sbLiftOff Elevates Jordan Gersh to Ownership Amid M&A Market Surge

RESTON, Va. – March 03, 2026 – In a move that underscores its rapid growth and strategic positioning, lower middle-market M&A advisory firm sbLiftOff has promoted Jordan Gersh to Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, elevating him into the company's ownership circle. The promotion recognizes Gersh’s significant impact since joining the firm four years ago and solidifies the leadership team as it navigates a dynamic mergers and acquisitions landscape, particularly within the government contracting and technology sectors.

Mr. Gersh, who previously served as the firm's Director of M&A and CFO, now joins co-founders Sharon Heaton, CEO, and Nancy Langer, President, as a co-owner. His elevation comes at a time of significant expansion for the firm, which was founded in 2018 with a mission to serve founder-owners.

"We just celebrated Jordan's four-year anniversary at sbLiftOff," said CEO Sharon Heaton. "Jordan has become a critical player at sbLiftOff, not only improving our internal deal processes but also partnering with our clients to navigate what for many is the largest financial transaction of their life."

A Strategic Ascent Fueled by Growth

Under Gersh's tenure, sbLiftOff has transformed from a regional player into a national presence. The firm has successfully extended its reach far beyond the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, establishing footholds in key government contracting (GovCon) hubs from Huntsville, Alabama, to Tampa, Florida, and Dayton, Ohio. This geographic expansion has been matched by a diversification of its sector expertise. The firm has recently pushed into high-growth areas such as missile defense, software and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and the Intelligence Community, reflecting a keen awareness of market trends.

This growth trajectory is marked by a tangible increase in the number of annual deal closes and the strategic addition of senior staff to bolster its capabilities. The firm’s president, Nancy Langer, praised Gersh’s role in this evolution, highlighting his unique combination of financial acumen and interpersonal skills.

"Jordan is a perfect match for sbLiftOff's cooperative corporate culture," said Langer. "Not only is Jordan a natural team builder, but his strong technical skills and understanding of our client's personal goals makes him a great partner during the challenging M&A process."

Navigating a Resurgent M&A Market

sbLiftOff’s strategic moves are well-timed, capitalizing on a significant rebound in the M&A market. After a period of uncertainty, global M&A activity surged in late 2025, with the technology and software sectors leading the charge. The software M&A market, in particular, has shown remarkable resilience, with deal volumes projected to grow significantly. This activity is largely driven by private equity's vast reserves of dry powder and strategic acquirers seeking to fill capability gaps, especially in high-demand areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

While megadeals have captured headlines, the lower middle market—sbLiftOff's core playground—remains a vibrant and complex arena. This segment is where founder-led businesses, often the backbone of niche industries, seek expert guidance for their once-in-a-lifetime exit. sbLiftOff's focused expansion into SaaS and other tech verticals positions it to serve this burgeoning class of entrepreneurs. The firm’s ability to guide clients through rigorous due diligence, complex valuation, and intense negotiations is critical in a market where specialized knowledge is paramount.

The Human Element in High-Stakes Finance

Beyond market dynamics and financial metrics, sbLiftOff has built its brand on a distinct philosophy that sets it apart from more traditional investment banks. Gersh himself articulated this ethos, noting the firm’s unique value proposition.

"sbLiftOff is a little different from other national M&A firms," Gersh stated. "Not only do we bring industry expertise and execution prowess, but I'm glad to say we also bring humanity to investment banking."

This 'human touch' is a core differentiator, resonating deeply with the firm's target clientele of founder-owners who have often invested their lives, not just their capital, into their businesses. CEO Sharon Heaton has been a vocal proponent of this approach, emphasizing empathy for both sellers and buyers and recognizing the profound personal meaning companies hold for their founders. This philosophy acknowledges that selling a business is not merely a financial transaction but an emotional and legacy-defining event.

A Proven Leader for a Specialized Mission

Gersh's background makes him exceptionally suited to lead in this environment. He brings over a decade of high-level experience in corporate finance and strategic M&A. Prior to joining sbLiftOff, he served as Senior Director of Investment Capital at FIS Global, where he was responsible for approximately $1 billion in annual capital management and contributed to over $10 billion in aggregate M&A transaction value. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding an MBA from Duke University, where he graduated at the top of his class as a Fuqua Scholar, and a finance degree with honors from the University of Florida.

This deep expertise is now fully dedicated to the unique challenges and opportunities of the lower middle market. In his new capacity as a co-owner, Gersh expressed a profound sense of purpose.

"Becoming a co-owner of sbLiftOff is both an honor and a responsibility," said Gersh. "I'm driven by the mission of serving middle-market business owners, who make up the backbone of the U.S. economy." This commitment to a client base often underserved by larger institutions anchors sbLiftOff’s strategy and solidifies its identity as a key partner for founders navigating their next chapter.