TechExits Podcast

(WFS) World Financial Symposiums
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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. How Buyers Think Beyond the Acquisition – Buyer's Corner with Don Penland, Knox Capital

    MAY 7

    How Buyers Think Beyond the Acquisition – Buyer's Corner with Don Penland, Knox Capital

    Don Penland | Operating Partner | Knox Capital  What actually happens after a deal closes—and what do buyers wish founders had done before?  In this Buyer's Corner episode, Don Penland, Operating Partner at Knox Capital, shares a hands-on view of how private equity evaluates, acquires, and then improves software businesses.  Don breaks down what makes a company attractive from an operator's lens, where founders create risk without realizing it, and what typically gets fixed immediately post-acquisition—from financial visibility to go-to-market execution.  If you're building with an exit in mind—or want to understand how buyers think beyond the pitch—this episode gives you a clear, practical view of what happens on the other side of the deal.  Key takeways:   • What private equity buyers prioritize beyond growth  • Where founders create risk before a deal  • What gets fixed in the first 90 days post-acquisition  • How to position your company for a stronger exit    00:00 – Introduction & Knox Capital's acquisition strategy   01:32 – AI trends and consolidation in the MSP market   05:51 – What makes acquisitions succeed or fail   11:16 – Building trust during the M&A process   15:45 – Common founder mistakes and deal breakers   24:33 – Post-acquisition integration challenges   27:08 – Final advice for founders planning an exit

    31 min

  2. APR 9

    Building Value Before the Exit: Seller's Corner with Mark Nardone, Blue Cow Software

    Mark Nardone | Blue Cow Software| Former President  In this Seller's Corner episode, Mark Nardone, President of Blue Cow Software, shares the story behind building — and ultimately selling — a niche SaaS company serving the fuel and energy industry.  Mark reflects on an early acquisition attempt that nearly closed and then fell apart, what that experience taught him about valuation, buyer intent, and timing, and how focusing on recurring revenue fundamentally changed how buyers viewed the business.  He also discusses why choosing the right buyer mattered more than maximizing price, how experienced advisors helped manage friction during negotiations, and what life looks like after the transaction — including why reduced stress became the most meaningful outcome.  Key Takeaways:   Recurring revenue significantly improves buyer perception and valuation  Selling without experienced M&A guidance creates real risk  Buyer fit can matter more than headline price  The greatest post‑exit benefit is reduced stress and clarity  00:00 – Introduction and Mark Nardone's background  01:05 – Building Blue Cow Software and long‑term vision  06:12 – Preparing for the exit and navigating the sale process  10:23 – Lessons learned and post‑exit reflections

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

    MAR 5

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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  00:00 – Introduction & panel overview 02:10 – Investor perspectives: what they fund and where 08:45 – How AI is changing investment theses 17:00 – Where AI actually creates value (data, efficiency, moats) 25:00 – Real AI investments: examples and lessons learned 42:00 – Generative AI, margins, and sustainable business models 55:00 – Exit timing, IPO vs M&A, and founder advice

    1h 7m
  6. 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.  00:00 – Introduction & Donorfy's background 02:00 – Building a SaaS company with an exit in mind 04:10 – Why and when to pursue an M&A exit 07:30 – Choosing the right advisor and buyer 11:00 – Managing secrecy, due diligence, and a false start 16:40 – Non‑negotiables and finding the right strategic buyer 23:30 – Lessons learned and life after the exit

    29 min
  7. 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.  00:00 – Introduction & Rethink Impact's investment focus 01:25 – Rethink Impact's thesis and example portfolio companies 03:45 – Why tech exits are rising again 05:45 – M&A vs IPOs and today's exit landscape 06:50 – How VCs help founders build exit optionality 09:20 – Impact investing and M&A outcomes 12:10 – Valuation alignment and board dynamics 14:20 – Sectors and technologies shaping the future 17:50 – Final advice for founders planning ahead

    20 min
  8. 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.  00:00 – Introduction & Moonbase Capital's acquisition model 04:55 – Search funds and buying founder‑owned businesses 07:25 – Evaluating tech companies in a fast‑moving market 08:35 – Biggest challenges buyers face in tech acquisitions 10:10 – Deal timelines, sourcing, and avoiding competition 13:15 – Common seller mistakes and deal breakers 18:50 – Post‑acquisition priorities and founder advice

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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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
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    TechExits Podcast