Code Advisors vs Magister Advisors
Comparing two boutique M&A advisors · Last updated April 4, 2025
| Attribute | Code Advisors | Magister Advisors |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tech boutique | Tech boutique |
| HQ | San Francisco, CA | London, UK |
| Founded | 2010 | 2011 |
| Sector focus | Tech, Internet | Tech, Internet |
| Deal size | $50M-$1B | $25M-$500M |
| Senior team |
|
|
| Rating | Locked | Locked |
| Reviews | 0 verified | 0 verified |
Choosing between Code Advisors and Magister Advisors
Code Advisors and Magister Advisors both work in Tech, Internet. Founders running a sell-side process in those categories often see both names on their advisor longlist, which is why this comparison comes up. Both firms position themselves as tech boutique advisors, so the choice is less about category and more about pattern recognition, senior attention, and process fit.
Code Advisors is headquartered in San Francisco, CA and was founded in 2010, while Magister Advisors operates out of London, UK and was founded in 2011. Geography matters here: Code Advisors's San Francisco relationships and Magister Advisors's London relationships will overlap on national strategics but diverge on the regional private equity buyer set most likely to push price. On deal-size focus, Code Advisors states $50M-$1B while Magister Advisors states $25M-$500M.
For founders deciding between Code Advisors and Magister Advisors, the honest recommendation is to take a working session with each named partner before signing. Read the firm-level reviews on BankerNotes for the pattern that matters most: did the partner who pitched the mandate run the buyer calls and final negotiations, or did the work slide down the org chart by week six. That pattern, more than league-table position, is what separates a good outcome from a mediocre one.
Code Advisors is a tech boutique headquartered in San Francisco, CA and founded in 2010. The firm focuses on Tech, Internet and typically advises on transactions in the $50M-$1B range. Key dealmakers include Rich Wong (F...
Magister Advisors is a tech boutique headquartered in London, UK and founded in 2011. The firm focuses on Tech, Internet and typically advises on transactions in the $25M-$500M range. Key dealmakers include Victor Basta ...
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between Code Advisors and Magister Advisors?
- Code Advisors is a tech boutique HQ'd in San Francisco, CA (founded 2010), focused on Tech, Internet, with a typical deal range of $50M-$1B. Magister Advisors is a tech boutique HQ'd in London, UK (founded 2011), focused on Tech, Internet, with a typical deal range of $25M-$500M. Beyond those facts, the most reliable differentiator is senior banker attention, which BankerNotes reviews are designed to surface.
- Which firm has better founder reviews, Code Advisors or Magister Advisors?
- Code Advisors's current rating is Locked (reviews unlock after five verified founders submit ratings). Magister Advisors's current rating is Locked (reviews unlock after five verified founders submit ratings). Read the individual firm profiles for the full review breakdown.
- Should I shortlist both Code Advisors and Magister Advisors?
- For most founders evaluating sell-side advisors with overlapping sector and deal-size fit, putting both on a shortlist is reasonable. The point of a bake-off is to test how the senior team behaves under pressure, how the firm shapes the buyer universe, and how it handles a difficult diligence question. Treat the shortlist as an interview, not a beauty contest.
- How does BankerNotes verify reviews of Code Advisors and Magister Advisors?
- Every review is submitted by a founder who confirms they hired the firm as their sell-side advisor. We verify the reviewer privately using work email, LinkedIn, and approximate engagement timing. The verified identity is never published. Only the rating, written review, and a generic sector label appear on the public page.
Related advisor comparisons
Browse sectors covered
Last updated: April 4, 2025