Strategic advisory for founders at inflection points.

We work with founders and leadership teams navigating the decisions that shape what comes next—capital strategy, positioning, and the operational clarity to move with confidence.

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Approach

Quiet structure for the work that matters most.

Most founders at a crossroads don’t need another opinion. They need someone who understands the landscape, can build the infrastructure around a decision, and stays in the background while they lead.

We bring capital markets fluency, operational experience, and the judgment to know when something needs a framework and when it needs a phone call. Our work is behind the scenes—preparing you to have the right conversations, with the right people, at the right time.

Focus Areas

Where we typically engage.

Fundraise Readiness

Positioning, materials, and pipeline strategy for founders preparing to raise capital.

Strategic Positioning

Narrative development, competitive landscape, and investor-facing story architecture.

Exit & Acquisition Planning

Acquirer mapping, data room strategy, and preparation for inbound or proactive conversations.

Operational Advisory

Capital stack analysis, financial modeling, and the blocking and tackling of getting a company ready for its next phase.

Team

Founded on experience across the table.

BlackOak Partners was founded by Liam Reilly—former investment principal and venture fund general counsel. He’s sat in the board meetings, seen how investment decisions get made from the inside, and worked directly with the founders and CEOs of fifty-plus portfolio companies.

That background—sitting on both sides of the investor-founder relationship—shapes how we work. We understand what investors are looking for, what founders are navigating, and how to close the gap between the two.

Liam Reilly

Founding Partner

Former investment principal and venture fund general counsel. Advised founders and CEOs across 50+ companies—and many more beyond the portfolio.

Contact

If there might be a fit.

We take on a limited number of engagements at a time. If you’re working through something that could benefit from a conversation, we’d welcome hearing from you.

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