Inovia Sessions: Insights for Tech Operators

In this episode of Inovia Sessions, host Meryl Almeida sits down with Ernest Chi, Senior Director of Product Acceleration at 1Password, to dive deep into the world of strategic partnerships and M&A. Ernest shares insights from his impressive career spanning roles in high-growth tech companies and his current position overseeing partnerships and corporate development at 1Password. Discover his practical approach to evaluating build, buy, or partner strategies and the pivotal role trust plays in creating partnerships that drive sustainable growth. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or investor, this conversation is packed with invaluable lessons on maximizing value, minimizing risk, and fostering long-term success through strategic collaboration. Tune in for actionable advice on how to navigate the complexities of strategic partnerships and M&A.

Tune into this episode of Inovia Sessions where host Meryl Almeida discusses the fascinating journey of Alex Leclerc, co-founder and CEO of Poka.  Discover how Alex led his company through a strategic exit to IFS despite a challenging M&A landscape. Alex shares valuable insights on selecting and working with an investment bank, choosing an acquirer, and building lasting trust post-acquisition.  Learn from his firsthand experience about the meticulous planning and strategic decisions that powered Poka's international expansion and drove its undeniable success in the manufacturing sector. This episode is packed with actionable advice for founders and executives contemplating their next big move.

Join us on this insightful episode of Inovia Sessions where we explore the intricate role of board members in mergers and acquisitions.  Our guest today is Patrick Pichette, a seasoned board member with a storied history as the CFO of Google and board chair at Twitter. Hosted by Meryl Almeida, this discussion delves into Patrick's unique perspective on the strategic implementation of M&A from a board's viewpoint. Discover the critical aspects of presenting transactions to the board, the dynamics of board decision-making, and the essential traits founders should seek in board members.  Patrick’s rich experience offers invaluable lessons on navigating the complex interplay between board responsibilities and company growth strategies.

Dive into the complexities of M&A with Jann Lau, a Senior Director of Corporate Development at PayPal, on this episode of Inovia Sessions.  Hosted by Meryl Almeida, this discussion explores how Jann’s varied roles at companies like Square and his experience with PayPal’s inorganic growth strategies have shaped his perspective on M&A. Jann discusses the importance of adaptability, the necessity of teamwork, and strategic decision-making in corporate development. Gain insights into how companies are refocusing from top-line to profitable growth amidst shifting economic conditions, and discover the strategic frameworks that guide Jann's approach to M&A.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the nuances of corporate development and M&A strategy in today's economic landscape.

In this enlightening episode of Inovia Sessions, host Meryl Almeida welcomes Sarah Hughes, head of Atlassian’s venture arm, partnerships team, and corporate development function.  Sarah discusses the strategic role these divisions play in fueling Atlassian's growth, highlighting the recent $975 million acquisition of Loom. She explains how Atlassian, like Inovia, leverages ecosystem maps and early relationship building in its M&A strategy. Listen in to dive deep into the mechanics of creating effective partnerships and the thoughtful approach Atlassian takes towards public term sheets to build trust with founders. Whether you’re a startup founder or a corporate executive, this episode offers valuable insights into crafting a successful M&A strategy and fostering long-term corporate relationships.

In this episode of Inovia Sessions, join host Meryl Almeida as she sits down with Hilary Shirazi, Head of Corporate Development at Notion.  With a remarkable background spanning roles at Pinterest, Zendesk, and LinkedIn, Hilary shares her extensive experience in navigating complex M&A transactions. This discussion delves into how reporting structures impact M&A, the strategic experimentation in M&A processes, and the critical importance of early integration efforts.  Whether you're a startup founder, a corporate executive, or simply interested in the dynamics of M&A, this episode offers valuable insights into turning sizable deals into manageable successes. Tune in to learn from one of the industry's seasoned professionals about setting up for M&A success.

Welcome to Season 2 of Inovia Sessions. This season, we're diving deep into the world of mergers and acquisitions. Hosted by Meryl Almeida, Director of Corporate Development at Inovia, we'll explore the critical aspects of M&A, from planning to execution.  Join us as we discuss strategies with seasoned executives, board members, and founders who've successfully navigated complex M&A transactions. Whether you're looking to grow your business or considering an exit, this series offers practical insights to help you prepare for and manage M&A effectively. Tune in to equip yourself with the fundamentals to tackle transactions, whether you're on the buy side or sell side of the equation.

In today's episode, we delve deep with Emil Eifrem CEO of Neo4j. He started a graph database software company in 2007 which has now raised close to $600M, employs over 700 people and is used by 75 of the Fortune 100 companies. From starting in Sweden to a quick move to the US market and an eventual return to Europe, Emil candidly shares the evolution of Neo4j over the years. As a tech leader who transitioned from being in the day-to-day trenches in the U.S. to eventually taking a hybrid approach, he paints a vivid picture of how leadership styles change with growth. His anecdotes about balancing the 'American company' mentality with a 'Swedish soul' and the core principle of valuing relationships offer a unique perspective on nurturing company culture.

In this episode, we’re joined by Collin Crowell, Vice President, North America at Kameleoon, the platform where product, marketing, and engineers work together on growth through experimentation. Colin’s journey as the first North American hire overseeing a rapidly growing  team is a masterclass in understanding the cultural, operational, and strategic nuances of expanding into this region. As someone who’s bridged the gap between European headquarters and North American operations, Collin’s insights on remote work culture, hiring practices, and market entry strategies are invaluable.

In today's episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Konstantina Psoma, the Founder and CEO of Kaedim. Navigating her journey from Europe to Silicon Valley, Konstantina offers a firsthand account of the challenges and triumphs of raising from top tier US investors. With her roots in Athens and her eyes set on San Francisco's tech landscape, she underscores the significance of building a strong network of founders and the complexities of fundraising whilst propelling a business forward. Dive in with us for a compelling conversation as Konstantina unveils Kaedim's growth narrative and shares her invaluable insights on charting international success.