Security Leadership

Cyber Security for Private Equity Portfolios: A Risk and Value Guide

Cyber risk in PE-backed businesses destroys value at exit. Here’s how operating partners should assess, manage, and reduce cyber risk across a portfolio.

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Where Businesses Get Stuck

The challenges we most commonly see when organisations come to us:

A portfolio company has no CISO.
Cyber due diligence at exit is flagging gaps.
A breach in one portfolio company is a reputational risk for the fund.

Our Methodology

The PE Cyber Risk Framework: acquisition assessment, value creation, and exit readiness.

What Starkhorn Brings

Daniel Jacobs: 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. VetPartners (BC Partners, GBP1.2bn), Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn). Published author. PRINCE2, ITIL, IIM Full Member. VetPartners (BC Partners). PE-backed business context.

Starkhorn does not subcontract or use associate networks. You work directly with Daniel Jacobs from the first conversation through to delivery.

Who This Is For

This service is designed for:

PE operating partners
deal teams
and portfolio company CEOs

This is not the right fit for: Consumer businesses without PE backing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Starkhorn begin?

In most cases we can begin within five to ten working days. For urgent situations such as a sudden leadership gap or an active incident, we can mobilise faster. Contact us to discuss your timeline.

What does a typical Starkhorn engagement cost?

Engagements are structured as monthly retainers or fixed-term day-rate assignments. The cost depends on scope and time commitment. We are transparent about pricing from the first conversation and will give you a clear indication on the call.

What experience does Starkhorn bring?

Starkhorn is led by Daniel Jacobs, with 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. He has served as Interim Group Technology Director at VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, GBP1.2bn), accountable for both technology and security, and as CIO and CISO at Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn turnover). He holds PRINCE2, ITIL Foundation, and is a Full Member of the Institute of Interim Management.

Do I need a full-time CISO or will a virtual CISO suffice?

For most SMEs and PE-backed businesses, a virtual or fractional CISO provides everything a full-time hire would at a fraction of the cost. Unless your sector requires a dedicated CISO under regulation, a virtual arrangement is almost always the smarter choice.

What is the first step to working with Starkhorn?

Book a no-obligation conversation using the link on this page. In 30 minutes we will understand your situation, tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and outline what a first engagement would look like. There is no sales process and no pressure.

Next step

Ready to Talk?

Starkhorn works with MDs, CEOs, and boards of growing businesses. If you have a technology leadership gap, a security concern, or a transformation that is not delivering, we can help. Book a 30-minute conversation with no obligation.