Avascent vs KippsDeSanto & Co.
Comparing two boutique M&A advisors · Last updated April 13, 2025
| Attribute | Avascent | KippsDeSanto & Co. |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Industry specialist | Industry specialist |
| HQ | Washington, DC | Tysons Corner, VA |
| Founded | 2007 | 2007 |
| Sector focus | Aerospace, Defense | Aerospace, Defense, Government Services |
| Deal size | varies | $25M-$500M |
| Senior team |
|
|
| Rating | Locked | Locked |
| Reviews | 0 verified | 0 verified |
Choosing between Avascent and KippsDeSanto & Co.
Avascent and KippsDeSanto & Co. both work in Aerospace, Defense. 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 industry specialist advisors, so the choice is less about category and more about pattern recognition, senior attention, and process fit.
Avascent is headquartered in Washington, DC and was founded in 2007, while KippsDeSanto & Co. operates out of Tysons Corner, VA and was founded in 2007. Geography matters here: Avascent's Washington relationships and KippsDeSanto & Co.'s Tysons Corner relationships will overlap on national strategics but diverge on the regional private equity buyer set most likely to push price. On deal-size focus, Avascent states varies while KippsDeSanto & Co. states $25M-$500M. Beyond shared coverage, Avascent also reaches into adjacent categories, while KippsDeSanto & Co. extends into Government Services.
For founders deciding between Avascent and KippsDeSanto & Co., 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.
Avascent is a industry specialist headquartered in Washington, DC and founded in 2007. The firm focuses on Aerospace, Defense and typically advises on transactions in the varies range. Key dealmakers include Steve Grundm...
KippsDeSanto & Co. is a industry specialist headquartered in Tysons Corner, VA and founded in 2007. The firm focuses on Aerospace, Defense, Government Services and typically advises on transactions in the $25M-$500M rang...
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between Avascent and KippsDeSanto & Co.?
- Avascent is a industry specialist HQ'd in Washington, DC (founded 2007), focused on Aerospace, Defense, with a typical deal range of varies. KippsDeSanto & Co. is a industry specialist HQ'd in Tysons Corner, VA (founded 2007), focused on Aerospace, Defense, Government Services, with a typical deal range of $25M-$500M. Beyond those facts, the most reliable differentiator is senior banker attention, which BankerNotes reviews are designed to surface.
- Which firm has better founder reviews, Avascent or KippsDeSanto & Co.?
- Avascent's current rating is Locked (reviews unlock after five verified founders submit ratings). KippsDeSanto & Co.'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 Avascent and KippsDeSanto & Co.?
- 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 Avascent and KippsDeSanto & Co.?
- 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 13, 2025