Houlihan Lokey Advises Emergent Software

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Emergent Software, LLC (Emergent), a premier Microsoft services partner specializing in data modernization, AI deployment, cloud transformation, application development, and managed services, has secured a growth equity investment from Winterbird Partners (Winterbird), a Boston-based private equity firm.

Founded in 2015, Emergent helps enterprise clients modernize mission-critical technology across the Microsoft platform, serving high-stakes end markets such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and regulated industries. The company partners with clients to modernize business operations through data and analytics, AI consulting, custom software development, Azure cloud solutions, security, and ongoing managed support.

Emergent is a premier Microsoft partner focused on data modernization, cloud transformation, AI deployment, application modernization, security, governance, and managed services. The company has built a highly talented team to architect, design, build, and manage transformational technology solutions across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Copilot, Foundry, and modern data platforms. Emergent’s customer-centric approach, proven engagement models, and position as a next-generation Microsoft frontier partner enable the company to deliver successful client outcomes for even the most complex projects.

The transaction represents a marquee platform investment for Winterbird and marks the first acquisition completed out of its new fund. Emergent aligns closely with Winterbird’s strategy of partnering with high-growth, founder-owned B2B technology and services businesses at an inflection point, providing capital and strategic guidance to help scale differentiated platforms from a strong foundation.

Through the partnership with Winterbird, Emergent is well positioned to continue investing in its people, expanding its service capabilities, entering new geographies, and strengthening its position as a next-generation Microsoft frontier partner.

Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to Emergent in connection with the transaction. This transaction underscores Houlihan Lokey’s continued leadership in advising high-growth IT services, cloud, data, AI, and digital transformation businesses.

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