The Endgame

Zeevi Michel and Sophia Tupolev-Luz

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BUSINESS
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The Endgame

This is The Endgame, a podcast for startups about the path to mergers and acquisitions - and their aftermath. We look at how transactions go terribly wrong or, terrifically right. We’re joined by people who make or break deals, often in working the shadows.

JAN 31

Your Company is the Product. Shay Michel (Merlin Ventures) on Cyber, AI, M&A: [005]

Change is a constant, but in M&A, the target company is always going to be the product. AI is already influencing the pace, valuation, and strategies in mergers and acquisitions, and we keep looking at the core of deal dynamics. So: why do cybersecurity companies command seemingly illogical valuations at such low revenues? The answer lies in implied value - what an acquirer believes they will be able to do with you - and what your contribution margin is going to be. That means how you impact their sales, R&D efforts, and ability to go in and quickly dominate a space. In this episode, Sophia Tupolev-Luz and Zeevi Michel speak with cybersecurity investor Shay Michel of Merlin Ventures, who shares his experience as a founder, investor, and advisor on all sides of the M&A table. Shay’s uncommon product perspective shows us how large tech players approach acquisitions, and how founders should think about their company's "endgame" from day one. In this episode, we cover: The counterintuitive valuations in cybersecurity. Strategic motives behind acquisitions by large tech firms Understanding implied value and contribution margins AI influence on M&A's pace, valuation, and strategies The importance of deep technological moats and expertise Impact of U.S. regulatory standards on market entry, risk, and M&A Strategies for founders to align with potential acquirers from day one. About: Israel’s tech M&A show delivers unfiltered conversations with key players from the startup lifecycle. This is a podcast for startups about the path to mergers and acquisitions—and their aftermath. We’re here to go behind the scenes to look at how transactions go terribly wrong or terrifically right. Our goal: To give founders new perspectives from the buy-side, sell-side, and investors—so they can better plan for their own endgame. To comment on our work, ⁠follow our page⁠. Need more? Subscribe for free to our executive summaries for founders and startup leadership teams. Transcript file Produced by: Sophia Tupolev-Luz Video and sound editing by: Yair Walden Location: Google for Startups Campus Studio, Tel Aviv

52 min
12/29/2024

The Heart of the Deal. Founders & Truth Dynamics. [004]

The deal dynamics founders rarely talk about—how internal motivations, external messaging, and decision-making shape their startup’s endgame. 👇 This episode is in Hebrew, with English subtitles. In this episode, Sophia Tupolev-Luz and Zeevi Michel tackle taboo topics, from the unspoken truths founders face to the challenges of aligning employees and investors during a transaction. We explore what founders often overlook when building a company and preparing for the endgame. In this episode, we cover: Why M&A is a taboo subject in accelerators and entrepreneurship programs. The three types of founders and how their motivations influence success or failure. Why early decisions, like fundraising and choosing investors, narrow or expand exit opportunities. The importance of transparency and alignment with your team—and the consequences of misalignment. How employee dynamics during an M&A create challenges, from early employees to leadership teams. Why founders should always consider their endgame when making financial or strategic decisions. About: Israel’s tech M&A show delivers unfiltered conversations with key players from the startup lifecycle. This is a podcast for startups about the path to mergers and acquisitions—and their aftermath. We’re here to go behind the scenes to look at how transactions go terribly wrong or terrifically right. Our goal: To give founders new perspectives from the buy-side, sell-side, and investors—so they can better plan for their own endgame. To comment on our work, follow our page. Transcript here Produced by: Sophia Tupolev-Luz Video and sound editing by: Yair Walden Location: Google for Startups Campus Studio, Tel Aviv

55 min
11/30/2024

Claims. Consequences. Mistakes. Misconduct. Josh Begner, WTW [003]

