach to business growth and sustainability by empowering them with the knowledge and confidence in their capabilities as leaders. Additionally, I specialize in structuring and developing business models, leading to leaner and more effective organizations. Throughout the process, analyzing finances is key, leveraging my background in financial modeling and screening to identify points for improvement. To balance the quantitative elements of my work, I provide qualitative support such as team building, personnel development, and operational method development. I also offer key marketing insight, KPI tracking, modelling, and business valuation assessments to provide holistic support for clients in every stage of their business. By starting with each business owner’s unique goals, I create flexible and actionable solutions. 

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The Battle

Daniel J. Jacobs

Malcolm Peace

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