M2 Ventures' business consulting solves a defined problem in a growing company, from strategy and sales to finance, compliance and brand. Every project is scoped in writing, with milestones, deliverables and a clear finish. A senior team delivers it, under a founder who has built and run companies himself.
Who is it for?
Business Consulting is for owners, CEOs and leadership teams of growing companies, roughly 20 to 250 employees. It suits founder-led, family-owned and investor-backed companies that know what needs to change. They want experienced people to design the change and help put it in place. Startups use the shorter formats to get senior input on one decision or plan.
When does it fit?
- “We need a growth strategy we can actually execute.”
- “We need to build a sales channel from scratch.”
- “Our brand and marketing don't match the company we've become.”
- “We have no operating rhythm. Meetings, numbers and accountability are all ad hoc.”
- “We're preparing for a raise, an audit or a buyer, and our finances and governance aren't ready.”
- “We're entering a highly regulated market and need our compliance right the first time.”
What's included?
Every project starts with a written scope that names the problem, the deliverables, the milestones and who owns each one. These are the areas we work in.
Strategy consulting
Strategy consulting sets clear priorities and a practical plan for the next 12 to 24 months, tied to owners, budgets and review dates.
- A strategic plan and a 90-day or 12-month operating plan
- Market, competitor and customer analysis
- Decisions on where to grow, what to stop and what to fund
Sales consulting
Sales consulting builds or rebuilds the way the company finds, wins and keeps customers.
- A go-to-market or channel plan, including B2B and wholesale channels
- Sales process, pipeline stages and CRM setup
- Team structure, territories, targets and reporting
Marketing consulting
Marketing consulting turns marketing into a measurable part of the sales engine.
- A marketing plan built on the customer and the offer
- Funnel and campaign design, from first touch to booked meeting
- Measurement that ties marketing activity to pipeline
Branding consulting
Branding consulting defines what the company stands for and how it shows up.
- Positioning, messaging and tone of voice
- Brand architecture for companies with several brands or product lines
- Brand guidelines the team can actually follow
Design consulting
Design consulting applies the brand everywhere customers see it.
- Visual identity and design systems
- Packaging, sales materials and presentations
- Website and digital experience direction
Operations consulting
Operations consulting makes the business run on systems instead of heroics.
- An operating rhythm: monthly, quarterly and annual business reviews
- A KPI scorecard and dashboard
- SOPs, workflows and org design so the work holds up as the company grows
Finance consulting
Finance consulting gives owners numbers they can run the business on.
- Budgets, forecasts and cash planning
- Reporting packages for owners, boards and investors
- Unit economics and pricing analysis
Risk & Compliance consulting
Risk and compliance consulting identifies what could go wrong and builds the controls to prevent it, including for companies in highly regulated industries.
- Risk assessment and a prioritized risk register
- Compliance programs, policies and recordkeeping
- Readiness for licensing, inspections and audits
Corporate Governance consulting
Corporate governance consulting sets up the structures that let owners, boards and investors make decisions well.
- Board structure, committees and meeting cadence
- Decision rights and approval policies
- Board and investor reporting
Technology & Digital Transformation consulting
Technology and digital transformation consulting chooses and implements the systems the business runs on.
- A technology roadmap tied to the operating plan
- CRM, ERP and reporting system selection and rollout
- Automation of manual workflows
Sustainability consulting
Sustainability consulting builds sustainable practices into how the company operates and grows.
- A sustainability strategy and priorities
- Operational changes that reduce waste and cost
- Reporting for customers, partners and investors
How long does it take, and how is it scoped?
- Strategic projects: scoped per project, with written milestones and deliverables.
- Executive Strategy Intensive: a half-day or full-day working session on one major issue, often used as a first step to scope a project.
- Performance or transaction fees: for select engagements, part of the fee can be tied to agreed results or to a transaction, by separate written agreement.
Every engagement is scoped and priced in writing after a first consultation. Prices aren't published, because no two projects carry the same scope.
Who does the work?
Every project is led by Matthew G. Martinez, Founder & CEO, or by a senior member of the M2 Ventures team under his direction. Depending on the scope, the team carries out the hands-on work, and Matthew reviews every deliverable before it reaches you. All engagements are contracted with M Squared Ventures LLC.
How does an engagement start?
- Book a consultation, or send a short note through the contact page.
- We reply within one business day.
- We meet for a free 30-minute consultation about the problem and whether we're the right fit.
- If it's a fit, we send a written scope and proposal.
Which industries do we consult in?
We work across manufacturing, the trades, business and finance, transportation, marketing and sales, agriculture and emerging industries, including highly regulated industries. See Industries.
Frequently asked questions
What does a business consulting firm do?
A business consulting firm helps a company solve a specific problem it can't solve alone. Examples include a growth strategy, a new sales channel, an operating system or a compliance program. M2 Ventures diagnoses the problem, designs the solution and helps put it in place, within a scope agreed in writing.
How is M2 Ventures different from a traditional consulting firm?
M2 Ventures is led by a founder who has built and run companies. We don't stop at the recommendation. Our senior team helps put the plan in place, and our founder reviews every deliverable.
What size of company do you work with?
We work mainly with founder-led, family-owned and investor-backed companies of roughly 20 to 250 employees, plus startups. Startups usually begin with an Executive Strategy Intensive or an advisory format.
How long does a consulting project take?
It depends on the scope. Each project has written milestones and a defined finish, agreed before work begins. A first Executive Strategy Intensive takes a half day or a full day.
Do you work with companies outside Southern California?
Yes. M2 Ventures is based in Pasadena, California, and works with companies across the United States, remotely and on site as the project needs.
What happens when the project ends?
Every project ends with the deliverables in your hands and your team able to run them: the plan, the systems, the SOPs and the reporting. If you want ongoing support, we can agree on Advisory or Business Management separately.