Top 5 Firm RSM has agreed to become one of Plug and Play’s founding partners for its newest vertical in cybersecurity, as well as a partner in the financial technology space. Plug and Play is a startup accelerator based in Silicon Valley.
Plug and Play typically invests in 150 companies a year, and some of its past investments include PayPal, Dropbox and Lending Club.
Under the terms of the partnership, RSM will earn board seats on Plug and Play’s investment startups, which will give the firm access to those technologies. In turn, RSM will be able to offer those technologies to their clients, and engage in early stage discussions around opportunities to invest in and/or serve these companies as they grow. RSM will be taking an active role in deal flow meetings, expos, accelerator program selection, and other opportunities to collaborate within Plug and Play’s ecosystem of corporate partners, investors and thought leaders.
“RSM is committed to truly understanding its middle-market clients, and bringing them fresh ideas and insights that help them move forward on their strategic goals,” said Joe Adams, RSM managing partner and CEO, in a statement. “Having a perspective on new technologies and innovations is critical to fulfilling our role as first-choice advisors to our clients, as they contemplate new ways of doing business to succeed in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly global economy.”
According to RSM, leading middle-market companies often drive transformative innovation, disrupting larger, less agile incumbents, and driving significant advances in the broader economy. Middle-market companies account for approximately 40 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product and provide one-third of U.S. jobs, the firm said.
