David Barret
Operating Partner
I work as an Operating Partner with Private Equity- and Venture Capital-backed B2B technology portfolio companies across Europe.The gap between what an M&A transaction promises and what it delivers is rarely strategic — it is operational. I close it through hands-on execution, pragmatic operating discipline, and relentless focus on value creation and delivery.I engage across the full transaction lifecycle — from due diligence and carve-out through post-merger integration — or step in independently when a business needs to be turned around.
M&A Due Diligence
I step in during due diligence — validating the deal's operational and commercial substance, challenging assumptions, and stress-testing its design.Vendor DD, data room review, and SPA/SAPA input — giving investor and management teams full operational clarity before they sign.
Carve-Out Execution
Separating a business unit is harder than it looks on paper.I define the perimeter, design the separation plan, and drive execution from signing through closing — across people, processes, systems, and contracts, including TSA design — so that Day 1 becomes reality.
about
- I am an Operating Partner based in Berlin, working with Private Equity- and Venture Capital-backed B2B technology companies across Europe on transactions, integrations, and operational recovery.
- My background spans 30 years across management consulting, corporate executive roles, and hands-on operational leadership. Before focusing on M&A and carve-out work, I served as an executive board member in the energy and media sectors — leading acquisitions, carve-outs, and post-merger integrations, building partner channels, and driving cross-functional execution at scale. My earlier career was built in management consulting, working across telecoms, media, and the public sector in Europe.
- I hold an MSc in Business Informatics from Université Claude Bernard Lyon and an executive programme certificate from INSEAD.
- I am fluent in French, German, and English — and engage embedded, not at arm's length.
Work Experience
- Operating Partner — Freelance (2024 – present)
- VP Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Executive Board Member — Vattenfall (2016 – 2024)
- Interim Executive (COO / CPO) — Deutsche Telekom, Axel Springer & others (2008 – 2016)
- VP Content & Product Management, Executive Board Member — Arvato Mobile, Bertelsmann (2005 – 2007)
- Director B2B Sales & PMI Lead — Jamba / Verisign (2004 – 2005)
- Management Consultant — LogicaCMG (2001 – 2004)
- Senior Business Consultant — Cap Gemini (1996 – 2000)