Chicago-based AI and data technology firm Cuesta Partners has secured a strategic investment and growth partnership with Riveron, a national business advisory firm backed by Kohlberg, a private equity firm, to expand AI-driven advisory services for middle-market companies.
The partnership combines Riveron’s expertise in finance, accounting, and operational advisory with Cuesta’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, data strategy, and technology transformation. Together, the firms plan to deliver integrated AI and data solutions designed to modernize the Office of the CFO and help organizations embed AI-powered automation across core business operations.
Under the agreement, Cuesta founders Tom Derhake, Riley Scott, and Chris Steiner will retain significant ownership in the company and continue to lead the firm as it enters its next phase of growth.
The combined platform will focus on helping middle-market businesses and private equity-backed companies address operational, financial, and technology challenges through AI-native solutions. The partnership is intended to expand services that strengthen financial performance while embedding data-driven decision-making and automation throughout organizations.
Riveron said the collaboration will enhance its ability to support CFOs and private equity portfolio companies by integrating advanced analytics and AI execution into its advisory services. The companies expect the joint offering to help clients scale operations, improve resilience, and generate measurable value creation through technology-enabled transformation.
Founded in 2019, Cuesta Partners has grown to more than 130 employees across the United States, Canada, and Colombia. The firm provides services including AI strategy and implementation, advanced analytics, technology strategy, M&A advisory, and technology due diligence, and operational transformation.
Riveron, founded in 2006, has more than 1,200 professionals across 18 international offices and focuses on helping CFOs and financial leaders address complex business challenges related to M&A, performance improvement, financial distress, and technology transformation. The firm is backed by affiliates of Kohlberg, with H.I.G. Capital maintains a minority investment.
Support: Canaccord Genuity served as the exclusive financial advisor to Cuesta. Ropes & Gray served as legal advisor to Riveron, while Mayer Brown served as legal advisor to Cuesta.
KEY QUOTES
“Cuesta was built to help companies move beyond AI experimentation to real, measurable impact. Partnering with Riveron allows us to scale alongside a firm that shares our focus on execution and results. Together, we can support clients more holistically by combining AI-native capabilities with the financial rigor and operational insight required to drive lasting value.”
Riley Scott, Co-Founder Of Cuesta Partners
“From day one, our goal has been to build the company we wished existed. Our commitment to exceptional talent and a high-performance culture has fueled our growth and delivered measurable impact for clients. Partnering with Riveron strengthens our capabilities and accelerates our ability to scale and responsibly lead AI-driven transformation.”
Tom Derhake, Co-Founder Of Cuesta Partners
“The next decade will demand AI-native operations paired with financial agility, and the Riveron-Cuesta partnership brings a combination of capabilities that is unmatched in today’s market. By aligning our talented teams, we are creating a new lane in the market that better serves CFOs, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies.”
Sam Shaw, CEO Of Riveron
“We are proud to partner with Tom, Riley, Chris, and the entire Cuesta team. The vision for the partnership is for Riveron and Cuesta to present a truly unique offering to clients where AI and data are at the foundation of all products and services. The combination will allow Riveron and Cuesta to offer data-centered insights to clients that will be unmatched in the industry.”
Ahmed Wahla, Partner At Kohlberg
