We truly understand the nuances and requirements of human capital technology and services businesses and our unparalleled relationships with buyers and investors enables us to consistently deliver premium results for our clients when compared to generalist M&A advisory firms.
Our relentless focus on adaptability, excellence, integrity and respect for more than 25 years has enabled us to build our reputation as the go-to M&A advisor for tech and services human capital businesses in the UK and Europe.
Credentials
- We advised on our first human capital transaction in 1996
- Since 2006, we have been providing investment banking services exclusively to companies and investors in the human capital sector
- Advised clients on a wide range of UK and international transactions including sales, acquisitions, mergers, MBOs and recapitalisations
- Regular sponsor of leading HR Tech awards
- Trusted Partner of APSCo
Industry recognition
- Philip is also a reputed judge at major human capital industry awards
- We are embedded in the sector and that enables us to hold excellent relationships with a wide range of contacts
- Philip is a regular speaker at various industry seminars including with Barclays, RBS, APSCo, Staffing Industry Analysts and TALINT
- “Best Corporate Finance/M&A Provider” – TALINT International Supplier Awards 2019
- A high proportion of our business is referred to us from happy previous clients
“We are grateful to Philip Ellis and the Optima team for their advice, from helping to prepare the initial offer to deal structuring, assisting with negotiations, helping to manage the deal process and working with our other advisors to coordinate through to Completion.”
Adam Fletcher
Group CEO of IPE Ventures

Tech M&A Advisory
We advise high-growth technology businesses on sales, acquisitions, recapitalisations and fundraising.
- HR Tech
- Work Tech
- EdTech

Services M&A Advisory
We advise human capital businesses on sales, acquisitions and recapitalisations.
- Executive Search
- Recruitment
- Consulting
- Professional Services
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)