Investor Profiles: Matt Wanlass
At Wisdom Partners, our mission is to help founders succeed. Part of that mission involves connecting them with leaders who understand the funding landscape and can offer guidance and resources through complex growth phases. In this profile, we’re excited to introduce Matt Wanlass, a technology-focused investment banker at Peak Technology Partners, who helps founders navigate capital raises and M&A opportunities to achieve optimal outcomes.
From VC to Advisory: Matt’s Journey
How did you get started in the industry?
My journey began during college at a startup, where I worked on an AI co-pilot aimed at enhancing call center agent performance. That experience sparked my interest in building and scaling businesses, which led me to pivot into the investing world. I started at Peterson Partners, gaining exposure to both private equity and venture capital, and later joined LFX Venture Partners, a Series A to C fund in San Francisco focused on supply chain technology. Over time, I realized that instead of negotiating deals from the investor side, I wanted to represent and support the same founders I had once worked to secure deals with. Now, at Peak Technology Partners, I focus on advising founders—helping them understand what investors look for and preparing them to achieve exceptional outcomes, whether they’re raising growth equity or pursuing an acquisition.
How does PEAK work with founders, and what makes the process unique?
At PEAK, we’re a boutique tech investment bank specializing in two key areas: growth equity raises (usually $15-20 million+) and M&A, which represents about 75% of our work. We’re generalists, so we’re prepared to work across sectors, from software to tech services, bringing a competitive edge to the process. Our founders appreciate our process-oriented approach, where we build competitive tension to drive up valuations and create the best possible outcomes for them.
Navigating a Complex Market
The market has a lot of mixed signals right now. I’m hearing both that the funding market is tight and that there is a lot of “dry powder” waiting to be deployed. Can you unpack that a bit?
It’s definitely a challenging time. IPOs are sparse, and big names like Figma and Canva are staying private longer, which creates friction. This has increased hold times for PE and VC investments, and firms are feeling the pressure to deliver returns. With money tied up, only the top funds are aggressively investing, leaving others to pursue smaller add-ons and bolt-on acquisitions. Until more capital flows back into IPOs or significant M&A, it’s very much an investor’s market.
What would you say to founders considering a Series B and wondering if they need a bank?
When raising larger rounds—typically $20 million or more—you’re entering a space dominated by institutional investors who handle these types of deals every day. A bank like PEAK not only provides access to the right network but also ensures the founder and their company are positioned in the best possible light. Founders are the experts on their business, but we specialize in crafting and telling their story to attract top-tier investors while securing more favorable terms. Our process allows founders to stay focused on running their company while we manage the complexities of negotiations and positioning. It’s important to note that raising a Seed or Series A round doesn’t fully prepare you for the intricacies of a Series B round and beyond (as well as growth equity rounds). This is where our expertise makes the difference.
I think in metaphors, and I’m thinking about selling stuff. When I sell a car, I feel like I can pretty much do that myself. When I sell a house, I know I need a real estate agent. If I were to sell a skyscraper, I’d want a full legal team to manage the deal. Is that kind of how it plays out with fundraising?
That’s a great analogy. Each round of fundraising (or M&A) becomes increasingly complex. The bigger the round (or M&A), the more critical it is to have professional advisors guiding you through every aspect of the deal. I can guarantee that the investors on the other side of the table have a team of experts supporting them, so it’s essential that you level the playing field by having your own experts on your side. Just like you’d rely on a real estate agent to sell a house or a legal team to manage the sale of a skyscraper, having experienced advisors is key to navigating the intricacies of larger rounds (or M&A) and ensuring the best outcome.
Founders and Their Vision
What’s a common challenge you see among founders?
One big challenge is planning for the endgame—what they want their company’s outcome to be. Many founders start with a vision of reaching unicorn status, but they don’t always map out scenarios where the company may reach $200 million instead. Sometimes, pursuing growth at all costs leads to burnout or a less-than-ideal exit. Founders need to stay realistic about their goals, their team’s goals, and their company’s trajectory.
How can founders reach out if they’re interested in working with PEAK?
You can reach me through LinkedIn. We’re always open to conversations before any formal engagement—whether you’re looking for market insights, introductions, or strategic advice on increasing your valuation. I especially enjoy collaborative “jam sessions,” where we can brainstorm ideas and plant the seeds for relationships that could prove to be fruitful in the future.
