Integrating a SaaS Startup into a €300m Business

A personal finance midcap with €20b AUM needed to integrate a digital native acquisition while modernizing its own operations.

Challenge

The group had limited digital maturity and needed to merge with a fast-moving fintech without losing momentum, talent, or innovation.

Solution

We led the post-acquisition integration, aligned stakeholders, structured execution, and secured long-term impact by helping appoint a dedicated Chief Digital Officer.

Issue

The client, a traditional yet fast-growing financial advisory group, had made a strategic acquisition of a digital-native fintech with advanced tools for online acquisition and advisor productivity. While the synergies were promising, the integration posed critical challenges: maintaining the momentum and motivation of the acquired startup team, aligning vastly different ways of working, and avoiding dilution of innovation in a more traditional structure. The risk was a failed integration, talent attrition, and missed transformation opportunities.

Approach

Stratos stepped in just after due diligence to orchestrate the integration. We worked closely with the founder of the acquired company, the CTO, and key business unit leaders to build and manage a structured integration roadmap. Reporting monthly to the board, we acted as a neutral, C-level interface between teams, flagged key issues early, and ensured rapid resolution. To sustain the effort, we also helped recruit a Chief Digital Officer to drive long-term transformation. This approach preserved innovation, ensured alignment, and laid the groundwork for a successful digital transition.

Results & Benefits

1. Keep the founding team motivated and involved2. Structure and monitor an integration plan3. Manage all the stakeholders, internal and external as an acting C-level

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