From mistakes to misconduct, we get the data on where M&A transactions go south after closing - and why it hurts so bad for both buyers and sellers. Insurance, of course, is there to help clean up the mess. But as a founder, how do you prevent those terrible mistakes in the first place? Taking us into the world of breaches and risk is THE guy who brought M&A insurance to Israel 5 years ago, Josh Begner of WTW, (NASDAQ: WTW). In our latest episode, we came for the tea on the horror stories…but we were taken aback at how the most devastating risks can come in seemingly bland packages. Hosts Sophia Tupolev-Luz and Zeevi Michel chart the tension between the operational reality for founders and their responsibilities to create processes that will protect their companies - and them - come transaction time. In this episode, we cover: The data on the most common breaches in M&A deals that lead to legal action by acquirers. How foreign investors view Israeli companies in today’s geopolitical landscape. M&A insurance: what it covers, the costs, and who pays. Mistakes vs. misconduct in high-stakes transactions. Key roles within a startup team thinking about their endgame on Day 1. The influence of the risk-taking profile of Israeli founders on their companies’ vulnerability in transactions. M&A’s continued dominance in Israel - and the market conditions affecting IPOs, with data from https://www.ivc-online.com/Insights ** This episode is in English, with English subtitles. Transcript This episode was recorded at Google for Startups Israel Video and sound editing by 👑 Yair Walden About The Endgame: Israel’s tech M&A show delivers unfiltered conversations with key players from the startup lifecycle. This is a podcast for startups about the path to mergers and acquisitions - and their aftermath. We’re here to go behind the scenes to look at how transactions go terribly wrong or, terrifically right. Our goal: To give founders new perspectives from the buy-side, sell-side, and investors– so they can better plan for their own endgame. Follow our page for updates and clips! https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-endgame-podcast/

54 min
10/21/2024

Skeletons. The Razor’s Edge. Deal Breakers. Sim Koevary, Meitar [002]

M&A attorney Sim Koevary (Meitar | Law Offices) takes us into the ring on deals that've gone spectacularly right—and disastrously wrong. From the hidden skeletons that implode transactions to the razor-thin boundaries of the playing field, Sim breaks down the unwritten rules founders need to play by. Hosts Sophie and Zeevi chart the fragile balance of power in M&A, and how founders can leverage their legal partners to maximize shareholder value - and minimize fallout. Some of the topics this episode covers: What really makes acquirers walk away Legit founder deal breakers: what's worth going to war for The silent power struggles between VCs and founders Instincts, gut feelings, and team dynamics Skeletons in the closet, navigating dangerous disclosures Retention & who deserves acceleration and when Misaligned expectations: where deals break down IP & equity: common, costly mistakes Your lawyer’s influence on commercial terms, beyond legal technicalities ** This episode is in English+Hebrew, with English-only subtitles. Access the transcript here Connect with Sim on LinkedIn About The Endgame: Israel’s tech M&A show delivers unfiltered conversations with key players from the startup lifecycle. This is a podcast for startups about the path to mergers and acquisitions - and their aftermath. We’re here to go behind the scenes to look at how transactions go terribly wrong or, terrifically right. Our goal: To give founders new perspectives from the buy-side, sell-side, and investors– so they can better plan for their own endgame. To comment on our work, ⁠follow our page⁠. Contact the hosts to pitch a guest or suggest a question for the show: ⁠Sophia Tupolev-Luz⁠ ⁠Zeevi Michel⁠ Credits: Produced by: Sophia Tupolev-Luz Video and sound editing by: Yair Walden Location: Google for Startups Campus Studio, Tel Aviv

58 min
09/07/2024

Murders & Acquisitions. Shadow Players. Competing Interests. [001]

Behind the headlines of the high-stakes mergers and acquisitions game in Israel's tech sector. Triangulating the competing interests of the buy-side, sell-side, and shareholders (including investors). In this pilot, meet co-hosts Sophie and Zeevi while they're plotting the show and its guests: the key players who make or break deals, often working in the shadows. Israel’s tech M&A show delivers founders unfiltered conversations w/ stakeholders from the entire ecosystem & startup lifecycle. ** This episode is in English+Hebrew, with English-only subtitles. Take our poll to tell us what language you want to listen in. Access the transcript here. Editor's note: this is the first cut of the pilot episode! We're pretty sure some rough or heavy-handed edits slipped through. We're releasing it as is, and promise to keep improving our technical skills with each show. About The Endgame: A podcast for startups about the path to mergers and acquisitions - and their aftermath. We’re here to go behind the scenes to look at how transactions go terribly wrong or, terrifically right. We aim to give founders new perspectives from the buy-side, sell-side, and investors– so they can better plan for their own endgame. To comment on our work, follow our page - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-endgame-podcast⁠ To pitch a guest or suggest a question for the show: Sophia Tupolev-Luz Zeevi Michel

42 min

5 Episodes

This is The Endgame, a podcast for startups about the path to mergers and acquisitions - and their aftermath. We look at how transactions go terribly wrong or, terrifically right. We’re joined by people who make or break deals, often in working the shadows.

Creator

Zeevi Michel and Sophia Tupolev-Luz
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

5
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Zeevi Michel and Sophia Tupolev-Luz
Show Website

The Endgame

Comedy

Comedy

Updated Daily