Uplift Investors Acquires Financial Tech Advisor Engage fi

Uplift Investors, a private equity firm specializing in service-based businesses, has acquired Engage fi, a prominent technology and strategic advisory firm. This strategic move bolsters Uplift's presence in the financial services technology sector, an area experiencing significant digital transformation driven by evolving customer demands and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence.

Engage fi assists banks and credit unions in navigating complex technology decisions, from evaluating and selecting new systems to negotiating contracts and overseeing implementation. Their expertise spans critical areas such as digital banking platforms, core banking systems, payment solutions, and integrated communications. The firm also offers conversion services and strategic guidance aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fostering long-term growth for financial institutions.

This acquisition represents the third platform investment for Uplift Investors' inaugural fund, which successfully closed at its $670 million hard cap in July 2026. It also marks the second professional services-focused business to join Uplift's portfolio this year, following the establishment of Orion Legal MSO. Uplift plans to deploy its proprietary 5-5-5 Framework and specialized value creation initiatives to accelerate Engage fi's growth trajectory.

“Engage fi is at the nexus of critical technology and strategic imperatives for financial institutions today,” stated Brad Skaf, Managing Partner at Uplift Investors. “Their profound expertise, established client trust, and proven ability to deliver tangible value across the technology lifecycle position them as a differentiated player in a highly attractive market. We are eager to collaborate with their team to build upon this solid foundation and propel their next phase of expansion.”

Will Hausberg, also a Managing Partner at Uplift Investors, highlighted the increasing complexity financial institutions face in managing their technology stacks. “The confluence of modernization efforts, shifting consumer expectations, and the pervasive influence of AI presents significant challenges. Engage fi provides exceptional solutions to these escalating issues,” Hausberg commented. He further elaborated on Uplift's strategy, noting the intention to leverage their Go-to-Market Excellence Value Creation Center to broaden Engage fi's reach and enhance client offerings. Additionally, their Technology, Data and AI Value Creation Center will focus on investing in proprietary data and AI tools to refine service delivery.

Andres Pasantes, President and CEO of Engage fi, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “Our team has built Engage fi on the principle that our clients' success is our ultimate measure. In seeking a partner for our next chapter, Uplift's deep understanding of our business, their collaborative approach to value creation, and their commitment to investing in our people and capabilities stood out,” Pasantes said. “We anticipate working together to expand our platform, enhance our client support, and continue delivering the expert results that financial institutions depend on.”

The financial advisory services for Uplift Investors were provided by William Blair & Company and KeyBanc Capital Markets, with legal counsel from Kirkland & Ellis. Guggenheim Securities acted as the financial advisor to Engage fi, supported by legal counsel from K&L Gates. The transaction was facilitated by Falfurrias Management Partners, the seller of Engage fi.