Tech Business & Industry Moves / Mergers & acquisitions

Thoma Bravo is an American private equity and growth capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, known for acquiring enterprise software companies. They focus on software and technology-enabled business services, using a 'buy and build' strategy to grow their portfolio, which includes over 70 software companies and assets exceeding $130 billion as of 2023.

The acquisition by Thoma Bravo, in partnership with 7RIDGE, aims to support Trading Technologies' next phase of growth by leveraging Thoma Bravo's strategic and operational expertise. This partnership is expected to strengthen Trading Technologies' position as a leading capital markets technology platform and enable it to pursue strategic acquisitions and growth initiatives.

AI is driving consolidation in the data industry because it requires high-quality, accurate data to function effectively. The presence of data silos, often resulting from multiple disconnected systems, can hinder AI efforts. Consolidation helps streamline these systems, ensuring better data integration and utilization for AI applications.

AI-driven consolidation is part of a larger trend towards smart infrastructure, where AI optimizes resource allocation and data movement. This not only streamlines technology stacks but also positions organizations for better innovation and competitiveness in a digital landscape.

The surge in cybersecurity M&A deals is driven by increasing cyber threat complexity, rising regulatory pressures, and enterprise demand for integrated, AI-enabled security platforms. Companies and investors are consolidating capabilities in key areas such as cloud security, identity management, and security operations to better address evolving threats and capitalize on emerging technologies like Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP) and Data Security Posture Management (DSPM).

Cybersecurity has become a global priority because cyber threats have escalated in sophistication and impact, with global cybercrime losses expected to exceed $13 trillion by the end of 2025. Organizations are investing heavily in prevention measures such as employee training, multi-factor authentication, and zero-trust systems to mitigate risks. This urgency is reflected in the high volume of M&A activity as companies seek to strengthen their defenses and innovate rapidly.

Beijing is supporting increased mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among Chinese tech firms as part of a broader policy environment optimization aimed at strategic restructuring and industrial concentration. The government has introduced guidelines and support plans to lower market access thresholds and improve approval efficiency, encouraging tech companies to consolidate and strengthen their global competitiveness. This support aligns with national strategies to enhance economic resilience and technological innovation capabilities.

The rebound of Chinese tech firms in M&A deals is driven by a combination of supportive government policies, a recovering capital market, and strategic needs such as portfolio exits by investment funds. Additionally, optimism around valuations, regulatory easing, and the pursuit of transformative technologies like generative AI are motivating larger domestic acquisitions. These factors collectively signal a robust recovery and renewed momentum in the sector.

The primary goal of Blend's $300 million M&A strategy is to enhance its global AI and analytics capabilities by acquiring firms that can provide specialized expertise and scalable solutions across key industries, thereby meeting rising market demands.

Blend plans to utilize its strategic acquisitions to enhance its AI services, focusing on scalable and specialized solutions. This will involve integrating new technologies and expertise to meet the growing demand for advanced AI capabilities across various industries.

The surge in startup acquisitions is driven by factors such as the increasing reliance on AI and machine learning, an aging wave of business owners looking to exit, and easier access to financing. Additionally, tech-enabled platforms are making the acquisition process more efficient and accessible[2][3][4].

Small teams in tech startups are achieving significant exits by focusing on specialized technologies, such as AI, which are in high demand. These lean teams are often acquired for substantial sums, as seen in the case of Voyage AI, which was acquired by MongoDB for $220 million despite having only 19 employees[4].

The increase in cybersecurity M&A activity is driven by the growing importance of cybersecurity in today's digital landscape. Large firms are expanding their product offerings to address evolving threats and enhance their capabilities in areas like software supply chain risk management and access management (Infosecurity Magazine, 2025; DesignRush, 2025)

Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in M&A deals as hidden security risks can lead to deal cancellations, financial losses, and reputational damage. Conducting thorough cybersecurity due diligence is essential to identify and mitigate these risks (DesignRush, 2025)