Episode 68: Inside the Deal with Ujwal Arkalgud

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 profitability from day one for MotivBase. The decision to enter the M&A process was driven by fatigue and the need for new skills. Profitability made MotivBase attractive to buyers in a competitive market. The diligence process is emotionally taxing and requires significant energy. Hiring an investment banker can provide leverage in negotiations. Understanding market value is essential before considering an exit. Post-acquisition, integration focuses on people and new challenges arise. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 01:03 Ujwal Arkalgud: Journey to Entrepreneurship 03:00 Understanding MotivBase and Its Unique Approach 05:51 The Decision to Enter M&A Process 08:48 Navigating the Diligence Process 12:09 Post-Acquisition Life and New Challenges 13:58 Final Thoughts on Ego and Entrepreneurship

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 Valuation Trends: Understand Tech company valuations today. -Key Tech Market Deals: Discover notable transactions from this quarter. -Active Tech Buyers: Learn which companies are acquiring in the tech space. -Special Report: The New Tech M&A Metrics -CEO Desk: Don't Let the Grinch Steal Your Deal ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.   Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 01:49 CEO's Desk: Don't Let the Grinch Steal Your Deal 08:27 Upcoming Events and Deal Announcements 13:34 Tech M&A Market Research Overview 25:44 New M&A Metrics

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. Understanding the industry is crucial for success. SaaS companies have different valuation metrics than service businesses. Relationships are key in both SaaS and service industries. The integration process requires a shift in mindset. Focus on building a valuable product over just seeking liquidity. Be open-minded to new opportunities post-acquisition. The construction industry has a slower tech adoption rate. Strategic value can drive higher valuations in M&A. Working with specialized M&A firms can provide significant advantages. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Unifi Labs and the M&A Journey 02:47 Deciding to Sell: The Path to Liquidity 06:04 Navigating the SaaS Landscape: Challenges and Surprises 08:54 Transitioning Post-Acquisition: Embracing Change 11:50 Key Lessons Learned from the M&A Process

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 travel experiences and advice for entrepreneurs. takeaways The market dynamics can dictate the timing of a sale. Having a strong team is crucial during transitions. Your mindset is your most valuable asset. Don't wait for a sale to start living your desired life. Understanding what you are running to is essential for clarity. Post-sale life can be fulfilling if crafted intentionally. Travel can enrich life experiences after a business exit. It's important to separate your identity from your business role. Reclaiming ownership of your thoughts can lead to personal growth. Seeking help from experts can make a significant difference.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 01:04 The Journey of Rented and Market Dynamics 03:51 Balancing Business and Personal Growth 05:47 The Concept of Ownership and Mindset 09:14 Life After the Sale and Travel Adventures 11:11 Crafting Your Desired Life 12:08 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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 company involves an emotional journey. Expect highs and lows during the selling process. Preparation for due diligence is crucial. Emotions can impact the success of a deal. The current market presents unique opportunities for sellers. Understanding buyer sentiment is key to successful negotiations. Leaning on advisors can help manage emotional stress. The tech ecosystem in Asia is rapidly growing. Recent elections have influenced buyer attitudes positively. The importance of timing in the M&A process cannot be overstated.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 01:19 CEO's Desk: Insights from the Corum Group 05:07 Tech M&A Market Research Overview 16:40 Mastering Emotions in the M&A Process 19:34 Impact of Elections on Tech M&A

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 strategy.   00:00 Introduction to Tech M&A Podcast 00:35 The Journey of Spatialest 02:55 Choosing Corum for the M&A Process 04:46 Life After Selling a Business 05:42 Advice for CEOs Considering M&A 06:11 Final Words of Wisdom   Takeaways: Ashley transitioned from non-executive director to CEO of Spatialest. Spatialest focused on software for local government in the US. The company originated from a university research project. Choosing Corum was crucial due to lack of time and expertise. Market changes prompted the need for a strategic exit. Life after selling includes more personal time and new opportunities. Preparation is key for a successful M&A process. Understanding market dynamics is essential for CEOs. Due diligence processes can expose weaknesses in company operations. Confidence and perseverance are vital in business.

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 terms Discover strategies to respond effectively if a buyer attempts to retrade CEO's Desk: Treasures Down Under  Explore exciting M&A opportunities in Australia and New Zealand Quarterly Tech M&A Report  Analysis of key deals Insights on top buyers Latest trends and valuations in the tech M&A market Don't miss this chance to arm yourself with crucial knowledge for navigating the complex world of tech M&A. Whether you're considering selling your company or just staying informed about the market, this podcast is for you. -------------------------------------------------- Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular podcast 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 podcast is a must for owners and CEOs considering Tech M&A, whether now or in the future.

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  ---------------------------------------------- Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular podcast 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 podcast is a must for owners and CEOs considering Tech M&A, whether now or in the future.

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 each of the six tech sectors. ------------------------------------------------- Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular podcast 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 podcast is a must for owners and CEOs considering Tech M&A, whether now or in the future.

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 across all six technology sectors and 29 subsectors. ------------------------------------------------- Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular podcast 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.