TechExits: Recent Episodes
(WFS) World Financial Symposiums
The TechExits podcast is for Tech CEOs, founders and leaders in software and IT. On this podcast we’ll discuss best practices around Tech M&A major trends and shifts driving the market; and the trials, tribulations, and victories of those who have successfully exited their tech companies.
Guest speakers include CEOs who’ve sold, Tech M&A experts and advisors, buyers and investors, and tech luminaries.
TechExits is produced by the WFS: World Financial Symposiums. World Financial Symposiums is an international organization dedicated to educating technology leaders on the current tech and financial landscape, helping them build strategies for growth and eventual exit.
The WFS is sponsored by Corum Group, the Global Leader in Tech M&A. With the most senior dealmakers leading the most successful tech M&A process in history, Corum has sold more software and related technology companies than anyone.
What does it take to attract global investors in Latin America's rapidly evolving tech ecosystem?
In this special TechExits Podcast episode, we bring you the Investors Panel from Growth & Exit Strategies: LATAM Tech, originally broadcast on March 18, 2026.
Five leading venture capital investors discuss what they're looking for in founders, where they're deploying capital across Latin America, and how entrepreneurs can build companies that are attractive to both investors and future acquirers.
The discussion covers fundraising strategy, AI, capital efficiency, venture capital versus M&A, and the common mistakes founders make when preparing for growth.
Panelists
• Alejandro Diez Barroso, Managing Partner | DILA Capital
• Jorge González Gasque, Managing Partner | G2 Momentum Capital
• Rodolfo Elias Dieck, Managing Partner | Proeza Ventures
• Felipe Camposano, Managing Partner | Taram Capital
• Rodrigo Baer, Co-Founder & Managing Partner | 14B Venture Capital
Moderator
Michael Stinson, Senior Vice President | Corum Group
Key Takeaways
• Why global investors continue to see opportunity across Latin America
• What separates fundable founders from the rest
• Common fundraising mistakes that dilute long-term value
• When venture capital makes sense and when M&A may be the better path
Michael Magliochetti | Operating Partner | Riverside Partners
What separates companies that command premium valuations from those that struggle to close a deal?
In this Buyers Corner episode, Michael Magliochetti, Operating Partner at Riverside Partners, shares insights from decades of leading healthcare companies, completing acquisitions, and helping businesses grow through strategic investment.
Drawing on experience from both sides of the table, Mike explains what buyers evaluate beyond financial performance, why culture and leadership matter during diligence, and how founders can position their companies years before an exit.
He also discusses the realities of integration, common mistakes sellers make during a transaction, and why experienced advisors often make the difference between a good outcome and a great one.
📖 Interested in learning more from Mike? His leadership book, Dancing Between the Toes of Elephants, explores lessons from his career in leadership, business, and life.
Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Between-Toes-Elephants-Experience/dp/1964421136
Key takeways:
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How buyers evaluate companies beyond the financials
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Why culture and leadership influence acquisition success
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What founders should do years before an exit
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The role experienced advisors play during an M&A process
00:00 – Introduction & Mike's background
03:40 – What Riverside looks for in acquisition opportunities
11:20 – Evaluating management teams and founder readiness
21:10 – Running a successful M&A process and standing out as a buyer
35:24 – The advisors founders need and post-close integration
39:52 – Mike's advice for founders preparing for an exit
Brian Mac Mahon | Expert Dojo | Founder & Managing Partner
What does it really take to attract investment in today's market?
In this Investor's Corner episode, Brian Mac Mahon, Founder & Managing Partner of Expert Dojo, shares his unfiltered perspective on venture capital, startup growth, and why founders spend too much time chasing investors instead of customers.
Brian discusses the realities of today's fundraising environment, how he evaluates founders across a portfolio of more than 300 companies, and why execution matters more than hype—even in the AI era.
He also shares his views on venture-backed exits, secondary transactions, market liquidity, and the traits that separate exceptional founders from everyone else.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Why today's venture market is more challenging than founders realize • How investors evaluate growth and execution • Why customer traction matters more than hype or AI buzzwords • What founders should focus on to build a venture-scale business
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Expert Dojo
00:45 – Investment strategy and emerging markets
02:14 – The reality of today's venture capital market
07:58 – Building companies investors want to back
11:26 – Exits, secondaries, and liquidity trends
15:24 – What founders get wrong about investors
20:53 – AI, growth, and venture-scale businesses
23:43 – Final advice for founders
Don Penland | Operating Partner | Knox Capital
What actually happens after a deal closes—and what do buyers wish founders had done before?
In this Buyer's Corner episode, Don Penland, Operating Partner at Knox Capital, shares a hands-on view of how private equity evaluates, acquires, and then improves software businesses.
Don breaks down what makes a company attractive from an operator's lens, where founders create risk without realizing it, and what typically gets fixed immediately post-acquisition—from financial visibility to go-to-market execution.
