In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Corum speaks with Andreas Ulrich, the founder of PlanFocus, a cash optimization software company. Andreas shares his journey from the inception of PlanFocus to its successful sale in 2022. He discusses the challenges and surprises of the M&A process, the importance of thorough documentation, and the lessons learned along the way. Andreas also reflects on his new role post-acquisition and offers advice for other CEOs considering M&A. Takeaways Andreas Ulri...
Feb 25, 2025•10 min
Financial acquirers are a dominant force in Tech M&A today. With cash to spend, aggressive deal teams and actively acquisitive portfolio companies, all technology company owners and executives must understand the role of Private Equity in today's M&A landscape. Our research team has prepared a special report on Private Equity M&A activity in 2024 and a look at the deals in the first month of 2025. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Feb 13, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Luc Pettett shares his journey from being a software engineer to founding and exiting multiple businesses, including Punters and Telescope. He discusses the importance of taking time to reflect post-exit, the challenges of navigating life after a successful sale, and the mindset shift that occurs when starting a new venture. Luc emphasizes the role of AI in finance and the significance of timing when considering an exit from a business. Takeaways Luc Pettett founded Punters and ...
Feb 04, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Jim Falkanger shares his journey through five successful company exits and his transition into retirement. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with stepping away from a CEO role, the importance of finding new passions, and how he plans to stay engaged with technology and mentoring in his new phase of life. Takeaways Jim Falkanger has successfully exited five companies. Retirement offers a chance to focus on personal interests. Transiti...
Jan 21, 2025•10 min
The Tech M&A Podcast presents insights into the 2025 market, highlighting key trends and research findings. The conversation covers the CEO's perspective on market dynamics, the top disruptive technology trends shaping the industry, and a comprehensive annual report on tech M&A activities across various sectors. This conversation delves into the latest trends and activities in mergers and acquisitions across various sectors, including financial technology, education technology, healthcare, manuf...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we speak with Ujwal Arkalgud, co-founder of MotivBase, about his journey as a first-time entrepreneur, the unique approach of his research technology company, and the challenges faced during the M&A process. Ujwal shares insights on profitability, the emotional toll of diligence, and the importance of having a supportive co-founder. He also discusses life post-acquisition and the lessons learned throughout the journey. Takeaways Bootstrapping led to profi...
Dec 17, 2024•17 min
In today's dynamic market, a new wave of buyers is emerging, particularly focused on smaller SaaS companies serving vertical markets. These buyers, including private equity firms, holding companies, and family offices, are making aggressive bids, driven by the predictability of subscription revenue. Understanding and presenting key financial metrics is crucial in M&A discussions. This month we'll discuss the key metrics for M&A success. What we'll cover in the December webcast: -Current Valuatio...
Dec 12, 2024•32 min
In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Dwayne Miller, co-founder and CEO of Unifi Labs, shares his journey of selling his company. Dwayne discusses the decision-making process behind seeking a liquidity event, the unique challenges of the SaaS landscape, and the importance of relationships in business. He reflects on the transition post-acquisition and offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating the M&A process. Takeaways Liquidity events can be a strategic choice for growth. Understa...
Dec 03, 2024•16 min
In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Andrew McConnell, co-founder and CEO of Rented, shares his journey of building a pricing optimization engine for vacation rentals and the eventual sale of the company. He discusses the market dynamics that led to the sale, the importance of having a strong team, and the mindset shifts necessary for personal growth. Andrew also emphasizes the significance of reclaiming ownership of one's thoughts and crafting a fulfilling life post-sale, including his trav...
Nov 19, 2024•13 min
In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, the Corum Group presents the November Tech M&A Report, highlighting key trends, market insights, and emotional aspects of the M&A process. The discussion includes the current state of tech acquisitions, notable deals, and the impact of recent elections on buyer sentiment. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional journey of selling a company and offers practical advice for navigating this complex process. Takeaways Selling a com...
Nov 14, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Corum speaks with Ashley Moore, former CEO of Spatialest, a GIS-based SaaS company. They discuss Ashley's journey from being a non-executive director to CEO, the challenges of operating a Northern Ireland company with US customers, and the decision to engage Corum for the M&A process. Ashley shares insights on life after selling the business, the importance of being prepared for the due diligence process, and offers advice for CEOs considering an exit str...
