Gaby Silvestris Joins Carlsquare as Partner – Strengthening Our M&A Expertise and UK Presence

WHY THIS MATTERS:
M&A activity across software and technology services is entering a more selective, value-driven phase. After years of volume-led dealmaking, buyers and private equity firms are now prioritising profitable growth, cross-border scalability and operational resilience. In this environment, advisory capability—particularly sector depth and international execution experience—has become a differentiator. Strengthening senior leadership in key financial hubs like London reflects how mid-market technology M&A is rebounding with a sharper focus on complex, international transactions. As private equity recalibrates deployment strategies and founders look for strategic exits rather than quick flips, firms with deep software expertise and global reach are well positioned to guide the next cycle of deals. This appointment aligns with a broader trend toward specialist-led advisory models in technology-focused M&A.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of award-winning and seasoned tech investment banker, Gaby Silvestris as Partner. Gaby has a strong cross-border and Private Equity transactional experience with a focus on Software and Technology Services. She will join our London M&A team further strengthening Carlsquare’s presence in the UK and our international advisory capabilities. 

During her career, Gaby has advised C-Suite executives and shareholders of private and private equity backed companies on every aspect of value creation and realization. Gaby joins Carlsquare from Drake Star, where she held the position of Partner and successfully advised on a range of Software/SaaS and Technology Services transactions. Prior to this, she gained further experience as Managing Director at Equiteq where she led many complex cross-border transactions. Over her 20 years M&A and investment banking experience in London, Gaby held senior advisor positions at global tech-focused boutique investment banks and was also part of the M&A lead advisory Tech team at BDO. Before her London investment banking career, she held Financial Director roles at one of the largest media companies in Latin America (now part of Fox Media) as well as other technology and telecoms businesses in the region. 

Her achievements have been recognized with several industry awards, including the 2022 M&A Atlas Award for Global Growth Deal of the Year, the 2019 M&A Advisor Award for Professional Services Deal of the Year, and the 2018 M&A Advisor Award for Deal of the Year. Having gained deep experience across both corporate roles and investment banking, Gaby brings a rounded perspective and a unique blend of commercial and technical skills to her clients. 

Gaby holds the Corporate Finance Degree by the ICAEW and graduated with honours as a fully qualified accountant (Contador Publico; degree equivalent to “Chartered Accountant / CPA”) from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

“With a commitment to client outcomes, a collaborative partner-led approach and entrepreneurial mindset, Carlsquare’s truly international platform fully aligns with client’s expectations.  I’m excited to join such a successful team of talented M&A professionals across the world and I look forward to contributing towards further success!” – Gaby Silvestris, Partner, Carlsquare 

“We are thrilled to welcome Gaby on board. Her focus on Software and Technology Services will complement Luc Springinsfeld’s focus on Industrial Technology and mine on Consumer clients.  With 15 deals done in 2025, we are coming off a record year, but the pipeline of the London office is full. Gaby will significantly strengthen our footprint here in the UK.” – Arnold Holle, Managing Partner, Carlsquare

FF NEWS TAKE:
This is a timely hire as tech dealmaking shifts from recovery to reacceleration. With software and technology services back in focus, experienced partners with cross-border credibility will matter more than headline volumes. The next signal to watch is whether advisory firms can convert strong pipelines into completed deals as valuation expectations continue to reset.