Welcome back to the MSP Security Playbook, brought to you by Heimdal Security, your partner in unified, AI-powered cybersecurity built for today’s modern MSP. 

In this episode, host Jacob Hazelbaker sits down with Sam Levy, Partner at Drake Star, a global investment bank that has advised on more than 500 technology and tech-enabled service transactions. Sam leads their tech-enabled services practice and has worked closely with MSP founders navigating growth investment, private equity, and mergers & acquisitions.

Together, they unpack one of the most misunderstood yet increasingly important topics in the MSP world: how to prepare your business for acquisition, whether that’s a year from now or a decade down the road.

Sam breaks down what’s driving the current surge in MSP consolidation, why private equity is so interested in the space and how founders can emotionally prepare for selling the business they built

If you're thinking about investment, future exit planning, or simply want to run a more resilient and valuable MSP, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

Elsewhere Adam Pilton brings us this week's Threat Brief which focuses on a stunning update on AI-enabled, self-rewriting malware now observed in active campaigns.

If you enjoy the show, make sure to follow MSP Security Playbook on your favourite podcast platform, leave a review, and share it with another MSP leader who’s thinking about the future of their business.

Chapter Markers:

(02:00 ) – Threat Briefing: AI-enabled malware that rewrites itself in real time

(06:30 ) – Why MSP acquisitions are accelerating: consolidation, PE appetite & industry maturity

(13:05 ) – The danger of negotiating too early with a single buyer

(19:30 ) – The emotional side of selling: finding your number and planning your “after” life

(23:50 ) – MSP Hot Seat: One metric every MSP should start tracking today

(25:20 ) – Jacob’s Play-by-Play: Key takeaways from the conversation

Useful Links:

Connect with Sam Levy on LinkedIn

To learn more about Drake Star, visit their website

Follow Jacob for more cybersecurity insights on LinkedIn

For more from Adam, connect via LinkedIn

Explore Heimdal’s platform at heimdalsecurity.com