General
Are you an investment bank?
No. We’re a narrative strike team that primes deals before (and alongside) bankers and counsel. We raise perceived value and reduce price erosion; your banker runs the process.
Do you only work with AI companies?
No, but our edge is strongest where models lag reality—AI and AI-enabled businesses. That’s where narrative asymmetry creates the biggest valuation delta.
What outcomes should we expect?
We focus on: (1) stronger opening anchors, (2) minimized mid-process haircuts, (3) buyer-specific logic that clears committees. We define these success markers up front.
Process
How do engagements typically run?
Three phases: Diagnose (Scorecard + Red Team), Reframe (Defense Memo, Buyer Map, Offer Deck), Stage (diligence choreography, committee logic). We adapt to active deal timing.
Will you join buyer meetings?
Selectively. We often prep you, script follow-ups, and provide objection handling. When helpful, we attend as advisors and keep the focus on your voice.
Can you work with our banker and counsel?
Yes. We integrate smoothly with banks and legal teams. Think of us as the narrative layer that makes their work land cleaner and stronger.
How fast can you start?
We keep capacity for time-sensitive work. If you’re in an active conversation, we prioritize the Defense Memo and Offer Deck first, then fill in the rest.
Pricing
How do you price engagements?
Fixed-fee by package (Rapid Reframe, Inevitability Build, or Buyer-Specific). For certain projects, we’ll consider a success-based component. Transparent scope; no surprise hours.
Do you offer retainers?
Yes, for ongoing buyer interactions or multi-target sequencing. Retainers are scoped around deliverables and standing advisory access.
Is there a guarantee?
No guarantees—this is M&A. We do commit to defined deliverables, senior attention, and measurable success markers (anchor shift, haircut reduction, committee readiness).
Confidentiality
Will you sign our NDA?
Absolutely. We work under mutual NDAs as standard. We also minimize data collection and keep sensitive materials compartmentalized.
How do you handle conflicts?
We take a strict one-company-per-lane stance for overlapping acquirers. If there’s a potential conflict, we disclose immediately and wall or decline.
Can you provide references?
Yes—subject to client consent and confidentiality. We can also share anonymized case notes that illustrate outcomes and approach.
Fit
Who is the best fit for Sounion?
Founders at Series A–C with $3M–$20M ARR (AI or AI-enabled). Strong retention or product velocity, some buyer interest, and a sense that the market is underpricing your future.
When should we call you?
Two moments: (1) a number landed light, and you need to shift the anchor; (2) you’re planning a process in <6 months and want the narrative tight before data room access.
Will you work outside the U.S.?
Yes. We work globally and adapt to jurisdiction-specific considerations with your counsel.