Acquisitions

Consolidating the European ESG software market

If you run an ESG compliance or sustainability software company and are considering your options, let's have a confidential conversation.

Read about ESG-X acquisition

The ESG software market is consolidating

Hundreds of small ESG and sustainability software companies launched between 2020 and 2023, riding the wave of CSRD and reporting mandates. Many have great clients and domain expertise, but are now facing the hard reality of a tightening funding environment, longer sales cycles and increasing competition from well-capitalised platforms. For the right companies, joining Dcycle is the best outcome for founders, teams and clients.

Acquisition story

ESG-X: our first acquisition

In early 2025, Dcycle acquired ESG-X, a German ESG management platform based in Munich. The acquisition brought a portfolio of enterprise clients, a team of domain experts and complementary technology into the Dcycle group. Clients retained full continuity of service while gaining access to Dcycle's broader platform, data infrastructure and customer success resources.

"This was the right move for both Dcycle and ESG-X: while we will strengthen Dcycle's DACH market knowledge, we will be able to leverage their platform and resources to keep delivering for DACH market clients at the highest level in such a competitive market."
Valentin Aman, CEO at ESG-X

Read the full press release

Full

Client continuity guaranteed

Retained

Core team integrated into Dcycle

60 days

From first conversation to close

What we look for

We are looking for ESG software companies that fit our consolidation thesis.

Spain, UK or DACH

We are focused on these three markets where we already have commercial presence and can integrate teams effectively.

ARR between €100k and €3M

Companies with a track record of recurring revenue in ESG compliance, carbon reporting, CSRD, SFDR or related sustainability frameworks.

Software-first

SaaS or software-led businesses. We also consider hybrid software-plus-consulting models if software is the core product.

Founder-led

We work best with founder-led companies where the owner is actively involved and motivated to find the right long-term home.

What founders get

We structure acquisitions to be fair, fast and clean.

Upfront payment + Earn-Out

We pay a meaningful upfront amount at closing. No long earnout tails or complex contingencies that delay your outcome.

Your clients are in good hands

Dcycle maintains full continuity of service. Clients keep their contacts, their data and their platform, now backed by a stronger team.

A home for your team

We look to retain the core team. Your people get a role in a growing European ESG platform with real career upside.

Dcycle infrastructure

Acquired companies plug into Dcycle's data infrastructure, compliance engine, customer success processes and sales network.

How the process works

We move fast and keep it simple. Most deals close in 60 to 90 days from first conversation.

Confidential introduction

You reach out and we schedule a first call. No advisors, no NDAs to sign before you hear the basics. Everything is held in strict confidence.

Mutual fit review

We share how Dcycle works, what integration looks like and what we typically pay. You share your business, metrics and goals. No obligations on either side.

Indicative offer

If there is a mutual fit, we provide an indicative offer within two weeks of first diligence. We are direct: if we are not the right buyer, we tell you immediately.

Fast due diligence and documentation review

We keep diligence focused and respectful of your time. Expect 2 to 4 weeks of structured review covering financials, client contracts and technology. We use founder-friendly documentation throughout.

Closing

Legal process is straightforward. We use clean, founder-friendly documentation. Most deals close in 60 to 90 days from first conversation.

Who we are

The team leading Dcycle's acquisition strategy across Europe.

Juanjo Mestre

CEO

Alvaro San Pedro

Head of Corporate Development

José Nogueiro

Chief of Staff

Frequently asked questions

Do you only acquire companies in Spain?

No. We are active in Spain, the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and the United Kingdom. We have commercial presence in all three markets and can integrate teams in any of them.

What size of company are you looking for?

We look at companies with annual recurring revenue between €100k and €3M. We will consider larger or smaller companies if the strategic fit is strong.

Do I need a financial advisor or M&A broker?

Not at all. Many of our best conversations happen directly with founders. You are welcome to involve advisors if you prefer, but it is not required.

What happens to my team after the acquisition?

We look to retain the core team. Dcycle is a growing platform and acquisitions bring in people with domain expertise that we genuinely need. Your team gets real roles and career growth, not redundancy.

How long does a deal take to close?

We move fast. Most deals go from first conversation to signed documents in 60 to 90 days. We use clean, standard documentation and avoid unnecessary complexity.

Do you acquire companies that are not profitable?

Yes. We understand that many ESG software companies have strong client bases and genuine expertise but are burning cash. What matters to us is the quality of the client portfolio, the retention rate and the team, not near-term profitability.

Will my clients notice anything has changed?

Not in a bad way. Clients get full continuity of service and, over time, access to more capabilities through the Dcycle platform. Our first priority after any acquisition is client stability.

Is this conversation really confidential?

Completely. We will never contact your clients, employees or investors without your explicit permission. We treat every conversation with complete discretion.

Confidential

Start a confidential conversation

Reach out and we will respond within 48 hours. No advisors required. Everything is held in strict confidence.

corporate.development@dcycle.io