If you're building with an exit in mind—or want to understand how buyers think beyond the pitch—this episode gives you a clear, practical view of what happens on the other side of the deal.
Key takeways:
• What private equity buyers prioritize beyond growth
• Where founders create risk before a deal
• What gets fixed in the first 90 days post-acquisition
• How to position your company for a stronger exit
00:00 – Introduction & Knox Capital's acquisition strategy
01:32 – AI trends and consolidation in the MSP market
05:51 – What makes acquisitions succeed or fail
11:16 – Building trust during the M&A process
15:45 – Common founder mistakes and deal breakers
24:33 – Post-acquisition integration challenges
27:08 – Final advice for founders planning an exit
Mark Nardone | Blue Cow Software| Former President
In this Seller's Corner episode, Mark Nardone, President of Blue Cow Software, shares the story behind building — and ultimately selling — a niche SaaS company serving the fuel and energy industry.
Mark reflects on an early acquisition attempt that nearly closed and then fell apart, what that experience taught him about valuation, buyer intent, and timing, and how focusing on recurring revenue fundamentally changed how buyers viewed the business.
He also discusses why choosing the right buyer mattered more than maximizing price, how experienced advisors helped manage friction during negotiations, and what life looks like after the transaction — including why reduced stress became the most meaningful outcome.
Key Takeaways:
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Recurring revenue significantly improves buyer perception and valuation
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Selling without experienced M&A guidance creates real risk
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Buyer fit can matter more than headline price
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The greatest post‑exit benefit is reduced stress and clarity
00:00 – Introduction and Mark Nardone's background 01:05 – Building Blue Cow Software and long‑term vision 06:12 – Preparing for the exit and navigating the sale process 10:23 – Lessons learned and post‑exit reflections
Rodolfo Elias Dieck | Managing Partner | Proeza Ventures
What does today's exit market really look like from the investor's seat?
In this Investor's Corner episode of the TechExits Podcast, Rodolfo Elias Dieck shares how venture investors think about exits in today's market—why most venture‑backed outcomes still happen through strategic M&A, how founders should prepare years in advance, and where valuation expectations often break down.
Rodolfo also discusses the growing role of secondaries, how boards and investors navigate misalignment, and what founders need to understand about building relationships with potential acquirers early.
A practical, grounded conversation for founders, operators, and investors navigating the next wave of tech exits.
Key Takeaways
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Why most venture‑backed exits still happen through M&A
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How investors help founders prepare long before a sale
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Where valuation misalignment between founders and VCs comes from
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Why secondaries matter—but aren't a silver bullet yet
00:00 – Introduction & Proeza Ventures' investment focus 01:50 – Why tech exits are picking up again 04:30 – How investors prepare founders for exits 07:05 – M&A vs IPOs and the role of secondaries 09:10 – Inbound interest vs running a formal M&A process 12:45 – What buyers value that founders often overlook 19:20 – Will the exit wave continue? Advice for founders
Sharon Van Zeeland | Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development | Rockwell Automation
What do strategic buyers actually look for before they make an acquisition?
In this Buyer's Corner episode of the TechExits Podcast, Sharon Van Zeeland shares how Rockwell Automation approaches M&A—from target identification and diligence through integration and value creation. Sharon explains what founders often misunderstand about buyer priorities, why profitability and focus matter more than ever, and how transparency can make or break a deal.
A must-listen for tech CEOs who want to understand how strategic acquirers think—and how to position their company accordingly.
Key takeways:
• What strategic buyers value beyond revenue • How corporates assess product fit and risk • Why transparency speeds up M&A deals • How founders can prepare to be acquisition-ready
00:00 – Introduction & Sharon's background
01:00 – Rockwell's acquisition strategy
02:50 – What makes a company attractive to buyers
04:30 – Product and technology diligence
07:30 – Common red flags founders underestimate
09:15 – How deals get delayed or derailed
10:20 – Post-close integration realities
11:25 – Advice for founders planning an exit
13:10 – Closing thoughts
What are investors actually looking for in the AI Era for tech companies right now?
In this special TechExits Podcast episode, we bring you the Investors Panel from Growth & Exit Strategies: Scaling & Selling in the AI Era, recorded live on November 6.
Leading venture, growth, and private equity investors share how AI is reshaping investment decisions, valuations, and exit strategies—and what founders should understand as they scale, raise capital, or prepare for M&A.
