sbLiftOff Expands M&A Services with New Expertise
In a significant development for the mergers and acquisitions landscape, sbLiftOff, a prominent advisory firm, has announced the recruitment of two distinguished senior dealmakers to enhance its capabilities in government contracting, IT services, and software sectors.
Introducing Shaunna Balady
Shaunna Balady is a seasoned expert who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding both publicly traded and privately owned firms. Her vast experience encompasses companies with revenues ranging from $5 million to over $100 billion. Balady has successfully completed more than 100 transactions, with an impressive combined enterprise value exceeding $20 billion across five continents. Her focus primarily lies in application software and automation technologies, working with industry giants such as GE and Rockwell Automation. Recently, she held the position of Chief Operating Officer at a SaaS firm, facilitating efficient systems delivery to various governmental agencies before realizing a successful exit.
Expertise in Emerging Technologies
Balady’s extensive knowledge encompasses crucial areas like SaaS, Data Analytics, AI, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. With such an impressive portfolio, her leadership at sbLiftOff is set to accelerate growth and innovation in the organization’s advisory services.
Meet Kelly Kunkle
Joining Balady is Kelly Kunkle, a dynamic force in corporate strategy with nearly 30 years of experience in software and technology. Previously, he served as Vice President of Strategy at AVEVA and held senior roles in AVEVA's Marketing department, focusing on integrating major corporate acquisitions. Kunkle's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish SuperQ Software Corporation, a Statistical Process Control firm that catered to industrial automation and healthcare, culminating in a successful exit after seven years of operation.
Significant Impact on the M&A Sector
Kunkle expresses optimism about the present landscape for strategic acquisitions, asserting that there is a significant demand for quality software and IT service acquisitions. He believes that sbLiftOff is well-positioned to seize opportunities as interest in the software and IT sectors grows, particularly within the government contracting arena.
Shaping the Future of IT Services
According to Sharon Heaton, CEO of sbLiftOff, there is a great demand for IT service firms to make strategic pivots. Companies are increasingly looking for avenues to either enhance their capabilities through investments or transition through sales to strategic or private equity buyers. This environment presents a pivotal moment for sbLiftOff and its newly expanded team.
Heaton notes, “The GovCon world is ripe for an active M&A market, especially in software and IT services.” The demand for improved efficiency and data-driven decision-making highlights the importance of seamless integration during acquisitions.
Enhancing M&A Services
The addition of Balady and Kunkle is expected to propel sbLiftOff’s advisory services, ensuring the firm meets the emerging needs of IT and software companies looking for strategic growth opportunities. Their combined experience will undoubtedly enhance the firm’s reputation and service delivery.
About sbLiftOff
As a leading M&A advisory firm, sbLiftOff specializes in guiding founder-owners across various industries, including federal government contracting, software, SaaS, and commercial B2B services. The firm’s in-depth knowledge and trusted advisory capabilities have enabled it to close numerous transactions across a spectrum of sectors, including IT, logistics, biotechnology, and cyber security.
Connect with sbLiftOff
For further inquiries or information about the firm and its services, please reach out to sbLiftOff’s public relations representative:
April Umminger
703-340-6716
Frequently Asked Questions
What roles did Shaunna Balady and Kelly Kunkle take on at sbLiftOff?
Shaunna Balady and Kelly Kunkle joined sbLiftOff as senior dealmakers, focusing on M&A in IT services and software.
What experience does Shaunna Balady bring to sbLiftOff?
Balady has extensive experience in M&A leadership, having completed over 100 transactions in various sectors, with a strong focus on application software and automation technologies.
How does Kelly Kunkle's background support sbLiftOff's goals?
Kunkle's nearly three decades of experience in corporate strategy and software, coupled with his entrepreneurial success, will enhance sbLiftOff's capabilities in strategic acquisitions.
What is sbLiftOff's focus in terms of industries?
sbLiftOff specializes in advisory services for federal government contracting, software, SaaS, and a range of commercial B2B services.
How can I contact sbLiftOff for more information?
You can reach out to April Umminger at 703-340-6716 for inquiries regarding sbLiftOff's services.
