Episode 79: Inside the Deal with Poya Farighi

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Ryen Leva, CEO of Infinity Software, shares his journey of growing and selling his family business. He discusses the importance of building scalable processes, the family dynamics involved in the decision to sell, and the critical aspects of pitching and due diligence during the acquisition process. Ryen also emphasizes the significance of effective communication with team members and aligning offers with personal and family goals. Finally, he reflects on life after the sale and the newfound freedom it brings.   Takeaways Build your company in a way that is forward-looking. Family dynamics play a crucial role in the decision to sell. Having a solid pitch is essential for attracting buyers. Due diligence is critical to prove the business's value. Effective communication with the team is vital during the sale process. Aligning offers with personal and family goals is important. Choosing the right advisors can make a significant difference. The sale can provide new opportunities and choices. Money doesn't guarantee happiness but offers freedom. It's essential to set clear goals before entering negotiations.     Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 00:28 Ryen Leva's Journey with Infinity Software 01:08 Advice for Entrepreneurs Considering an Exit 01:51 The Decision to Sell: Family Dynamics 03:03 The Importance of Pitching and Due Diligence 04:59 Communicating with Team and Stakeholders 06:29 Aligning Offers with Personal and Family Goals 07:35 Choosing the Right Advisors for the Sale 07:56 Life After the Sale: New Opportunities

In this episode of the Tech M&A podcast, Poya Farighi shares his journey of building and exiting his cloud-based HR reference checking platform, Vitay. He discusses the challenges faced during the sale process, the importance of maintaining business operations, and the emotional transition after the exit. Poya emphasizes the need for preparation, the value of keeping an open mind for future opportunities, and the significance of celebrating milestones in the entrepreneurial journey.   takeaways Vitay is an automated reference checking platform that simplifies candidate screening. The sale process can be stressful, especially nearing the end. Maintaining day-to-day business operations is crucial during the sale process. Having a supportive team and advisors can ease the burden of selling a company. Be prepared for the emotional ups and downs of the exit process. It's important to keep an open mind about potential acquirers. Celebrating milestones, like an exit, is important for entrepreneurs. The journey of building a new venture begins after an exit. Expect the best but prepare for the worst during negotiations. Continuing to grow the company is essential, regardless of the sale outcome.   00:00 The Birth of Vitay: Solving HR Challenges 01:55 Navigating the Sale Process: Challenges and Strategies 05:09 Life After the Exit: Reflections and New Beginnings 07:59 Final Thoughts: Keeping an Open Mind for Future Opportunities

Confused between raising capital or selling your company? Discover how recapitalization offers a powerful growth option—allowing you to raise funds, gain liquidity, and bring on a strategic partner without giving up control. In this video, we break down how recapitalization works, why it’s increasingly popular with private equity firms, and how it can drive growth, solve internal challenges, and position your company for a second, more lucrative exit. Featuring real-world case studies, we show how founders successfully leveraged recap deals to scale their business, cash out partially, and align with the right investors. Learn how Corum’s proven process helps tech CEOs navigate recapitalization for optimal outcomes.   takeaways Evaluations don't create value, the process does. A global buyer search process is essential for maximizing value. Recapitalization allows founders to cash out while retaining equity. Private equity can provide operational expertise and growth opportunities. The Corum process can significantly improve sale outcomes. M&A activity is highly international, with diverse buyer universes. Valuations in tech sectors are rising, indicating strong market interest. Educational events are crucial for staying updated on M&A trends. Recapitalization can help companies scale without losing control. The Tech M&A Masterclass offers practical knowledge for navigating M&A.   00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 01:43 CEO Desk: Insights on Valuation and Process 04:29 Upcoming M&A Educational Events 07:11 Tech M&A Market Research Report Overview 20:24 Leveraging Recapitalizations for Company Value Special Report 27:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Scott Petersen shares his journey of selling his all-in-one hiring solution software, HireClick. He discusses the motivations behind the sale, the importance of being prepared, and the lessons learned throughout the process. Scott reflects on life after the sale, the excitement of new opportunities, and offers valuable advice for CEOs considering selling their companies.   takeaways HireClick was sold in August 2024 after starting in 2017. Inbound interest from potential buyers prompted the decision to sell. Scott felt they waited too long to engage with professionals. Preparation is key to a successful sale process. Life after selling the business has its ups and downs. Scott is excited about future travel and opportunities. The transition to the acquiring company has been positive. Professional guidance was crucial in garnering attention from buyers. Understanding market interest is vital for timing a sale. Scott emphasizes the importance of metrics and readiness for potential acquirers. 00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 00:32 Scott Petersen and HireClick's Journey 02:52 Reflections on Selling the Business 03:42 Advice for CEOs on Selling 04:19 Looking Ahead: Life After the Sale

Not every M&A deal follows a straight path—sometimes, stepping back can be the key to securing the best outcome. Corum’s Hiatus Program empowers tech entrepreneurs to refine their businesses, address buyer concerns, and return to market stronger than ever. With nearly one-third of Corum’s clients utilizing the program, the results speak for themselves—companies see an average 40% increase in offer values post-hiatus. In this month's webcast we'll share two success stories where businesses leveraged this strategic pause to drive substantial growth, re-entering the market to secure significantly higher valuations and better deal terms. Plus, we'll share the Q1 Tech M&A Research Report: Key deals, top buyers, trends and valuations.