The discussion covers:
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What gets funded in today's AI-driven market
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How AI impacts diligence, scalability, and valuation
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When founders should raise capital vs. prepare for exit
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What investors believe founders consistently underestimate
Panelists: Brian Mac Mahon, Founder & Managing Partner | Expert DOJO Tanya Marvin-Horowitz, Partner | Butterfly Ventures Gabriela Smith, Co-Founder | LatAmplify Ventures Steve Schlenker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner | DN Capital Tara Zahiri, Vice President | Mainsail Partners
Moderator: Nihat Arkan, Senior Vice President | Corum Group
00:00 – Introduction & panel overview 02:10 – Investor perspectives: what they fund and where 08:45 – How AI is changing investment theses 17:00 – Where AI actually creates value (data, efficiency, moats) 25:00 – Real AI investments: examples and lessons learned 42:00 – Generative AI, margins, and sustainable business models 55:00 – Exit timing, IPO vs M&A, and founder advice
Robin Fisk | Donorfy | Co-Founder & Former CEO
In this Seller's Corner episode, Robin Fisk shares what it really takes to sell a SaaS company you've spent a decade building. As a two-time founder and former CEO of Donorfy—a bootstrapped CRM serving more than 1,000 charities & nonprofits—Robin offers a candid look at designing a company with an exit in mind, managing the reality of due diligence, and handling the emotional side of letting go.
He reflects on what worked, what he'd do differently, and how he approached the deal after the first buyer walked away. Whether you're thinking about selling in a year or in ten, Robin brings clarity to the decisions founders face on the road to a successful exit.
A candid, practical conversation for any founder preparing for life after their exit.
00:00 – Introduction & Donorfy's background 02:00 – Building a SaaS company with an exit in mind 04:10 – Why and when to pursue an M&A exit 07:30 – Choosing the right advisor and buyer 11:00 – Managing secrecy, due diligence, and a false start 16:40 – Non‑negotiables and finding the right strategic buyer 23:30 – Lessons learned and life after the exit
Jenny Abramson | Rethink Impact | Founder & Managing Partner
Jenny Abramson, Founder & Managing Partner at Rethink Impact — the largest U.S.-based VC firm investing in female CEOs using tech to solve the world's biggest problems — joins us for an inspiring Investor's Corner conversation.
She discusses how impact and performance go hand in hand, why now is a defining moment for female founders, and how Rethink Impact identifies companies where social good and business growth scale together. Jenny also shares her take on the current wave of tech exits, lessons from supporting mission-driven founders, and what sectors she's most excited about in 2026 — from women's health to sustainability.
A must-listen for founders and investors who believe doing good and doing well can — and should — coexist.
00:00 – Introduction & Rethink Impact's investment focus 01:25 – Rethink Impact's thesis and example portfolio companies 03:45 – Why tech exits are rising again 05:45 – M&A vs IPOs and today's exit landscape 06:50 – How VCs help founders build exit optionality 09:20 – Impact investing and M&A outcomes 12:10 – Valuation alignment and board dynamics 14:20 – Sectors and technologies shaping the future 17:50 – Final advice for founders planning ahead
Ibrahim Abdel Rahim | Managing Partner | Moonbase Capital
What drives a successful acquisition strategy from the buyer’s seat?
In this episode, we sit down with Ibrahim Abdel Rahim to explore how disciplined acquisition strategies fuel long-term growth. Ibrahim shares his approach to identifying the right opportunities, balancing financial considerations with strategic fit, and navigating the challenges of integration.
He highlights the role of trust, preparation, and clear communication in building lasting relationships with sellers. Ibrahim also offers practical advice for founders—what buyers really look for, how to position a company for acquisition, and the pitfalls to avoid during negotiations.
Gain firsthand insight into the mindset of an active buyer and learn what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive M&A landscape.
Daniel Ibri | Mindset Ventures | Co-Founder & Managing Partner
We’re kicking off the very first Investor’s Corner episode of the TechExits Podcast with Daniel Ibri, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Mindset Ventures.
Daniel shares his view on the surge in venture-backed tech exits, how today’s M&A market compares to past cycles, and the role VCs play in guiding founders through the exit process. He also talks about where most exits are happening—M&A, IPOs, or secondaries—and which sectors excite him most right now.
This debut Investor’s Corner is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and investors who want to understand tech M&A through the eyes of a leading VC.
Scot Cocanour | Promium | Founder & CEO
What’s it like to sell a business after nearly a quarter-century of innovation, leadership, and growth?
In this episode, we speak with Scot Cocanour, founder and CEO of Promium, a specialized software company serving environmental labs. Scot reflects on the decision to sell after 24 years, navigating the M&A process while balancing the needs of his employees, customers, and shareholders.
He discusses the smooth, eight-month journey that exceeded expectations, the importance of timing, and the emotional and strategic elements of letting go. Scot also shares the surprising personal rewards of the sale—including keeping a promise to his wife, traveling, coaching, and even starting a new venture.
This episode is full of grounded wisdom for tech CEOs looking to exit on their own terms—without dropping the ball.
In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:
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What do tech investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities?
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What is the impact of AI on investment strategies?
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When should entrepreneurs seek investment versus considering an M&A exit?
This discussion took place during the WFS Flagship Conference, Growth & Exit Strategies: HealthTech on April 3rd, 2025.
