AGC Partners vs DBO Partners
Comparing two boutique M&A advisors · Last updated April 23, 2025
| Attribute | AGC Partners | DBO Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tech boutique | Tech boutique |
| HQ | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Founded | 2003 | 2011 |
| Sector focus | Technology, Software, Internet | Tech, Software, Internet |
| Deal size | $25M-$500M | $100M-$2B |
| Senior team |
|
|
| Rating | Locked | Locked |
| Reviews | 0 verified | 0 verified |
Choosing between AGC Partners and DBO Partners
AGC Partners and DBO Partners both work in Software, Internet. Founders running a sell-side process in those categories often see both names on their advisor longlist, which is why this comparison comes up. Both firms position themselves as tech boutique advisors, so the choice is less about category and more about pattern recognition, senior attention, and process fit.
AGC Partners is headquartered in Boston, MA and was founded in 2003, while DBO Partners operates out of San Francisco, CA and was founded in 2011. Geography matters here: AGC Partners's Boston relationships and DBO Partners's San Francisco relationships will overlap on national strategics but diverge on the regional private equity buyer set most likely to push price. On deal-size focus, AGC Partners states $25M-$500M while DBO Partners states $100M-$2B. Beyond shared coverage, AGC Partners also reaches into Technology, while DBO Partners extends into Tech.
For founders deciding between AGC Partners and DBO Partners, the honest recommendation is to take a working session with each named partner before signing. Read the firm-level reviews on BankerNotes for the pattern that matters most: did the partner who pitched the mandate run the buyer calls and final negotiations, or did the work slide down the org chart by week six. That pattern, more than league-table position, is what separates a good outcome from a mediocre one.
AGC Partners is a tech boutique headquartered in Boston, MA and founded in 2003. The firm focuses on Technology, Software, Internet and typically advises on transactions in the $25M-$500M range. Key dealmakers include Ma...
DBO Partners is a tech boutique headquartered in San Francisco, CA and founded in 2011. The firm focuses on Tech, Software, Internet and typically advises on transactions in the $100M-$2B range. Key dealmakers include St...
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between AGC Partners and DBO Partners?
- AGC Partners is a tech boutique HQ'd in Boston, MA (founded 2003), focused on Technology, Software, Internet, with a typical deal range of $25M-$500M. DBO Partners is a tech boutique HQ'd in San Francisco, CA (founded 2011), focused on Tech, Software, Internet, with a typical deal range of $100M-$2B. Beyond those facts, the most reliable differentiator is senior banker attention, which BankerNotes reviews are designed to surface.
- Which firm has better founder reviews, AGC Partners or DBO Partners?
- AGC Partners's current rating is Locked (reviews unlock after five verified founders submit ratings). DBO Partners's current rating is Locked (reviews unlock after five verified founders submit ratings). Read the individual firm profiles for the full review breakdown.
- Should I shortlist both AGC Partners and DBO Partners?
- For most founders evaluating sell-side advisors with overlapping sector and deal-size fit, putting both on a shortlist is reasonable. The point of a bake-off is to test how the senior team behaves under pressure, how the firm shapes the buyer universe, and how it handles a difficult diligence question. Treat the shortlist as an interview, not a beauty contest.
- How does BankerNotes verify reviews of AGC Partners and DBO Partners?
- Every review is submitted by a founder who confirms they hired the firm as their sell-side advisor. We verify the reviewer privately using work email, LinkedIn, and approximate engagement timing. The verified identity is never published. Only the rating, written review, and a generic sector label appear on the public page.
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Last updated: April 23, 2025