Riveron, a leading national business advisory firm backed by Kohlberg, today announced a strategic investment and growth partnership with Cuesta Partners (“Cuesta”), a Chicago-based AI & Data technology firm. The partnership combines Riveron’s deep financial expertise with Cuesta’s AI, data, and technology services to modernize the Office of the CFO, maximizing its effectiveness by transforming core business operations through integrated AI-native solutions.

Cuesta founders Tom Derhake, Riley Scott, and Chris Steiner will retain significant ownership in and continue to lead Cuesta through its next phase of rapid growth.

Strategic Partnership to Establish AI and Data at the Core of Finance Transformation

Together, Riveron and Cuesta will offer an expanded suite of AI and data solutions designed to help middle market companies address critical operational, financial, and technology challenges. Through the partnership, clients will gain access to integrated offerings that strengthen financial performance while embedding data- and AI-driven automation across the enterprise to support scalable growth, operational resilience, and measurable value creation.

“Cuesta was built to help companies move beyond AI experimentation to real, measurable impact,” said Riley Scott, Co-Founder of Cuesta Partners. “Partnering with Riveron allows us to scale alongside a firm that shares our focus on execution and results. Together, we can support clients more holistically by combining AI-native capabilities with the financial rigor and operational insight required to drive lasting value.”

“From day one, our goal has been to build the company we wished existed,” said Tom Derhake, Co-Founder of Cuesta Partners. “Our commitment to exceptional talent and a high-performance culture has fueled our growth and delivered measurable impact for clients. Partnering with Riveron strengthens our capabilities and accelerates our ability to scale and responsibly lead AI-driven transformation.”

“The next decade will demand AI-native operations paired with financial agility, and the Riveron-Cuesta partnership brings a combination of capabilities that is unmatched in today’s market,” said Sam Shaw, CEO of Riveron. “By aligning our talented teams, we are creating a new lane in the market that better serves CFOs, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies.”

“We are proud to partner with Tom, Riley, Chris, and the entire Cuesta team,” said Ahmed Wahla, Partner at Kohlberg. “The vision for the partnership is for Riveron and Cuesta to present a truly unique offering to clients where AI and data are at the foundation of all products and services. The combination will allow Riveron and Cuesta to offer data-centered insights to clients that will be unmatched in the industry.”

Canaccord Genuity LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Cuesta. Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal advisor to Riveron, and Mayer Brown LLP served as legal advisor to Cuesta.

About Cuesta Partners

Cuesta Partners is a Chicago-based AI and data technology firm focused on helping mid-market companies modernize operations. Founded in 2019, Cuesta has grown to more than 130 employees across the United States, Canada, and Colombia. The firm works with private equity sponsors and corporate clients across industries, providing services including data strategy and advanced analytics, AI strategy and execution, M&A advisory and technology due diligence, technology strategy and planning, and delivery and transformation support.

About Riveron

Founded in 2006, Riveron supports the Office of the CFO, solving complex challenges and creating lasting improvements to finance, accounting, and technology functions. With over 1,200 professionals across 18 international offices, Riveron teams bring industry perspective and a full suite of solutions to address M&A, financial distress, technology transformation, process improvement, and other complex performance improvement needs. Our multidisciplinary approach combines authenticity, collaboration, and technical expertise to bring clarity to chaos and spur momentum for change. Riveron is backed by affiliates of Kohlberg, with H.I.G. Capital maintaining a minority investment.

About Kohlberg

Founded in 1987, Kohlberg is a leading U.S. middle market private equity firm based in Mount Kisco, New York. The firm invests in leading healthcare and services companies characterized by strong market positions, recurring revenue streams, and resilient end markets, which it identifies through rigorous thematic research grounded in its White Paper Program. Leveraging its team of investment and operating professionals, Kohlberg works with management teams to accelerate growth, enhance operational excellence and create value. As of September 30, 2025, Kohlberg manages approximately $17 billion on behalf of investors globally.

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