The panel lineup includes:
David Gardner, Founding Partner, Cofounders Capital
Daniel O’Mahony, Partner, Seroba Life Sciences
Robbi Allen, General Partner, Triangle Tweener Fund
Moderating this panel is David Levine, Regional Managing Director of the Corum Group.
What does it really take to sell a specialized, high-performing company—and survive the emotional rollercoaster along the way?
In this episode, we sit down with James Fair, co-founder of Vetasi, to discuss his firsthand experience navigating the M&A process. With no urgent motivation to sell, James still saw the value in preparing for the future and ultimately chose to pursue an acquisition.
He reflects on what made Vetasi attractive to buyers, the challenge of maintaining company operations while managing the demands of due diligence, and the critical role of trust and communication with internal teams.
James also shares the surprises, missteps, and hard-earned lessons from the deal, offering candid advice for founders considering their own exits. You’ll hear why emotional resilience matters, how preparation can make or break a sale, and what life looks like on the other side of the table.
Steve Wargalla | QStrat | Managing Director
What’s the difference between going it alone and having a team of experts behind your M&A process?
Join us as we speak with Steve Wargalla, who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company, QStrat—a provider of quoting and sourcing software for manufacturers and distributors.
In this episode, Steve reflects on his journey from a first, unstructured exit to a second, highly organized sale with Corum. He shares the lessons learned, the value of working with experienced dealmakers, and why he believes most software CEOs don’t fully understand the M&A process—until they’ve been through it.
You’ll hear about the importance of preparation, the impact of a structured approach, and what life looks like after stepping away from the business.
In this episode of Points of View, we sit down with Mary Joyce, a serial entrepreneur turned M&A advisor at Corum Group, whose career spans decades of innovation across industries including automotive, medical, aerospace, and AI.
Mary shares how selling her own company without an advisor became a defining moment—one that fueled her transition into tech M&A. With 14 U.S. patents to her name and a deep background in SaaS and embedded systems, she brings a unique perspective to the dealmaking process.
Tune in as we explore what Mary learned from exiting as a founder, how she now guides others through the emotional and strategic complexities of M&A, and why timing, preparation, and the right advisor can make all the difference.
Whether you're a founder, buyer, or fellow dealmaker, this is a rare look into the mind of someone who’s been on both sides of the table.
In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:
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What motivates entrepreneurs to sell their companies, and how do they navigate the M&A process?
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What challenges do women founders face in securing funding and achieving successful exits?
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How can entrepreneurs balance running a business while preparing for an acquisition?
The panel features women tech entrepreneurs who have successfully exited their companies, sharing their experiences on due diligence, buyer negotiations, and life after the deal. They also discuss the unique hurdles women face in M&A, the role of advisors in achieving the best outcome, and the lessons they learned along the way.
The panel lineup includes:
Courtney Caldwell, MBA – CoFounder & CEO at Shearshare Aušra Čiuplienė Ciupliene – CEO / Board Member at Viena sąskaita Dr. Suhayya (Sue) Abu-Hakima – Co-Founder, President/CEO at Alstari
Moderating this panel is WFS Director Ana Conejo.
In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:
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What do tech investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities?
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What is the impact of AI on investment strategies?
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When should entrepreneurs seek investment versus considering an M&A exit?
This discussion took place during the WFS Flagship Conference, Growth & Exit Strategies: European Tech on October 30th 2024.
The panel lineup includes:
Rocio Pillado, Partner, Adara Ventures
Merve Zabci, General Partner, Logo Ventures
Ashim Egunjobi, Managing Partner, Octerra Capital
Julia Padberg, Partner, SET Ventures
Moderating this panel is Joel Cymberg, Senior Vice President of the Corum Group.
What does it take to successfully acquire and integrate companies in a competitive market?
Join us as we speak with Jean Royer from Levio, a digital-native business and IT consulting firm with a focus on digital transformation across sectors like banking, technology, government, and telecom.
In this episode, Jean shares insights into Levio's acquisition strategy, including how they evaluate potential targets, manage integration challenges, and build trust with sellers. He discusses the importance of cultural alignment, transparency, and preparation in creating successful partnerships and offers practical advice for founders preparing their companies for acquisition.
Discover the key ingredients for a smooth acquisition process and how Levio positions itself as an ideal partner for growth-focused businesses.
How do you balance business operations with the complexities of an M&A process?
Join us as we speak to Dan Goerdt, who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company, Flexagon. Flexagon is the creator of FlexDeploy, a comprehensive DevOps platform designed to accelerate software delivery, improve quality, and manage costs and risks.
In this episode, Dan shares his journey of scaling Flexagon from a bootstrapped startup to a company ready for acquisition. He discusses the challenges of managing an M&A process while maintaining business performance, his focus on finding the right fit for his company’s values and team, and the importance of education and preparation in navigating the M&A landscape.
