Our Story

Isaac Babbs, a long-term operating executive in Silicon Valley, started Handmade after seeing a pattern that was too familiar. Founders who spent years building something real would reach an exit and navigate it alone, with no process, no competition, and no one in their corner fighting for full value. Isaac lived it firsthand. After a career operating at companies like HP, SGI, Macromedia, and Qualcomm, he sold his own startup without a banker and left significant value on the table. Not because the company wasn't worth more. Because no one ran the process.

Handmade was built to close that gap. After years advising companies through transactions, Isaac saw how most bankers operated, waiting for interest rather than going out to create it. Founders deserved better. So we built the firm we wished had existed: boutique, founder-first, and relentlessly active in how we go to market. For founders who are ready to transact, we go all in — because we know exactly what's at stake.

How We Help Founders

Managing the Full Sell-Side Process

We run the entire M&A and due diligence process end-to-end, keeping you out of the weeds so you can focus on running your business through to a successful close.

Crafting Your Narrative

We build the story that resonates with buyers — a compelling presentation and confidential memorandum that positions your company with the depth and precision serious acquirers require.

Identifying & Approaching Acquirers

We don't wait for interest to surface. We map the full acquirer landscape and conduct targeted, confidential outreach to the buyers most likely to pay a premium.

Maximizing Your Outcome

Whether raising additional capital or running a sale, we position you to achieve the best possible value — and we don't stop until the deal closes on your terms.

Staying By Your Side to Close

From the first conversation to the final signature, we're in the room with you. We negotiate the hardest terms, manage the details, and see every deal through to closing.

How We Work

We follow a thorough, industry-leading procedure to ensure you get the best value for your business. Every step is designed to maximize competition, minimize surprises, and get you to a close with confidence.

Valuation Discussions

We meet with you to discuss your desired value and deal structure, building a foundation for a valuation analysis that results in the most accurate asking price.

Objectives, Timelines & Implementation Plan

We work with you to define clear objectives, set realistic timelines, and build a detailed implementation plan that keeps the entire process on track from start to finish.

Industry & Buyer Research + Marketing

We spend countless hours identifying the most motivated acquirers in your industry, then conduct targeted marketing campaigns with routine progress reports to keep you informed at every stage.

Offer Selection

We secure competitive offers from a diverse buyer pool, leading to enhanced multiples and top enterprise value through structured competition.

Due Diligence

We work with your other advisors, providing thorough, timely vetting so you can move forward with confidence and no unwanted surprises.

Closing

We negotiate the most favorable deal terms and ensure a successful closing process, staying by your side through every final detail.

Let's talk about your options.

We share what we're learning from the market. Valuations, buyer appetite, exit drivers. Let's talk.