Houlihan Lokey Bolsters Digital Infrastructure Advisory with Key Hire of Billy Goldstein

Houlihan Lokey, a global investment bank, has taken a decisive step to capitalize on the booming digital infrastructure sector by appointing Billy Goldstein as a Managing Director in its Technology Group. This strategic hire, announced in April 2025, signals the firm’s commitment to deepening its expertise in advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises across data centers, cloud services, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. Goldstein’s experience—spanning over $130 billion in closed M&A transactions—positions Houlihan Lokey to capture opportunities in a sector projected to grow at a 10% CAGR through 2030, according to market analysts.

The Goldstein Advantage: A Veteran’s Expertise

Goldstein arrives at Houlihan Lokey with a 25-year career marked by high-profile roles at Goldman Sachs, Macquarie Capital, and CDX Advisors, where he specialized in digital infrastructure. His most recent position at CDX Advisors yielded over $22.6 billion in closed M&A transactions and $4.8 billion in private equity raises for clients in the space. His ability to navigate complex cross-border deals and build relationships with institutional investors will bolster Houlihan Lokey’s advisory capabilities, particularly as digital infrastructure becomes a focal point for private equity and corporate buyers.

Houlihan Lokey’s Existing Strengths in Digital Infrastructure

The firm’s Technology Group, now bolstered by Goldstein’s expertise, already boasts a 25-year track record in digital infrastructure, with nearly 40 dedicated professionals across the U.S. and Europe. In 2024, the group was ranked No. 1 globally for technology transactions (101 deals) by LSEG, excluding accounting firms and brokers. This leadership, combined with Goldstein’s experience, positions Houlihan Lokey to dominate in sectors like 5G rollout, edge computing, and cybersecurity-as-a-service, which are critical to enterprise digitization.

Why Digital Infrastructure Matters Now

The digital infrastructure boom is fueled by $300 billion in annual global investments by 2030, driven by the rise of AI, IoT, and cloud computing. Firms like Houlihan Lokey are uniquely positioned to advise on transactions in this space, as companies seek to scale through acquisitions or secure funding. Goldstein’s hire comes at a time when 75% of enterprises are increasing their digital infrastructure budgets, per a 2024 McKinsey report.

Risks and Opportunities Ahead

While the sector’s growth is undeniable, challenges remain. Regulatory scrutiny of data centers and telecoms, as well as macroeconomic headwinds, could slow dealmaking. Houlihan Lokey’s global team and Goldstein’s regulatory navigation skills may help mitigate these risks.

Conclusion: A Strategic Move with Tangible Payoffs

Goldstein’s appointment underscores Houlihan Lokey’s ambition to lead in a high-growth sector. With its existing 140+ professionals in tech advisory and Goldstein’s $22.6 billion transaction pedigree, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on the $1.2 trillion digital infrastructure market.

Data supports this optimism: Houlihan Lokey’s Technology Group has executed over $130 billion in transactions in the past decade, and its 2024 ranking as the top global tech advisor suggests strong client trust. Meanwhile, its stock (HLI) has outperformed the S&P 500 by 12% in the past year, reflecting investor confidence in its strategic moves.

As digital infrastructure becomes the bedrock of modern economies, Houlihan Lokey’s decision to bring in a seasoned dealmaker like Goldstein is a calculated bet—one that could pay dividends for years to come.