Strategic Talent Acquisition in Financial Advisory: How Perella Weinberg's Hiring of Mathijn Queis Strengthens European Software Sector Influence

The European software sector is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by a confluence of technological innovation, regulatory evolution, and macroeconomic shifts. As the market expands at a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% through 2030—reaching $285 billion in revenue—strategic advisory firms are recalibrating their offerings to align with the sector's unique demands. Perella Weinberg Partners' recent appointment of Mathijn Queis as an Advisory Partner in its European technology team is a masterstroke in this context, positioning the firm to capitalize on M&A tailwinds while addressing the complexities of a maturing market.

The Strategic Rationale Behind Queis's Hire

Mathijn Queis brings a decade of expertise in European software M&A, honed during his tenure at Evercore. His track record includes advising on cross-border transactions, structuring AI-adjacent deals, and navigating the regulatory labyrinth of the EU's evolving data governance framework. By joining Perella Weinberg, Queis fills a critical gap in the firm's European advisory capabilities, particularly in sectors where software innovation intersects with strategic consolidation. His deep relationships with private equity firms and corporate operators—key players in the current M&A landscape—position Perella to secure high-value mandates in a market where premium valuations persist for companies with scalable AI-driven solutions.

The timing of Queis's arrival is particularly fortuitous. European software M&A activity, though tempered by macroeconomic headwinds, has pivoted toward quality over quantity. Deals with AI adjacency, cybersecurity capabilities, and SaaS platforms are commanding elevated EBITDA multiples, even as broader multiples have retreated to 10.8x in mid-2025. Queis's specialization in these areas aligns with the sector's current trajectory, enabling Perella to offer differentiated advice to clients seeking to future-proof their operations.

Market Tailwinds and the Role of Advisory Expertise

The European software sector's growth is underpinned by three key megatrends: the digitization of traditional industries, the rise of AI-driven analytics, and the shift toward XaaS (everything-as-a-service) models. These trends have created a fertile ground for M&A activity, as companies seek to consolidate market share, integrate advanced technologies, and optimize recurring revenue streams. However, the regulatory environment—marked by the EU's AI Act, GDPR, and cross-border data flow restrictions—has introduced layers of complexity to deal execution.

Queis's appointment addresses this duality. His experience in structuring deals that balance innovation with compliance is a strategic asset for Perella, particularly as clients navigate the dual pressures of technological disruption and regulatory scrutiny. For instance, his prior work with enterprise software and cybersecurity firms—sectors where regulatory alignment is paramount—provides a blueprint for advising clients on high-stakes transactions. This expertise is increasingly valuable as private equity-backed software companies extend holding periods and prioritize long-term value creation over short-term exits.

Investment Implications and Sector Outlook

For investors, the European software sector's resilience amid macroeconomic volatility underscores its appeal. Despite a 14% decline in EBITDA multiples since late 2024, high-quality software firms with robust AI capabilities and recurring revenue models continue to attract premium valuations. This dynamic is reflected in the performance of key market players such as SAP SE and Microsoft Corp, whose stock prices have outperformed broader indices due to their entrenched positions in enterprise software and cloud infrastructure.

The data query above highlights the trajectory of these companies, illustrating how strategic positioning in AI and SaaS has insulated them from broader market corrections. For advisory firms like Perella Weinberg, aligning with such high-growth targets through expert-led M&A execution offers a dual benefit: enhanced client value and a stronger pipeline of transactional opportunities.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Firms and Investors

Perella Weinberg's acquisition of Mathijn Queis is more than a talent play—it's a calculated move to anchor itself in a sector poised for sustained growth. By leveraging Queis's expertise in AI-driven M&A and regulatory navigation, the firm is well-positioned to secure a disproportionate share of the European software advisory market. For investors, this signals a broader trend: advisory firms with deep sector-specific knowledge and a focus on innovation will outperform in an environment where complexity and specialization are the new norms.

As the European software sector continues to evolve, the ability to execute strategic transactions—whether through cross-border acquisitions, private equity partnerships, or AI integration—will determine long-term success. Perella Weinberg's strategic hiring underscores the importance of leadership in capitalizing on these opportunities, offering a blueprint for firms and investors alike to navigate the sector's dynamic landscape.