Proteus Acquisition Boosts Resourcive Cybersecurity Consulting Practice

New York-based technology advisor Resourcive is buying consulting firm Proteus Advisors. It’s a move that increases Resourcive’s cybersecurity expertise.

Resourcive says the acquisition will create a new cybersecurity module within the company. Proteus founder Adrian Tilston will lead the practice. Resourcive didn’t say how much it’s paying for Proteus. The deal brings together a company in Proteus that has dabbled in the technology advisory (agent) space and a company in Resourcive that has dabbled in cybersecurity consulting.

Resourcive’s Kyle Hall

“We’ve been chipping away at cybersecurity practice ourselves, and I think now is the time to pour fuel on that fire,” Resourcive president Kyle Hall told Channel Futures.

Hall said Resourcive has already helped customers with solutions such as cybersecurity assessments, SOC as a service and MSSP services. However, cybersecurity comprised a less frequent component of the agency’s portfolio, Hall said. He added that a growing number of network engagements encompass security.

“Adrian will lead our cyber practice, which will be uniquely positioned to bridge the gap [among] finance, IT and procurement departments when it comes to assessing and executing on cybersecurity initiatives,” said Hall.

Proteus Advisors’ Adrian Tilston

Hall said that after meeting Tilston, he initially wanted to hire him. Tilston had advised on security solutions as a government contractor before he launched Proteus in 2021. But ultimately it made sense to bring on Proteus as a company. The consulting firm provides a range of services to its business customers, including audits/assessment, program management and roadmap creation and execution. 

The Military Connection

Hall, Tilston and their companies shared military backgrounds. Tilston graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and spent 11 years in the Army. In addition to serving in the infantry, he served for the Special Forces as a Green Beret. Hall also served in the Special Forces.

“As a fellow former Green Beret, Adrian will bring the ‘By, With and Through’ mentality to ensuring security vendors are utilized by our clients to drive maximum value from those services,” Hall told Channel Futures.

Moreover, Proteus had been engaging with SkillBridge, a job training program for transitioning service member, which Resourcive had also used.

Tilston said Resourcive offers Proteus a new set of opportunities. He also pointed to the cultural fit.

“As a former Green Beret, the cultural fit between Resourcive and Proteus Advisors will allow our clients to continue to experience the unique benefits of working with special operators when tackling some of their toughest challenges,” Tilston said.

Resourcive earned platinum status from Intelisys in 2018.

Industry M&A

While many agencies have agreed to acquisitions in the last year, a great deal of attention has focused on those that sold to a private equity-owned company. But other channel partners, including Resourcive, ARG and Helm Partners, have announced deals that they regard as strategic purchases, typically to expand a particular prat of their business. Helm’s purchase of Convergent Technologies, for example, gave it a new wireless management practice.