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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 businessTimestamps
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
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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
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Fehlende Folgen?
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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:
Recurring revenue significantly improves buyer perception and valuation
Selling without experienced M&A guidance creates real risk
Buyer fit can matter more than headline price
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
Why most venture‑backed exits still happen through M&A
How investors help founders prepare long before a sale
Where valuation misalignment between founders and VCs comes from
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-ready00:00 – 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
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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:
What gets funded in today's AI-driven market
How AI impacts diligence, scalability, and valuation
When founders should raise capital vs. prepare for exit
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 PartnersModerator: 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.
00:00 – Introduction & Moonbase Capital's acquisition model
04:55 – Search funds and buying founder‑owned businesses
07:25 – Evaluating tech companies in a fast‑moving market
08:35 – Biggest challenges buyers face in tech acquisitions
10:10 – Deal timelines, sourcing, and avoiding competition
13:15 – Common seller mistakes and deal breakers
18:50 – Post‑acquisition priorities and founder advice -
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.
00:00 – Introduction & Mindset Ventures' investment focus
03:20 – Early‑stage B2B software investing and exit context
04:25 – Why tech M&A activity is picking up again
06:45 – Preparing portfolio companies for acquisition
09:35 – Strategic M&A vs IPOs in today's market
12:05 – Founder–investor misalignment and exit timing
17:05 – Sectors of interest and final advice for founders -
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.
00:00 – Introduction & Promium's background
01:25 – Why Scot decided it was time to sell
02:15 – Choosing Corum and preparing for the process
03:00 – What surprised him most about the M&A journey
03:55 – Balancing owners, employees, and customers
05:00 – Life after the exit and lessons for founders -
In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:
What do tech investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities?
What is the impact of AI on investment strategies?
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.
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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.
00:00 – Introduction & Vetasi's background
01:40 – Why James decided to pursue an exit
02:25 – What made Vetasi attractive to buyers
04:45 – Communicating with investors and leadership
05:45 – Running the business during due diligence
07:00 – Timing, preparation, and lessons learned
09:55 – Life after the deal and final advice -
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.
00:00 – Introduction & QStrat background
01:05 – First exit vs structured M&A approach
02:15 – Why preparation and process matter
03:25 – Working with experienced dealmakers
04:35 – Lessons learned from selling with structure
05:30 – Life after the exit and final reflections -
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.
00:00 – Mary Joyce's journey as a founder and operator
05:30 – Her first exit: what went wrong without an advisor
11:45 – From founder to dealmaker: lessons from both sides
18:00 – Advice for founders and why to sell earlier than you think -
In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:
What motivates entrepreneurs to sell their companies, and how do they navigate the M&A process?
What challenges do women founders face in securing funding and achieving successful exits?
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 AlstariModerating this panel is WFS Director Ana Conejo.
00:00 – Introductions and founder backgrounds
03:10 – Why and when these founders chose to sell
11:40 – Navigating the M&A process as women founders
27:40 – Due diligence, advisors, and deal challenges
49:40 – Life after the exit and advice for women founders -
In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:
What do tech investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities?
What is the impact of AI on investment strategies?
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.
00:00 – Welcome and investor introductions
05:20 – What investors look for in European tech companies
13:10 – Founder quality, teams, and execution over tech alone
25:45 – How generative AI is changing investment theses
37:50 – Common founder mistakes and how to avoid them
44:00 – Investment vs M&A paths and exit considerations -
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.
00:00 – Levio's business model and acquisition mandate
04:30 – How the tech M&A landscape is evolving
09:45 – What buyers look for: size, fit, and readiness
16:15 – Deal execution, timing, and common deal breakers
22:10 – Integration challenges and advice for sellers -
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.
00:00 – Flexagon's story and what the company built
05:00 – Why Dan decided to pursue a transaction
10:00 – The M&A process: challenges, timing, and fit
18:30 – Balancing growth, diligence, and leadership during the deal
26:30 – Life after the transaction and advice for founders -
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 CompanyModerating this panel is Rob Griggs, President of the Corum Group.
00:00 – Introductions and buyer perspectives on AI
07:30 – Is now the right time to acquire AI companies?
20:00 – Separating real AI value from hype
34:30 – Preparing AI companies for M&A readiness
44:00 – Valuation expectations and common seller misconceptions
56:30 – Due diligence, deal risk, and why transactions fail
1:06:45 – Post‑acquisition integration and closing insights - Mehr anzeigen
