TechExits Podcast

(WFS) World Financial Symposiums
  • 5.0 (2)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The TechExits podcast is for Tech CEOs, founders and investors in software and IT. We discuss best practices around Tech M&A; major trends and shifts driving the market; and the trials, tribulations, and victories of those who have successfully exited their tech companies. Guest speakers include CEOs who've sold, Tech M&A experts and advisors, strategic buyers and investors, and tech luminaries. TechExits is produced by World Financial Symposiums (WFS), an international organization dedicated to educating technology leaders on the current tech and financial landscape, helping them build successful strategies for growth and eventual exit. The WFS is sponsored by Corum Group, the Global Leader in Tech M&A, with ex CEOs and founders as advisors, leading the most successful tech M&A process in history. Corum has sold more software and related technology companies than anyone in the world.

  1. Inside the Investor's Playbook: How VCs Think About Exits, Valuation, and Timing – TechExits with Rodolfo Dieck

    5D AGO

    Inside the Investor's Playbook: How VCs Think About Exits, Valuation, and Timing – TechExits with Rodolfo Dieck

    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

    22 min
  2. Inside a Strategic Buyer's Playbook: Buyer's Corner with Sharon Van Zeeland, Rockwell Automation

    FEB 6

    Inside a Strategic Buyer's Playbook: Buyer's Corner with Sharon Van Zeeland, Rockwell Automation

    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-ready  00:00 – 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

    14 min
  3. AI Investors Panel: What Gets Funded (and Exited) Now | TechExits Podcast

    JAN 9

    AI Investors Panel: What Gets Funded (and Exited) Now | TechExits Podcast

    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 Partners  Moderator: Nihat Arkan, Senior Vice President | Corum Group

    1h 7m
  4. Letting Go to Move Forward: Seller's Corner with Robin Fisk, Donorfy

    12/05/2025

    Letting Go to Move Forward: Seller's Corner with Robin Fisk, Donorfy

    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.

    29 min
  5. Redefining Venture Capital: Investor's Corner with Jenny Abramson, Rethink Impact

    11/07/2025

    Redefining Venture Capital: Investor's Corner with Jenny Abramson, Rethink Impact

    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.

    20 min
  6. Scaling with Strategy – Buyer's Corner with Ibrahim Abdel Rahim

    10/03/2025

    Scaling with Strategy – Buyer's Corner with Ibrahim Abdel Rahim

    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.

    19 min
  7. Inside the Investor's Mind – Investor's Corner with Daniel Ibri, Mindset Ventures

    09/08/2025

    Inside the Investor's Mind – Investor's Corner with Daniel Ibri, Mindset Ventures

    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.

    17 min
  8. Juggling Stakeholders, Landing the Deal – Seller's Corner with Scot Cocanour

    08/08/2025

    Juggling Stakeholders, Landing the Deal – Seller's Corner with Scot Cocanour

    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.

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The TechExits podcast is for Tech CEOs, founders and investors in software and IT. We discuss best practices around Tech M&A; major trends and shifts driving the market; and the trials, tribulations, and victories of those who have successfully exited their tech companies. Guest speakers include CEOs who've sold, Tech M&A experts and advisors, strategic buyers and investors, and tech luminaries. TechExits is produced by World Financial Symposiums (WFS), an international organization dedicated to educating technology leaders on the current tech and financial landscape, helping them build successful strategies for growth and eventual exit. The WFS is sponsored by Corum Group, the Global Leader in Tech M&A, with ex CEOs and founders as advisors, leading the most successful tech M&A process in history. Corum has sold more software and related technology companies than anyone in the world.

Information

  • Creator
    (WFS) World Financial Symposiums
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    TechExits Podcast