In this special edition of Tech Exits we will attempt to answer the questions:
What are tech buyers looking for in today’s market?
Are buyers only looking for companies that have already integrated sophisticated AI in their business models?
And how can you build relationships to capture maximum value?
This panel originally took place during the WFS Flagship Conference, Growth & Exit Strategies: The AI Shockwave! on July 18th, 2024.
The panel lineup includes:
Krista Young, Managing Director, Corporate Development, Accenture Ksenia Desautels, Senior Manager, Corporate Development, Akamai Technologies Satish A. Raman, Chief Strategy Officer, Fractal Udo Waibel, Managing Director, Technology and Product Development, The Riverside Company
Moderating this panel is Rob Griggs, President of the Corum Group.
How do you recognize when it’s the right time to sell?
Join us as we speak to Barry Larson, who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company Trusty Ox Systems, a B2B SaaS business focused on employee safety monitoring solutions.
You’ll hear his insights on the M&A process, his motivation to sell during market consolidation, and how the experience of working with Corum helped broaden his view of potential buyers. Learn how Barry balanced the demands of running his company with the complexities of the sale, and what life looks like for him after stepping away from the business.
How do you respond when you are bombarded with offers?
Join us as we speak to Brian Sweat who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company Alterity.
You’ll hear his insights on the M&A process, how to separate the best M&A opportunities from the noise, his commitment to finding the right fit for both himself and his employees, and how the sale has allowed him to focus on what he loves most in the business.
This episode features Ashley Moore who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company “Spatialist”, a developer of geographic information systems for the US tax assessment market.
Get his advice for living the life you want today.
Join us as we talk with Ashley Moore, former CEO of Spatialest, about his tech exit.
Conceived as a university project, Ashley shares more about Spatialest and his journey as company CEO leading the M&A transaction in 2023, with Corum Group as M&A advisors. Plus, how’s life looking after the deal and advice to other tech entrepreneurs.
What are the drivers to explore M&A opportunities in the SaaS market? Listen to to learn more.
This episode features Andrew McConnell who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company “Rented”.
Rented provided a premium vacation rental management software-as-a-service. Andrew is a writer and event speaker as well as a CEO and founder. Listen in to hear how he balanced launching his book, “Get Out Of My Head”, at the same time he was selling Rented.
Get his advice for living the life you want today. Plus learn about his new health span initiative “Alively”, all on this episode of Tech Exits.
When the first M&A deal fell through for cybersecurity solutions provider CBI, former president and CEO Steve Barone bounced back with new learnings and a refined vision of his ideal buyer. After an optimal outcome, Steve is traveling the world with his family and shaking things up in the cocktail bar industry.
Listen in for Steve’s take on what you need to succeed in your tech exit, with first-hand advice on how to recover from a failed deal.
Join us as we talk with Dwayne Miller, cofounder and former CEO of UNIFI Labs, about his tech exit. Though he had sold a traditional service business before, when it was time to get the highest valuation for his SaaS company’s strategic value, he turned to the tech M&A experts at the Corum Group.
Dwayne’s personal experiences and insight detail how selling a SaaS company requires expertise different from traditional service M&A. Listen in to learn more.
Rob Wellman has had four successful exits. While all were good, Rob says that if he could do them again, he would do them all with the help of WFS’s platinum sponsor, the Corum Group.
Join us as we catch up with Rob at Corum’s Celebration Event in Loreto to commemorate his most recent sale, the social media management company Social5. Get his advice on when to start your M&A process and discover how selling your company is a lot like finding a partner at a high school dance.
We climbed about the luxury yacht Kayana to interview two former CEOs, Scott McCreadie of McCreadie Group and Shawn Weir of iConstruct. The two were commemorating their successful tech exits with our platinum sponsor Corum Group in Loreto Bay, Mexico.
Scott shares tips on timing the market (hint: don’t wait!). And Shawn details how the integration process after his sale created new opportunities for his team.
Listen to Scott and Shawn’s advice for exiting CEOs, and we might see you at Corum’s next Celebration Event.
In this episode of TechExits, we follow up with Jim Falkanger, who sold two businesses, EleVia Software and Central Consulting Group with the WFS platinum sponsor, Corum Group. Hear what this former CEO and board member thinks everyone should know about stepping into retirement after selling your business.
In this episode of Tech Exits, we speak with Aaron Blackman, founder and former CEO of Retail Express, about his transformative journey from pioneering in SaaS to selling his enterprise in 2021. Post-sale, Aaron took on the COO role with Maropost and embarked on a whirlwind of integration and leadership across continents. He delves into vital entrepreneurial lessons from his "startup playbook" and emphasizes the significance of taking breaks. Aaron highlights gratitude from his team post-exit and his sabbatical plans centered on personal well-being and investment strategies.
