D.A. Davidson & Co.: Exclusive Financial Advisor to Searchlight Cyber in Strategic Investment

In a significant move for the cybersecurity industry, D.A. Davidson & Co. has announced its position as the exclusive financial advisor to Searchlight Cyber on its strategic growth investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners. The deal marks an exciting development for the U.K.-based dark web intelligence company and signifies the ongoing success of D.A. Davidson's Technology Investment Banking practice.

Searchlight Cyber's platform is utilized by enterprise cybersecurity organizations, managed security service providers, and government and law enforcement agencies across Europe and North America. The platform plays a vital role in identifying and preventing cybercrime by providing mission-critical dark web intelligence. Through its highly differentiated dataset, which encompasses marketplaces, forums, and hidden sites, Searchlight Cyber has become a leading force in the fight against cyberattacks. The company's platform is built on over 15 years of cutting-edge academic research in dark web technologies, enabling it to support some of the world's largest dark web investigations.

Since its establishment in 2017, Searchlight Cyber has been owned by co-founders Ben Jones and Dr. Gareth Owenson, as well as Astra Capital Management, a private equity firm based in Washington, D.C. The co-founders will continue to lead the company and retain their investment in the business, ensuring stability and continuity. Financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.

Both Searchlight Cyber and D.A. Davidson expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. Ben Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Searchlight Cyber, commended Charlesbank's support for their business and praised the guidance provided by the D.A. Davidson team throughout the process. Matt Murphy, Co-Founder of Astra Capital Management, acknowledged D.A. Davidson's industry knowledge, extensive network, and transaction expertise, which played a critical role in achieving a successful outcome.

D.A. Davidson's Technology Investment Banking practice has established itself as a leader in the sector, providing clients with sector-specific knowledge, transactional expertise, and full-service capabilities. The completion of over 110 transactions, representing approximately $21 billion in value since 2020, demonstrates the ongoing success and reputation of the practice.

About D.A. Davidson Companies:

D.A. Davidson Companies is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services and advice to individuals, corporations, institutions, and municipalities nationwide. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Great Falls, Montana, the company has regional headquarters in Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha, and Seattle, with a presence in 29 states. With approximately 1,600 employees, D.A. Davidson Companies operates through subsidiaries including D.A. Davidson & Co., a full-service investment firm providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional asset management firm; and D.A. Davidson Trust Company, a trust and wealth management company.

For more information about D.A. Davidson Companies, please visit www.dadavidson.com.

In conclusion, D.A. Davidson & Co.'s role as the exclusive financial advisor to Searchlight Cyber on its strategic investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners represents a significant milestone in the cybersecurity industry. With its mission-critical dark web intelligence platform, Searchlight Cyber is poised to continue its groundbreaking work in identifying and preventing cybercrime. Meanwhile, D.A. Davidson continues to build on its success in the Technology Investment Banking field, providing clients with exceptional service and expertise. This partnership marks an exciting chapter for both companies and is set to shape the future of the cybersecurity landscape.