Client Type: Business Management Software Portfolio Company
Service Provider Type: Indirect Procurement Firm
Industry: Technology – Software
The Need
Optimizing Payment Processor Strategy for Revenue Growth
A software company that serves boutique wellness studios wanted to improve its payment processing strategy. With payments comprising 40 percent of its revenue, the company needed a consultant with deep payments expertise to conduct a thorough assessment, optimize processor arrangements, and manage an RFP process to secure an optimal outcome.
The Challenge
Complex Payment Processor Relationships
The company maintained multiple relationships with payment processors across different regions and wanted to streamline its operations, improve transparency and eliminate extraneous fees. With an upcoming integration with Stripe, they sought to evaluate and potentially restructure their processor relationships, focusing on securing a larger take rate while simplifying their contract landscape.
How BluWave Helped
Connecting with Payments Expertise, Strategic RFP Guidance
BluWave connected the software company within 24 hours with an indirect procurement firm specializing in payments optimization and contract strategy. The advisor reviewed current processor contracts and provided strategic insights into best practices, guiding the client through an RFP process designed to enhance its processor terms and align with long-term revenue goals.
The Result
Enhanced Payments Strategy and Improved Revenue Structure
With the advisor’s help, the company effectively restructured its payment processing arrangements and optimized contract terms. The RFP process attracted competitive offers, positioning the company for improved margins and simplified processor relationships across its primary markets.
Very quick to respond, extremely knowledgeable, and flexible. I would recommend the firm to colleagues. Super knowledge and demonstrated a high level of professionalism.
Optimizing Commercial Functions for Revenue Growth
A private equity firm required a third-party growth strategy consultant to assess and optimize the commercial function of its manufacturing portfolio company. The business was facing top-line softness and needed to increase its revenue and earnings per headcount in key departments.
The Challenge
Addressing Fixed Costs, Sales Model Inefficiencies
The portfolio company had high fixed costs in its sales, product management and engineering functions, leading to declining EBITDA. The firm needed a consultant to analyze its sales model and organizational structure to identify areas for improvement, with a focus on reducing fixed costs and increasing operational efficiency.
How BluWave Helped
Connecting with a Specialized Growth Strategy Consultant
BluWave connected the private equity firm within 24 hours with a shortlist of growth strategy consultants experienced in manufacturing and highly-engineered products. The selected consultant was tasked with analyzing the company’s commercial model, benchmarking against industry best practices and recommending changes to streamline operations and improve revenue per headcount.
The consultant from BluWave’s short list delivered key insights and actionable recommendations that helped the company improve its commercial operations. By focusing on quality aspects and operational efficiency, the consultant provided a path forward for optimizing sales functions, reducing fixed costs and exploring potential improvements in engineering and sales processes.
We liked what he had to say. He was focused on quality aspects. The PE fund thought he did a great job and would refer him again.
Urgent Need for Interim COO To Stabilize Operations
A private equity firm needed an interim COO for its recently acquired manufacturing portfolio company in the Southwest U.S. The company faced significant operational strain due to leadership vacancies and increased demand, leading to production delays and growing backlogs.
The Challenge
Addressing Operational Overload, Leadership Gaps
The departure of the director of operations and other key personnel left the company struggling to keep up with production demands. The CEO was overwhelmed, handling tasks beyond his scope while also focusing on critical product development. The firm needed an interim leader to stabilize operations and alleviate the pressure on the existing team.
How BluWave Helped
Connecting with a Specialized Interim COO
BluWave connected the private equity firm within 24 hours with a shortlist of qualified interim COO candidates experienced in assembly, metal fabrication and electronics manufacturing. These candidates were capable of quickly integrating into the company, addressing operational inefficiencies, and supporting the team during the transition.
The Result
Stabilized Operations, Improved Efficiency
The interim COO selected from BluWave’s short list quickly identified key operational challenges and implemented solutions to reduce backlogs and improve productivity. This allowed the CEO to focus on product development while ensuring the company’s manufacturing operations remained on track.
You came out of the gate very strong with quickly identified qualified candidates. We would absolutely work together again on a future search