In this episode of Tech Exits, we sit down with Luc Pettett, former CEO of punters.com.au. We journey with him from his post-sale adventures, delving into his pivot into the world of AI-powered investing with Telescope. Luc sheds light on how Telescope is revolutionizing the investment landscape, turning global trends and events into actionable investment opportunities with the aid of AI. From the breakout success of their consumer app, Potato, to offering B2B solutions that provide hyperpersonalized investment themes, Luc paints a picture of the future of finance. Amidst these tech tales, he also reminisces about cherished family moments in Tahiti. Throughout our conversation, Luc shares invaluable insights for exiting CEOs on the nuances of the M&A process and the profound transformation that follows a business sale.
On this episode, we’re speaking with Ken Neeld about going through the successful acquisition of Delphi Display Systems by Toast. The integration of Delphi into Toast’s platform will deepen the support for customers who operate a drive-thru service model.
Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.
The goal of our discussion is to provide practical insight and advice on how CEOs and Founders can execute a better Tech M&A transaction from the perspective of a potential acquirer, who may in-fact be partnering with them in the future.
Hear from Ksenia Desautels (Akami), Todd Crick (Astra Capital Management) and Jay Hoffman (Volaris Group). The moderator is Serge Jonnaert, Senior Vice President, Corum Group.
This was recorded during our May 2023 GXS conference. For more content, check out WFS.com.
Exit planning is an essential part of an ongoing business strategy, and not being prepared with anticipation could prevent you from obtaining the highest value for your company. Get the best advice from CEOs who have sold!
Hear from Ken Neeld (Delphi Display Systems), Tara Akhavan (Faurecia IRYStec), and Betina Nygaard (ScanMarket). The moderator is Daniel Rudich, Senior Vice President, Corum Group.
This was recorded during our May 2023 GXS conference. For more content, check out WFS.com.
Your business is your single largest asset, and by having investors on board, you not only get funded, but you also add their experience and skills to your business. Will your strategy get funded?
Hear from Alexandra Nicoletti (Camber Creek), Roland Dennert (Cipio Partners), Kelly Ford (Edison Partners), Risto Rautakorpi (Gorilla Capital), and James Shen (Pioneer Ventures). The moderator is Jeffrey Bunting, Senior Vice President, Corum Group.
This was recorded during our May 2023 GXS conference. For more content, check out WFS.com.
On this episode, we’re speaking with Ujwal Arkalgud about going through the successful acquisition of MotivBase by Lux Research. The combination of Lux Research and MotivBase unites emerging technology and research with conversation-based insights to help leaders make the right innovation strategy decisions.
Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.
On this episode, we’re speaking with Rob Wellman about going through the successful acquisition of Social5 by Pluribus Technologies. Founded in 2012, Social5 is profitable technology company that utilizes leading-edge software and content to enable small-to-medium-sized businesses ("SMB's") to effectively manage their social media footprint.
Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.
On this episode, we’re speaking with Andreas Ulrich, CTO and Co-founder of Planfocus on their acquisition by Sesami.
Founded in 2004 and based in Munich, Germany, planfocus’ leading cash optimization software solutions help reduce logistics spending and cash holding costs, while improving availabilities and service levels for clients. Its technology empowers financial institutions and consumer businesses worldwide in driving up process optimization and bringing tangible cost and service efficiencies throughout their cash ecosystem.
Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.
We speak with Carson Conant, CEO & Founder at Mediafly, about their acquisition strategy. Including identifying key leadership, structuring deals, and how to retain top talent. Mediafly has averaged around one acquisition a year since 2018 and with two already finished for 2022.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We speak with Carson Conant, CEO & Founder at Mediafly, about their acquisition strategy. Including identifying key leadership, structuring deals, and how to retain top talent. Mediafly has averaged around one acquisition a year since 2018 and with two already finished for 2022.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Tech Investment and M&A in a Virtual World. Hear from Jon Koplin (Cisco), Scott Saklad (Everfield Software), Entienne Robequain (Irdi Soridec Gestion), Karl Michael Popp (SAP), Francois Rabaey (Synamedia), and Jesper Ulsted (Volaris Group).
The goal of our discussion is to provide practical insight and advice on how CEOs and Founders can execute a better Tech M&A transaction from the perspective of a potential acquirer, who may in-fact be partnering with them in the future.
For more content, check out WFS.com.
Hear from CEO's who have successfully completed a software transaction! In this sellers panel we are listening to Richard Gubbins (Azpiral), Patrick Löffler (givve), Erik Pfannmöller (Solvemate Gmbh, and Alain Durand (Synamedia). The moderator is Joel Cymberg Vice President, Corum Group Ltd.
Exit planning is an essential part of an ongoing business strategy, not being prepared with anticipation, could prevent you from obtaining the highest value for your company.
For more content, check out WFS.com.
