Alaris Unveils App to Match RIA Buyers and Sellers

Alaris Acquisitions, a sell-side advisory firm in the wealth management industry, has launched Lens, an AI-driven matchmaking platform to assist registered investment advisors (RIAs) with mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The tool is engineered to deliver fast and accurate pairings of buyers and sellers.

Lens leverages an AI algorithm that analyzes multiple data points to generate a compatibility score, key to matching RIAs with potential buyers. This approach emphasizes cultural alignment, a factor often overlooked in traditional M&A processes.

“The traditional auction method for matching buyers and sellers within the RIA industry ignores the cultural aspects of a partnership between the parties involved,” said Allen Darby, founder and CEO of Alaris Acquisitions. “M&A advisors have very limited data on the buyers outside of how they might structure a transaction. This forces them to use the only tool available to find a buyer for their client: the blind financial auction.”

Alaris Acquisitions claims that Lens’ focus on both cultural and financial compatibility will increase the likelihood of long-term success in M&A transactions.

The company asserts that Lens offers a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. By narrowing the pool to highly compatible buyers, the platform drives a more focused and efficient competitive process.

“Inviting 50 or more buyers into the process is, in my opinion, utterly absurd,” added Darby. “With that many potential buyers involved, it becomes impossible to devote the necessary time to truly connect with your future partner and reach a place of genuine cultural alignment.