Nov 05, 2024•7 min•Season 1Ep. 1
What if everything seems to be going well during the M&A process and you suddenly get blindsided by a buyer who wants to retrade the deal? Don't let this happen to you! Join us on October 10 for our Tech M&A Monthly podcast to learn six essential tips for avoiding a retrade and how to respond if a buyer attempts to retrade. In this information-packed session, we'll cover: Special Report: 6 Tips for Avoiding a Retrade Learn how to protect your deal from last-minute price reductions or changed ter...
Oct 14, 2024•33 min
Sale or recapitalization? What’s right for you? A recapitalization is not a separate event outside of the M&A process. On September 12, we’ll discuss how you can simultaneously pursue the sale and recapitalization options. This approach can drive up your value. What’s in store for you in this webcast: - CEO’s Desk: Vertical Market M&A Update - Special Report: Sale or Recapitalization? What’s right for you? - September Tech M&A Report: Key deals, top buyers, trends and valuations ----------------...
Sep 13, 2024•33 min
The growing pool of buyers with the cash to invest means that we're seeing a surging number of offers. Deal structures are more complex as buyers get creative in order to compete for deals. Our August Tech M&A Monthly will review the different types of structure and why structure is more important than price in many cases. What kind of structure would you be willing to accept? Employment agreement? Stock? Only cash? In addition, we will examine last month's key deals, trends and valuations in ea...
Aug 24, 2024•31 min
The economic outlook is positive due to robust consumer spending, corporate investments, and employment figures, yet global tensions and inflation worries remain. Are there dark clouds on the horizon? What does the Tech M&A landscape look like as we head into the second half of 2024? How should technology company owners, investors, and executives be thinking about M&A? Join us on July 11 for the Tech M&A Monthly Midyear Update, a detailed analysis of the key deals, trends, and valuation metrics ...
Jul 12, 2024•33 min
Buyers are calling! As a tech company CEO, it may be flattering to know that someone is interested in buying your company, but there are certain things you should know and do before accepting any offer. This month we'll share seven tips for handling inbound offers. Join us for this informative discussion and the Corum research report on key deals, trends and valuation metrics. ------------------------------------------------- Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular podcast series for software comp...
Jun 13, 2024•29 min
Are you struggling to align your board on your M&A strategy? This month, we'll share tips on communicating the importance of calibrating the M&A market. Corum is seeing an incredible number of offers from acquirers right now. The tremendous amount of cash available for transactions is driving this. You don't want to miss this window of opportunity. Join us for this informative discussion and the Corum research report on key deals, trends and valuation metrics. -----------------------------------...
May 20, 2024•24 min
Corum's Q1 2024 Tech M&A update. Corum's research team provides a detailed analysis of all six technology sectors and 29 subsectors. Which sectors saw the highest valuations in Q1 2024? Which buyers are actively acquiring right now? Will the current pace of M&A continue through Q2? The special report for this podcast is 'The Next Chapter—Get a Life!' Selling your company is a life-changing event. Have you considered what you'd like to do in your next chapter? We'll hear insight and advice from e...
May 20, 2024•36 min
CEOs that sold in 2023—What advice do they have for founders and CEOs? Whether you’ve had an exit plan in mind from the start or you’re fielding unsolicited offers from potential acquirers, the more information you have about the M&A process, the better. This month, hear from CEOs and founders who sold their Tech companies in 2023. We’re excited to host Scot Cocanour (Promium), Brian Sweat (Alterity) and Barry Larson (TrustyOx) on our annual Sellers webcast next Thursday. -What surprised them ab...
Apr 10, 2024•46 min
Financial acquirers are a dominant force in Tech M&A today. With cash to spend, aggressive deal teams and actively acquisitive portfolio companies, all technology company owners and executives must understand the role of Private Equity in today's M&A landscape. Join us for part two of Corum's Annual Tech M&A Report; we've invited a panel of the world's leading Private Equity firms to weigh in on Corum's 2024 Top 10 Disruptive Tech Trends. Private Equity guests include: -Cheryl Strom, The Riversi...