On this episode, we’re speaking with Poya Farighi about going through the successful acquisition of Vitay by Surewift Capital. Vitay came to fruition in 2018 when he wanted to marry what he learned in the Recruitment industry with his interest in technology. With Poya’s background in sales, Vitay quickly became a major player in both the Canadian and U.S recruitment and staffing industries.
Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.
We speak to Ryen Leayva on the trials and tribulations when selling his family business, Infinity Software, to Aquila, a division of Constellation software.
We talk to Daniel Rudich about his 20-year history of leading & building various telecom and mobility software companies. He successfully founded Anomalous Networks, a supplier of Real-Time Telecom Expense Management solutions, grew it to more than 400 enterprise customers, took it through several rounds of both angel and VC funding, and sold it to IT company Tangoe. Daniel is now a VP at the Corum Group, the world’s leader in Tech M&A for the lower to middle market. Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We talk to Corum Senior VP Mark Blundell about his 25 year career building software companies, his entry into the M&A world and experiences in it, and what his advice is for others thinking about going through a tech M&A. Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Investors Panel: Will your strategy get funded?
Moderator: Alden Mendoza, Associate Vice President | Corum Group
- Ricardo Granja Vázquez, Managing Partner | Alacrity Mexico
- Jorge González Gasque, Managing Partner | G2 Momentum Capital (Mexico City)
- Viviane Radiuk, VC Investor | Invest Tech
- Esteban Guarneros, M&A Manager | Prisma IC
- Rodolfo Elias Dieck, Managing Director | Proeza Ventures
- Gustavo Murillo, Partner | Zulu Capital
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We talk to Richard Holcomb about how he created his first software company at the age of 24 and formed a unique business partnership with Microsoft that's still discussed today. Holcomb also details the importance of being prepared to take advantage of the luck that could come your way.
Today, Holcomb is a leading tech M&A advisor and sits on the board of nearly 30 public/private companies.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Martin Hjerpe, Vice President of Acquisitions at Epiroc, a Swedish mining and construction firm shares about how he searches for acquisition targets in construction and mining technology. Plus, Hjerpe shares what a brighter, safer, and more automated future of mining looks like from a global perspective.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
John Kinnaman, Managing Director in Accenture’s High Tech Strategy practice leading M&A efforts in North America, shares his views on what is happening in tech M&A that’s getting him excited for the future and what Accenture sees will be making a difference.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Gaming expert and Corum Group Vice President Randy Breen talks about how he got introduced to game design and production, his experience developing major titles at EA and LucasArts, and his thoughts on how blockchain technology will impact the future of gaming.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Former navy pilot and TOPGUN trainer turned tech entrepreneur, Patrick Laney of Performance Drone Works (PDW) talks about his successful tech exits, life after the deal with integration, and how it led to his current company—using drones to keep people out of danger in combat environments.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
insightsoftware CEO, Jim Triandiflou talks about the key feature his group always looks for when finding a potential acquisition targets, dealbreakers that stop deals in their tracks, plus how a seller’s market impacts the decisions buyers make.
To read more about the insightsoftware acquisition of BizView systems, check out: https://www.corumgroup.com/transactions/insightsoftware-bizview-systems
Banker turned serial tech entrepreneur Domenico Crapanzano, shares how his experiences selling Fing, a network monitoring tool for IoT technology and how he had to focus a wealth of information and widespread R&D to get the company ready for Tech M&A.
Crapanzano also shares how a bidding process with an advisor helped bidders take him more seriously throughout the process.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Founder and former CEO/Chief Strategy Officer at NTP, Bruce Backa, talks about how logical thinking and math were driving factors for the selling of his company. And, why the best tech in the world won’t help you if the market passes you by.
Plus, Bruce shares the single best advice he can share with others as a successful tech CEO and business advisor.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Michael Bor, co-founder and CEO of Carlotz and Matthew Ehrlichman, CEO, Chairman and founder of Porch discuss their successful experiences with Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), why they're trendy today, and how to prepare if you're thinking about going the SPAC route.
To see this in its full webcast form, visit corumgroup.com/resource-center
Tech entrepreneur and former two-time mayor Michael Egelston talks about the transformation of the real estate market with the help of SenEarthCo's software services and how's realistic, objective market observation is critical in a successful exit.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Guest Richard Staveley, CEO of ip.access (A Mavenir Company) and current SVP at Mavenir, talks about how his company shaped the future of wireless technology and how going with the right Tech M&A advisor made all the difference in the process.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Tony Pappas of ExakTime shares how a home improvement project led to a chance meeting of a partner who, with Tony, would go on to develop an essential time management tool for the blue-collar industry, later resulting in a successful exit. We discuss why they eventually sold the company, how he knew he found the right buyers (strategics vs. PEs), and how an at-home chicken coop is helping him prepare for his next venture.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Tech M&A leaders discuss their unique experiences and difficulties as well as how mentorships helped them overcome their challenges to get to a successful exit.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Moe Arnaiz and Mathieu Gulimineau discuss the successful sale of eMobus and how going through that process helped them navigate their new venture, Weeldi.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Forty-year HealthTech veteran, Teresa Chase shares her instrumental role in the successful sale of American Health Tech and what is was like navigating her way through 20 interested buyers.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Tech M&A is a journey and this past year we had a blast sharing those journeys with you!
