In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Rajiv Khaitan, Founder and President of KnoVantage Solutions, shares his journey from global investment banking to launching a boutique advisory firm with a mission: helping small business owners navigate the complexities of mergers, acquisitions, and transitions with confidence and clarity.
With over a decade of experience at leading firms such as KPMG and UBS, Rajiv witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by lower middle-market businesses—owners who’ve built their companies with passion, but often lack access to the strategic support needed during a sale or succession. KnoVantage was founded to bridge that gap.
At KnoVantage Solutions, the focus is clear: deliver high-quality, transparent advisory services tailored to entrepreneurs who see their business not just as an asset, but as a legacy. Rajiv and his team bring hands-on expertise, a trusted network of investors and buyers, and a deep understanding of both the financial and emotional aspects of business transitions.
Through KnoVantage, business owners can:
- Navigate mergers and acquisitions with expert, personalized advisory
- Secure fair valuations that reflect the true worth of their business
- Structure strategic partnerships aligned with long-term goals
- Ensure seamless transitions that protect their legacy and financial future
Rajiv’s deep respect for the entrepreneurial spirit—its resilience, vision, and determination—drives his mission: to help founders exit on their own terms, with peace of mind and a future they can feel proud of.
You transitioned from a decade-long career in investment banking at global firms like KPMG and UBS to founding KnoVantage Solutions. What inspired this shift, and how did your corporate experience shape your approach to helping small businesses?
Having grown up in a business family, I was naturally drawn to entrepreneurship from an early age. My time at global investment banking firms gave me invaluable exposure to large, structured organizations and taught me the importance of data-driven decision-making, discipline, and analytical problem-solving.
While working in the investment banking team at a Big 4 firm, I focused on mid-market transactions. During that time, I noticed a glaring gap in the lower middle market—particularly among small business owners who lacked access to high-quality advisory support. This segment often falls below the radar of large advisory firms due to smaller deal sizes, leaving it to be served by less specialized intermediaries.
I saw an opportunity to bring the same level of rigor and professionalism I had learned in global institutions to this underserved segment. KnoVantage Solutions was born from that vision—to offer tailored, transparent, and strategic M&A advisory services to small and medium-sized business owners looking to grow, transition, or exit their businesses.
Many entrepreneurs struggle with selling or transitioning their businesses while preserving their legacy. How does KnoVantage Solutions address these challenges, and what sets your advisory services apart in the Canadian market?
At KnoVantage Solutions, we understand that a business is more than just a financial asset—it’s a reflection of a founder’s life’s work. After decades of building their company, many owners find the idea of stepping away both emotionally and practically challenging. Our mission is to guide them through this transition with empathy, discretion, and expertise.
We offer a boutique, hands-on advisory experience backed by global investment banking credentials. Positioned between large accounting firms and traditional business brokers, we deliver high-quality service with the flexibility and affordability of a smaller firm. We intentionally take on a limited number of mandates to ensure each client receives our full attention.
Our process is tailored, transparent, and built around long-term outcomes. We take time to understand the seller’s personal and professional goals—whether that’s maximizing value, protecting employees, or ensuring cultural continuity. Through our trusted network of private equity investors, search funds, family offices, and relevant strategic buyers, we connect sellers with buyers who align financially and philosophically.
We understand that while a transaction may be one of many deals in our lifetime, it is often THE DEAL of the seller’s lifetime. That perspective shapes everything we do.
For small business owners considering mergers or acquisitions, what are the key steps in the process, and what should they know about valuations and finding the right buyer?
Selling a business typically involves five key phases. It begins with an initial discussion with an M&A advisor to understand the owner’s goals, business model, and expectations—laying the foundation for a well-aligned process.
Once engaged, the preparation phase starts. The advisor prepares marketing materials such as the Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) and teaser, and crafts a positioning strategy that highlights the business’s strengths and future potential. We also curate a buyer list from our vetted network, prioritizing financial capacity and fit.
Next is the outreach phase, where we confidentially approach approved buyers with an anonymized teaser. Interested parties sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before receiving access to detailed information. Initial Q&A follows, and interested buyers submit their initial bid.
In the diligence and negotiation phase, selected buyers review financial, legal, and operational details. Meanwhile, advisors negotiate the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) on the seller’s behalf.
Finally, the deal closes with a signed SPA.
Valuation is important—but beyond numbers, it’s about finding the right buyer. While sellers may have a price in mind, market dynamics ultimately determine value. Equally, sellers should evaluate potential buyers to ensure their vision, values, and ability to carry the legacy forward align.
As an immigrant entrepreneur in Canada, what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered, and how has this perspective influenced your mission at KnoVantage Solutions?
I was fortunate to move to Canada with a role at one of the Big4, building on my experience with the same firm in India. Even so, transitioning to a new country presents its own unique challenges—especially when launching a new business.
As an immigrant entrepreneur, I had to build my network from the ground up. That takes time, credibility, and persistence. Early on, I also had to familiarize myself with the nuances of the Canadian dealmaking environment—particularly the legal, regulatory, and tax landscape, which differs from India’s.
But the opportunities are tremendous. Canada has a well-structured M&A ecosystem, a large and growing number of business owners nearing retirement, and an active investor base that includes private equity, search funds, and high-net-worth individuals. The ease of financing here compared to my home country also opens doors for creative deal structures.
This journey has deepened my appreciation for the resilience of small business owners, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. It has shaped KnoVantage’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality advisory services to business owners from all walks of life—helping them succeed in a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
What advice would you give to small and medium-sized business owners who are contemplating selling or transitioning their companies but are unsure where to start?
The most important advice I can offer is: Start Early. Even if you’re not looking to sell today, planning ahead gives you more flexibility, better valuation outcomes, and opportunities to optimize taxes, ultimately leading to peace of mind.
Begin by getting your financials in order and identifying what makes your business valuable. Reflect on your personal goals—are you looking to fully exit, retain partial ownership, or gradually transition? The answers to these questions shape the right path forward.
At KnoVantage, we work closely with owners to assess readiness, improve business value, and build a roadmap for exit or succession. We also help them understand key concepts like EBITDA adjustments, buyer expectations, and valuation drivers.
Selling a business is as emotional as it is financial. Having a trusted advisor to guide you through the process ensures you don’t leave value on the table—and that your legacy is preserved.
You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Just starting the conversation is often the first—and most important—step.