Apr 08, 2024•41 min
Our most popular event of the year, Corum’s dealmakers and research team look back at 2023 M&A activity and ahead to the coming year. 2024 promises to eclipse the records set in 2023 deal volume and valuations. Which tech trends will drive deals in 2024? In this webcast, learn more about how you should prepare for your company’s growth and exit strategy. Our hour-long Global Tech M&A Report will include: • Insight from our luminary panel: Salesforce, Cicso, Accenture • M&A market predictions for...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Don’t miss our final Tech M&A Monthly podcast of 2023! Are you still trying to decide whether you should raise additional funds or look at M&A for growth? What if you could look at both options simultaneously? Join us on December 14 for our Tech M&A Monthly webcast for a discussion about “The Rebirth of Recapitalizations” and how this can be the perfect answer to your raise or merge deliberation. We’ll also cover: -CEO Report: Suicide Valuations -Buyers Corner: Tips for New Buyers -December Tech...
Dec 16, 2023•33 min
Tech continues to be a bright spot in M&A. The number of Tech M&A transactions at the close of Q3 2023 is ahead of last year. Which sectors are getting the highest valuations? What kinds of companies are acquirers after? Which disruptive technology trends are driving deals in your sector? Our special report this month is “Going Back to Market.” Have you tried to sell your company and it didn’t work? Wrong advisor, the buyer walked away, suboptimal offers? The M&A journey is not always a straight...
Nov 29, 2023•33 min
Beware of M&A perfection. Are you hesitating to pursue an exit because you're waiting until your company is "perfect?" Waiting until the company is the right size, the new product is launched, or your next big contract signed? In this Tech M&A Monthly webcast, we'll debunk two common myths that prevent tech CEOs from pursuing an exit and missing their window of opportunity. Webcast Agenda: - CEO Corner: Your Baby's Not Ugly! - Special Report: Beware of M&A Perfection - Buyers Corner: "Rollover E...
Sep 16, 2023•27 min
In this insightful report, dive deep into the potential and pitfalls of using generative AI, or chatbots, in tech M&A. While the advancements of AI are impressive, relying solely on them for selling your software or IT company can be a mistake. Discover the six major concerns associated with AI tech in M&A, from outdated data to security issues. Learn why human professionals still play an indispensable role in ensuring the best outcome for your business transactions. Tune in to equip yourself wi...
Sep 13, 2023•4 min
Generative AI is a rapidly advancing technology that can automate many tasks and greatly boost productivity, but also brings risks like job disruption that require thoughtful policies. Major tech firms are developing powerful models like GPT-4 that will soon exceed human abilities in many areas, so business leaders need to understand the technology's potential and pitfalls as they look to implement it in their organizations. Though generative AI's emergence has been relatively recent, its capabi...
Sep 13, 2023•36 min
Are you trying to determine whether your next step is to raise capital to fund growth and assure a sufficient runway or to look at an M&A strategy? Join us on August 10th as we discuss this important question. Plus, Corum CEO, Bruce Milne will share his insight into the most difficult word in M&A…No. Webcast Agenda: CEO Corner: Just Say No Special Report: Navigating Growth – M&A Exits vs. Raising Capital Monthly Tech M&A research report Review of key tech transactions M&A trends and valuation me...
Aug 12, 2023•28 min
Tech M&A has rebounded, and acquirers have trillions to commit to acquisitions and recapitalizations. Is it time for you to calibrate the M&A market? Preparation is key. In this webcast, we'll share 12 tips recently broadcast at the world's largest online tech M&A forum, "12 Tips for Choosing an M&A Advisor." These tips are important considerations as you look at M&A as an option for your company. Also, we'll share our Mid-Year Tech M&A Report. Corum's research team will report on all six techno...
Jul 24, 2023•37 min
Along with several of my colleagues, I just returned from Loreto, Mexico where we hosted clients who recently sold their companies to commemorate and celebrate their monumental accomplishment. During these celebration trips, we always set time aside to chat with these executives about their M&A experience and lessons learned. This month, we'll share those words of wisdom collected from dozens of executives over thirty-plus years of celebration trips. Podcast Agenda: Celebrating with Sellers - Le...
Jun 10, 2023•25 min
Have you been approached with an offer to buy your company? There is more cash and buyers globally in a fast-paced and competitive M&A market. Join us on May 11th at 10:00 AM Pacific as we look at recent deals that demonstrate the speed, depth and breadth of the responses from buyers we are seeing today. How has buyer response increased? How do you respond to pre-emptive bids? What do offers look like in this environment? How do you avoid leaving half your value on the table? Listen to the recor...
May 18, 2023•29 min