In this special edition of Seller’s Corner, we complied the best advice from CEOs we've interviewed in 2020. Grab a note pad, sit back and enjoy!
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Corum Senior Vice President Martin Lowrie, former fighter pilot turned tech entrepreneur, shares the trials and tribulations he went through during his tech M&A experience.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Jeff Bunting, VP at Corum Group, leads a discussion with investors centered around which strategies get funded and which get forgotten. Guests include speakers from Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, UCI Law, Expert DOJO, OPN, and Dreamers VC.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
On this Seller’s Corner we welcome our first Woman CEO to the podcast! We are excited to chat with Constance Anderson who went from living on a cattle ranch to starting her own company, MemberXP. Constance, in pursuit of life balance sold her company to CU Solutions Group in 2019. In this episode she shares her experiences and life lessons of Tech M&A.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
On this episode of TechExits, Rob Griggs, CEO and Co-founder of NetRadio--one of the earliest audio streaming platforms online--shares the hard lessons he learned while selling his company to Navarre Corp.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Eight-time CEO, Paul Schaut shares about his business "battle wounds" and how the scar tissue helped with the successful sale of Modiv Media.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Thirty-year veteran tech CEO, Allan Wilson shares his first tech M&A experience: why it was a nightmare; what he learned; and how he went on to successful exits from lessons learned.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Altvia CEO and Founder, Kevin Kelly speaks to us about what he learned, what was surprising, as well as what he did for his employees and community after his tech M&A transaction.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We speak with Dr. Ivan Ruzic about his first-time journey through the tech M&A process, which only took two months! He shares what he learned, the landmines he faced, and what he would do differently if he could go back in time.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We speak with Jay Fiske, co-founder and president of MaestroSoft, Inc. about his journey in tech M&A and how persistence and going with the right team helped him get the outcome he wanted.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Corum Chairman, Jon Scott shares his tech M&A stories as a serial entrepreneur and what mistake he avoided that almost cost him the entire deal.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Andy Hill, CEO and co-founder of Oniqua shares his Tech M&A journey on how he took his personal project and grew it to a business he later sold to IBM.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We talk to Corum Group SVP Ivan Ruzic and CEO of AML Partners, LLC Frank Cummings about how businesses are shifting and growing in FinTech and regulations technology even during the pandemic, what clients are asking for right now, and more.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Guests Bill Hennessey, M.D., Founder and CEO of Pratter, Dana Allison, CEO of IMYourDoc, and Vice President of Corum Group, Jeff Bunting chat about what's happening in health tech now and what to expect going forward.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Executive Vice President of Corum Group, Daniel Bernstein leads a discussion with recent c-level executives who've made successful exits covering topics like:
- Preparations for a successful exit;
- Juggling personal and work like during M&A
- Selling to an international buyer;
- What it's like to consolidate a team post acquisition;
- What life is like for CEOs after exits; and more.
Panelists:
- Joel Abramson, Fully Managed
- Kahly Berg, Rational
- Rob MacNaughton, NurseGrid
- Kerri McConnell, Datalight
- Xuchen Yao, KITT.AI
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategies at Corum Group, Timothy Goddard hosts a roundtable discussion with buyers in tech M&A covering topics like: Product market fit; Positioning plans for 2021; Is there a good time to sell?; Benefits of always considering an exits; And, starting the dialogue early in tech M&A.
Panelists:
- Peter Coffee, Salesforce
- David Dandel, Pike Street Capital
- Kunju Mehta, Microsoft
- Brett Simon, F5 Networks
- Ryan Sudeck, Redfin
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
Executive Director of Client Services at Corum Group, Joel Espelien hosts a discussion with some of the biggest investors today covering the topics on everyone's minds.
What does it really mean when investors say they are, "open for business?" What are they looking for with companies. And, what are they looking for in CEOs.
Panelists:
- Vladimir Besprozvany, Greater Sum Ventures
- Gillian Muessig, Outlines Venture Group
- James Newell, Voyager Capital
- Tim Porter, Madrona Venture Group
- Vani Rao, Lighter Capital
- Stacy Tatem, Women in Cloud
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We talk to Executive Vice President of Corum Group, Tim Goddard about how the annual top tech trends came to be and why it matters in tech M&A.
Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.
We talk to tech M&A experts Bruce Milne and Jon Scott about what CEOs of tech companies should be doing during the economic downturn--when to sell and when to wait.
Check out other podcasts, webcasts, and videos at http://www.wfs.com.