Hunt Scanlon Ventures
2026 Q3 M&A Report
Hunt Scanlon Ventures has just released its 2026 Q3 M&A Report, offering an in-depth look at the investment strategies, market dynamics, and emerging technologies reshaping the global human capital sector. Download the free PDF to explore how artificial intelligence, institutional capital, family offices, and growing competition for quality businesses are influencing executive search, leadership advisory, talent intelligence, and human capital M&A.
Here is a sampling of some of what you’ll find when you open up this latest issue:
Hunt Scanlon Ventures examines its investments in three AI-powered platforms—Verata, HelloSky, and millionways—each addressing a different dimension of business intelligence. From AI-driven market research and executive talent discovery to behavioral intelligence, these investments reflect the firm’s conviction that proprietary data, specialized applications, and improved decision-making will increasingly shape the future of human capital technology.
Private capital is expanding its AI investment strategy beyond foundational models and infrastructure toward specialized intelligence platforms and enterprise applications. The report examines how institutional investors, including TPG, are deploying capital across the AI ecosystem, while research from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley highlights the growing importance of enterprise adoption, measurable business outcomes, and AI-enabled decision-making.
Family offices are becoming a more influential source of capital across private markets. According to Altss, the world’s 50 largest family offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion in assets, while the share of family office transactions involving direct investments has increased from 44 percent in 2015 to 70 percent in its latest reported data. The report examines how this shift is expanding the buyer universe for founder-led businesses and creating opportunities for executive search and leadership advisory firms.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies provides a compelling example of how family capital and executive search expertise can work together. Through its relationship with DHR Global, the diversified family-owned investment group has utilized executive recruitment to strengthen leadership across portfolio businesses, including Oberweis Dairy and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Competition for attractive lower-middle-market businesses continues to intensify. Bain & Company estimates approximately $1.3 trillion in global buyout dry powder, while Axial reports a 36 percent increase in new buyers joining its platform in 2025. The report explores why abundant capital and a limited supply of acquisition-ready businesses are creating a favorable environment for well-positioned sellers.
Technology modernization is becoming increasingly important to the competitive position and enterprise value of executive search firms. Featuring insights from Andrew Shapiro, founder of Cluen, the report examines how AI adoption, centralized data, and repeatable business development processes can help independent firms compete, grow, and position themselves for potential acquisition opportunities.
Finally, Hunt Scanlon Ventures provides practical guidance for founders considering a future transaction, including aligning personal and business objectives, strengthening leadership, protecting margins, diversifying client relationships, and modernizing operating infrastructure. The report also examines why human capital businesses continue attracting investor interest and the distinct advantages HSV brings to founders navigating strategic growth, recapitalizations, and exits.
Whether you’re evaluating a potential acquisition, preparing your firm for a future transaction, exploring opportunities in AI-powered talent platforms, or tracking broader developments across the human capital ecosystem, the 2026 Q3 M&A Report delivers timely market intelligence and actionable insights into the forces shaping the next phase of industry investment.
