Synova identified Meritsoft, a RegTech, BCE, Tax, and Data Analytics platform. They provided the world’s leading Capital Market houses with intelligent software solutions, which automated tax, compliance, and workflow needs. We anticipated an increase in demand for their services, as efficiency drives became the norm, and regulatory demand continued to grow.

Competing with in-house firms and legacy software providers, we ascertained that Meritsoft was in a unique position to focus on niche elements of the value chain. Coupled with industry-leading margins and high levels of recurring revenue, it was extremely well-positioned for rapid growth.

Through an exclusive M&A process, Synova developed a close relationship with the founders. Our exemplary track record in Financial Services and Tech was self-evident. But it was during this time that we were able to further demonstrate our ability to generate international growth, particularly in the US. In the end it was this – coupled with our experience scaling software companies – that gave us the edge.

Meritsoft already had a superior product offering when we arrived. But we saw scope to drive growth through a professionalised, targeted sales strategy. This meant utilising our expertise for successfully growing European companies in North America, recruiting in key positions, and moving to further penetrate the US market.

The appointments of FinTech entrepreneur, Peter Little, and co-founder and ex-CEO of Capital IQ, Randall Winn, were crucial to our success in North American markets. Following expansion, 70% of new revenue was sourced from the US.

We also focused on the high growth areas of process automation and analytics – two exciting areas in which the Synova team boasts considerable experience. We’re seeing both areas play an increasingly important role in RegTech environments.

Finally, a targeted investment in PR helped build Meritsoft’s brand recognition amongst leading capital markets participants. The Company soon became a leading voice on upcoming regulatory changes – publishing monthly whitepapers and thought-leadership pieces in the industry press.

Following our investment, Meritsoft’s revenues and earnings grew fourfold in three years.

The prominent success of Meritsoft meant we were soon approached by several potential strategic buyers. Having worked closely with the Meritsoft management team for a number of years, we had an intimate understanding of the Company’s goals and needs. Ultimately, we took the decision, along with the founders, to sell to Cognizant – a company we had already been in partnership with during the period of our investment. The transaction generated an return of 4.1x invested capital.