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Richard Addotta, co-founder and CEO of WRM, shares his journey from working in utilities to founding a software development company focused on storm response solutions. He discusses the motivations behind selling his company, the changes in his life post-sale, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Richard emphasizes the importance of timing, expert guidance, and the personal fulfillment he now experiences as he transitions into a new chapter of life, focusing on family and personal growth.   Takeaways WRM focuses on improving storm response through innovative software. The decision to sell was based on timing and business readiness. Life after the sale has significantly reduced stress for Richard. Having expert guidance was crucial during the sale process. Patience is essential when navigating the sale of a company. Richard is excited to spend more time with his family. He aims to be actively involved in his children's lives. The sale allowed Richard to achieve a better work-life balance. Richard's journey highlights the importance of recognizing personal and business milestones. Chapters   00:00Introduction to WRM and Richard's Journey 03:02The Decision to Sell: Timing and Motivation 05:48Life After the Sale: Personal and Professional Changes 07:51Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

CEOs that sold in 2024—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 2024. We’re excited to host Richard Addotta (WRM), John Dickey and Steve Wargalla (QSTRAT) and Scott Petersen (HIRECLICK) on our annual Sellers Panel webcast. What surprised them about the M&A process? Advice for other CEOs looking at exiting What would they do differently? How did they ensure that they achieved an optimal outcome through the process? Plus, we'll discuss the current M&A market, the latest deals, trends and valuations in Corum's monthly Tech M&A market update.   -------------------------------------------------------------------- Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular webcast series for software company owners, executives and CEOs. Each month, Corum Group, the world's leading M&A firm for software and related technology companies, examines the world of Tech M&A. In addition, Tech M&A Monthly includes special reports on buyers, markets and the M&A process itself. This thirty-minute webcast is a must for owners and CEOs considering Tech M&A, whether now or in the future.

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 Ulrich founded PlanFocus in 2004 with a focus on cash planning. The M&A process was planned from the beginning of the company. Due diligence was time-consuming and challenging to manage alongside daily operations. COVID-19 impacted the M&A process, requiring more virtual communication. Having up-to-date documentation is crucial for a smooth M&A process. Post-deal, Andreas remains the managing director of PlanFocus. The experience of selling a company is unique and valuable for entrepreneurs. Corum Group provided essential support during the M&A process. Andreas is contemplating future ventures after the acquisition. Financial security post-deal has been a positive change for Andreas.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 01:03 Andreas Ulrich and PlanFocus Overview 02:56 The M&A Process Journey 05:49 Advice for CEOs Considering M&A 08:03 Life After the Deal and Final Thoughts

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.   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular webcast series for software company owners, executives and CEOs. Each month, Corum Group, the world's leading M&A firm for software and related technology companies, examines the world of Tech M&A. In addition, Tech M&A Monthly includes special reports on buyers, markets and the M&A process itself. This thirty-minute webcast is a must for owners and CEOs considering Tech M&A, whether now or in the future.   Takeaways Saying no to the first offer can lead to better deals. Running a professional global search process maximizes company value. The tech M&A market is competitive with over $6 trillion in dry powder. Upcoming events include multiple market updates and boot camps. Recent acquisitions highlight the growing importance of tech solutions in various sectors. The Corum Index shows a diverse buyer universe with significant international deal-making. Private equity plays a crucial role in the tech M&A landscape today. Strong management teams and company culture are vital for M&A success. Vertical software and industry-specific solutions are trending in 2025. The Tech M&A Masterclass offers valuable insights for tech CEOs and founders.     00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 01:46 The CEO's Desk: Buy-and-Hold Offer Delimma  05:48 Upcoming Events and Market Updates 08:38 Deal Report: Notable Acquisitions 09:04 Tech M&A Market Research Overview 24:08 Private Equity Panel Insights 31:37 Conclusion and Future Events

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 sold it to NewsCorp Australia. Post-exit, he took time off to travel and reflect. He focused on learning about AI and finance after his exit. His new venture, Telescope, aims to disrupt finance with AI. The importance of patience and not rushing into the next venture. Mindset changes significantly after a first business exit. Building a good business is more important than just financial gain. AI is set to massively disrupt the finance industry. Timing is crucial when considering an exit from a business. It's essential to be comfortable with the idea of exiting.   00:00 From Software Engineer to Entrepreneur 03:20 Navigating Post-Exit Life 05:45 Building Telescope: A New Venture 08:08 Mindset Shift After Exiting 10:07 The Importance of Timing in Exits