Advisory Services

In today's fast-changing business environment, sustained success requires more than experience—it demands clarity, sound judgment, and the ability to make the right strategic decisions at the right time.

For more than 25 years, Stefan Winners and Winners & Co. have advised founders, CEOs, boards, and executive leadership teams across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Drawing on extensive entrepreneurial, operational, and capital markets experience, Winners & Co. supports leaders in navigating periods of growth, transformation, financing, and strategic change.

Strategy & Transformation

Markets evolve rapidly. Companies that consistently outperform are those that continuously challenge their strategic direction.

We work alongside founders, CEOs, and boards to review corporate strategy, develop new business models, refine go-to-market approaches, and define long-term growth initiatives. Whether supporting high-growth businesses or companies undergoing transformation, our objective is to help leadership teams focus on the decisions that create sustainable competitive advantage.

Executive Sparring

Leadership can be a lonely responsibility. Senior executives face constant pressure from shareholders, investors, employees, customers, and increasingly dynamic markets.

We serve as an independent sparring partner for founders and executive teams, challenging assumptions, validating critical decisions, and helping leadership teams achieve greater strategic alignment and execution.

Financing, M&A & Exit Advisory

A company's financing strategy should always support its long-term business objectives.

We advise founders and shareholders throughout financing rounds, shareholder transactions, strategic acquisitions, private equity investments, and company sales. From preparing the equity story and selecting investors to negotiating transactions and managing the entire process, we provide hands-on support throughout every stage.

Our advice is never influenced by financing products, transaction fees, or third-party interests. Every recommendation is based solely on what we believe creates the greatest long-term value for our clients and their shareholders.

Below are selected comments from founders and executives we have had the privilege to advise.

Francine Gervazio, CEO Shiftmove, Berlin, Germany

“I would highly recommend Stefan Winners to any founder or shareholder considering an exit. During the successful sale of Avrios to Shiftmove, Stefan proved to be an exceptional strategic advisor throughout the entire transaction.

His combination of extensive transaction experience, strategic thinking, and outstanding negotiation skills created significant value at every stage of the process. He has a remarkable ability to simplify complex issues, maintain focus on what truly matters, and guide difficult discussions toward practical solutions.

In addition, Stefan's international network enabled us to access outstanding expertise whenever required. Beyond his professional capabilities, he is an advisor I trust deeply and someone I look forward to working with again."

Philipp Mühlbauer, Co-Founder and CEO The Customization Group, Cologne, Germany

“Stefan Winners advised Picanova GmbH on its strategic development and growth initiatives. In particular, his extensive expertise in M&A, combined with his exceptional network of experienced professionals, proved invaluable whenever we required specialist support at short notice.

Stefan is an outstanding listener who takes the time to fully understand the challenges at hand before developing tailored, pragmatic solutions. His advice consistently created real value for our business.”

Christian Essling, Global Head of Data & AI @ EON Digital Technology, Germany

“Leading AI transformation at a DAX comany means dealing with critical strategic decisions, complexity and organizational change. Stefan Winners has been an excellent sparring partner throughout this journey, pushing me to think differently and step up my leadership game.

His insights and experience have been genuinely helpful to my work.”