Wisable, a New York-based mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm serving small business owners, announced $5 million in seed funding on October 27, 2026, with backing from the D. E. Shaw group.
The company provides M&A advisory services to owners of businesses generating at least $1 million in annual revenue, helping them prepare for ownership transitions and manage the sale process.
Wisable has been advising small business owners since 2024. Its service combines dedicated transaction advisory teams, technology-enabled processes and a network of prospective buyers.
The firm assists clients with business positioning, valuation, buyer identification, transaction negotiations and due diligence. It uses artificial intelligence and automation to support financial analysis, buyer outreach and information management.
Wisable was originally developed within the D. E. Shaw group and now operates independently. Its advisory team has more than 80 years of combined professional experience and has worked on transactions representing approximately $300 million in total value, according to the company. Its industry experience includes home services, automotive services and light manufacturing.
The company is led by CEO Bryan O’Connell, who previously co-founded and served as CEO of Huckleberry, an insurance technology company acquired by Paychex in 2023.
Following the acquisition, O’Connell served as general manager of a Paychex subsidiary. His earlier professional experience includes positions at McKinsey & Company and Morgan Stanley. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School.
The funding supports Wisable’s development as a technology-enabled M&A advisory business focused on smaller companies, combining human transaction expertise with digital tools for business sales and ownership transitions.
