Perella Weinberg Expands European Tech Advisory Amid AI, Fintech M&A Surge

Perella Weinberg Partners is expanding its European technology advisory team, with 30 dealmakers and plans to hire more, to capitalize on the growing AI and fintech M&A market. The firm has made senior hires across key tech verticals, including Mathijn Queis as Partner for European software advisory, and Will Forbes for insurtech and fintech coverage. The team has generated $16.3 million in M&A revenue in EMEA so far this year, with a focus on specialist advice in areas like software and gaming.

Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP) is expanding its European technology advisory team to capitalize on the growing artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech) mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market. The firm, which launched its European tech team in 2021, now boasts 30 dealmakers and plans to hire more in the coming months [1].

As part of its expansion, PWP has made several senior hires across key technology verticals. Mathijn Queis, previously a managing director at Evercore, joins PWP as a Partner with a focus on European software advisory. Will Forbes, also from Evercore, will spearhead the firm’s insurtech and fintech coverage. Christopher Frost, who joins from the Raine Group, will head advisory services in the video games and media technology sectors. Additionally, Holger Schmidt has been promoted internally to partner level, reflecting his contributions to the firm’s expansion in the region [1].

The firm’s latest moves come amid a buoyant global M&A market, particularly within the technology sector. According to Timm Schipporeit, Partner at PWP, global M&A activity has risen 28% in 2025, reaching $2.6 trillion. Technology has been a standout driver, accounting for $602 billion in deals — a 44% increase compared to last year [1].

Within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, PWP’s technology sector has generated $16.3 million in M&A revenue so far this year, making it the most active segment for the firm. This robust performance underscores both the market opportunity and the strategic importance of scaling the advisory team [1].

PWP’s broader strategy includes bringing on six additional partners and six managing directors during 2025, reflecting the firm’s confidence in sustained dealmaking momentum. The acquisition of Devon Park Advisors will enable PWP to launch a private funds advisory division, diversifying its service offerings and expanding its footprint in capital markets [1].

By targeting specific technology sub-sectors such as software, fintech, insurtech, and gaming, PWP is positioning itself to offer specialist, high-value advice in areas where deal activity is particularly intense. The firm’s increased headcount and sector coverage are intended to strengthen relationships with corporate clients, private equity firms, and venture capital investors navigating a fast-evolving market [1].

PWP’s expansion reflects a broader trend among investment banks seeking to capitalize on Europe’s burgeoning technology ecosystem. With AI and fintech driving an unprecedented wave of innovation and consolidation, competition for advisory mandates is intensifying. By bolstering its senior leadership and deepening sector expertise, PWP aims to cement its position as a leading adviser in high-growth technology markets [1].

As M&A volumes continue to rise and deal complexity increases, the firm’s enhanced European tech advisory team is expected to play a pivotal role in advising on transformative transactions across the region.

References:
[1] https://financefeeds.com/perella-weinberg-expands-european-tech-advisory-amid-ai-and-fintech-ma-boom/
[2] https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/perella-weinberg-adds-evercore-dealmaker-queis-to-bolster-european-technology-a4fe6eae