An Innovative, M&A Partner Who Cares

You deserve a better M&A experience. At Icon Business Advisors, we’re in this together.

WE BELIEVE

THE M&A Process Should Be Hopeful, Exciting, and Validating

With our entrepreneurial background, we get how growing, buying, or selling a business can feel lonely and challenging. And let’s be honest, imposter syndrome is a real thing. But your business transition doesn’t have to be this way.

That’s why at Icon Business Advisors, we offer today’s business leaders a better level of service as an M&A advisory firm, the kind that gives you a sense of control, empowerment, and excitement over this pivotal chapter in your life. We’re the supportive collaborator who gets into the process with you so you’re not alone, navigating the best way forward together.

Whether it’s buying or selling your business, raising capital, or developing a franchise, our real-world experience (not to mention Nashville’s trademark Southern charm) allows us to serve any industry. We’re small enough to provide flexible, personalized solutions, yet large enough to give you the key connections and resources of a larger firm. Leveraging both technology and the human element in the M&A process, we connect the dots for business leaders like you to achieve your goals—and live your best life possible.

OUR “WHY”

Understanding the human side (hey, business leaders are people, too!) of significant business transitions, we empower owners, entrepreneurs, and CEOs through comprehensive, technology-driven M&A advisory services that help scale, secure investments, facilitate acquisitions, or execute successful exits.

Don't Settle for "Meh" in M&A.

Go for "Marvelous" Instead.

WHY CHOOSE US

Real-World Understanding and Tailored Guidance

Experience a deeply personalized approach to M&A—and a seasoned, expert team who understands the emotional aspects of your business transition.

A Streamlined Process Using Tech & AI

Enhance your M&A process and get faster results thanks to predictive analytics, buyer databases, AI-powered matching, virtual deal rooms, and more.

Our Large Investment Banking Network

Access industry-leading deal flow and capital within our network of hundreds of boutique investment banks from across the country and around the world.

WHO WE LOVE

MAIN STREET BUSINESSES

Whether you’re the plucky entrepreneur or the tenured mom-and-pop shop, we serve small businesses seeking a better, more sophisticated experience than the traditional business brokerage firm.

LOWER MIDDLE MARKET COMPANIES

We support businesses with $5-50 million in annual revenue who want the resources, tech, and deal flow of a PE or Wall Street firm but also appreciate more customized fees, agility, and a relationship in the M&A process.

OUR COMPANY VALUES

AWESOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE

APPLAUSE FOR DANIEL

Don’t just take our word for it, here’s some real people.

  • Tom H., Logistics Executive

    Daniel’s got this incredible ability to break down your business and show you what’s next—pure genius. He’s all about people, and it’s real. Icon’s team is full-on entrepreneurial—they clicked with my vibe instantly. Their connections made my deal happen, and it felt like a total win.

    Tom H., Logistics Executive
  • Emily S., E-Commerce Entrepreneur

    Daniel oozes authenticity—you can tell he loves what he does. He’s a thought leader who’s always ahead, and working with him gave me new direction. The Icon crew’s network is insane—they’re deal-closing machines. Drew and Chelsea brought so much energy, and I’ll always appreciate how they got me.

    Emily S., E-Commerce Entrepreneur
  • Joe K., Service Industry Founder

    Daniel’s vision is inspiring—he’s got a real passion for helping others win. He saw my blindspots when I couldn’t, and partnering with him shifted my whole perspective. The Icon team’s hustle is unreal—they’re plugged in and get deals across the finish line. I felt understood every step of the way.

    Joe K., Service Industry Founder
  • Linda P., Retail Business Owner

    Daniel’s a deal-making natural with a big heart for the community. He’s got this knack for figuring out your business and filling in the blanks—brilliant stuff. Working with Icon lifted me up in ways I didn’t expect. His team’s connections are unmatched—they know how to make things happen fast.

    Linda P., Retail Business Owner
  • Mike R., Real Estate Developer

    Daniel’s the kind of guy who gets you—authentic to the core. His leadership gave me the push I needed to rethink everything, and I’m better for it. Drew, Chelsea, and the Icon crew are wired into the right networks—they close deals like it’s second nature. Plus, they totally understood my struggles as a founder. Great people.

    Mike R., Real Estate Developer
  • Sarah T., Tech Entrepreneur

    Daniel Askew’s empathy and foresight are unreal—he’s always thinking ahead. He genuinely cares about people, and it shines through every step. Working with him transformed my business and honestly turned my life around. The Icon team knows everyone—deals just happen with them. They saw what I couldn’t and made it actionable—game-changer!

    Sarah T., Tech Entrepreneur

Meet Our Founder, Daniel Askew.

 

With a business career spanning over two decades, Daniel personally understands what it’s like as a CEO to feel stuck and not know your options when buying or selling a business. Recognizing the need for a higher level of service during significant business transitions, he started Icon Business Advisors to bring a fresh perspective and modern approach to an often outdated M&A industry.

Daniel has navigated dozens of entrepreneurial journeys, from condiments and landscaping to real estate and more. He’s honed his business, sales, marketing, and leadership expertise not in the lecture hall, but from the real-world grind of doing it himself. This uniquely positions Daniel to serve his M&A advisory clients as a peer, with empathy, a proven track record, and seasoned know-how.

Daniel lives in Nashville, TN with his wife Rachel and two sons, Charlie and Payton. Though he lives and breathes entrepreneurship, Daniel also enjoys traveling the world, eating good BBQ, and giving back to his community.

Our Business Associations

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