TechExits

Steve Wargalla | QStrat | Managing Director  What's the difference between going it alone and having a team of experts behind your M&A process?  Join us as we speak with Steve Wargalla, who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company, QStrat—a provider of quoting and sourcing software for manufacturers and distributors.  In this episode, Steve reflects on his journey from a first, unstructured exit to a second, highly organized sale with Corum. He shares the lessons learned, the value of working with experienced dealmakers, and why he believes most software CEOs don't fully understand the M&A process—until they've been through it.  You'll hear about the importance of preparation, the impact of a structured approach, and what life looks like after stepping away from the business. 

In this episode of Points of View, we sit down with Mary Joyce, a serial entrepreneur turned M&A advisor at Corum Group, whose career spans decades of innovation across industries including automotive, medical, aerospace, and AI.  Mary shares how selling her own company without an advisor became a defining moment—one that fueled her transition into tech M&A. With 14 U.S. patents to her name and a deep background in SaaS and embedded systems, she brings a unique perspective to the dealmaking process.  Tune in as we explore what Mary learned from exiting as a founder, how she now guides others through the emotional and strategic complexities of M&A, and why timing, preparation, and the right advisor can make all the difference.  Whether you're a founder, buyer, or fellow dealmaker, this is a rare look into the mind of someone who's been on both sides of the table. 

In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:  What motivates entrepreneurs to sell their companies, and how do they navigate the M&A process?  What challenges do women founders face in securing funding and achieving successful exits?  How can entrepreneurs balance running a business while preparing for an acquisition?  The panel features women tech entrepreneurs who have successfully exited their companies, sharing their experiences on due diligence, buyer negotiations, and life after the deal. They also discuss the unique hurdles women face in M&A, the role of advisors in achieving the best outcome, and the lessons they learned along the way.  The panel lineup includes:  Courtney Caldwell, MBA – CoFounder & CEO at Shearshare Aušra Čiuplienė Ciupliene – CEO / Board Member at Viena sąskaita Dr. Suhayya (Sue) Abu-Hakima – Co-Founder, President/CEO at Alstari  Moderating this panel is WFS Director Ana Conejo.

In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:  What do tech investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities?  What is the impact of AI on investment strategies?  When should entrepreneurs seek investment versus considering an M&A exit?   This discussion took place during the WFS Flagship Conference, Growth & Exit Strategies: European Tech on October 30th 2024.  The panel lineup includes:  Rocio Pillado, Partner, Adara Ventures  Merve Zabci, General Partner, Logo Ventures  Ashim Egunjobi, Managing Partner, Octerra Capital  Julia Padberg, Partner, SET Ventures  Moderating this panel is Joel Cymberg, Senior Vice President of the Corum Group.   

What does it take to successfully acquire and integrate companies in a competitive market?  Join us as we speak with Jean Royer from Levio, a digital-native business and IT consulting firm with a focus on digital transformation across sectors like banking, technology, government, and telecom.  In this episode, Jean shares insights into Levio's acquisition strategy, including how they evaluate potential targets, manage integration challenges, and build trust with sellers. He discusses the importance of cultural alignment, transparency, and preparation in creating successful partnerships and offers practical advice for founders preparing their companies for acquisition.  Discover the key ingredients for a smooth acquisition process and how Levio positions itself as an ideal partner for growth-focused businesses. 

How do you balance business operations with the complexities of an M&A process? Join us as we speak to Dan Goerdt, who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company, Flexagon. Flexagon is the creator of FlexDeploy, a comprehensive DevOps platform designed to accelerate software delivery, improve quality, and manage costs and risks. In this episode, Dan shares his journey of scaling Flexagon from a bootstrapped startup to a company ready for acquisition. He discusses the challenges of managing an M&A process while maintaining business performance, his focus on finding the right fit for his company's values and team, and the importance of education and preparation in navigating the M&A landscape.

In this special edition of Tech Exits we will attempt to answer the questions: What are tech buyers looking for in today's market? Are buyers only looking for companies that have already integrated sophisticated AI in their business models? And how can you build relationships to capture maximum value? This panel originally took place during the WFS Flagship Conference, Growth & Exit Strategies: The AI Shockwave! on July 18th, 2024. The panel lineup includes: Krista Young, Managing Director, Corporate Development, Accenture Ksenia Desautels, Senior Manager, Corporate Development, Akamai Technologies Satish A. Raman, Chief Strategy Officer, Fractal Udo Waibel, Managing Director, Technology and Product Development, The Riverside Company  Moderating this panel is Rob Griggs, President of the Corum Group.  

How do you recognize when it's the right time to sell?  Join us as we speak to Barry Larson, who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company Trusty Ox Systems, a B2B SaaS business focused on employee safety monitoring solutions.  You'll hear his insights on the M&A process, his motivation to sell during market consolidation, and how the experience of working with Corum helped broaden his view of potential buyers. Learn how Barry balanced the demands of running his company with the complexities of the sale, and what life looks like for him after stepping away from the business. 

How do you respond when you are bombarded with offers?  Join us as we speak to Brian Sweat who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company Alterity.  You'll hear his insights on the M&A process, how to separate the best M&A opportunities from the noise, his commitment to finding the right fit for both himself and his employees, and how the sale has allowed him to focus on what he loves most in the business. 

This episode features Ashley Moore who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company “Spatialist”, a developer of geographic information systems for the US tax assessment market. Get his advice for living the life you want today. 

This episode features Andrew McConnell who engaged the WFS platinum sponsor, the Corum Group, to sell his company “Rented”. Rented provided a premium vacation rental management software-as-a-service. Andrew is a writer and event speaker as well as a CEO and founder. Listen in to hear how he balanced launching his book, “Get Out Of My Head”, at the same time he was selling Rented. Get his advice for living the life you want today. Plus learn about his new health span initiative “Alively”, all on this episode of Tech Exits.

When the first M&A deal fell through for cybersecurity solutions provider CBI, former president and CEO Steve Barone bounced back with new learnings and a refined vision of his ideal buyer. After an optimal outcome, Steve is traveling the world with his family and shaking things up in the cocktail bar industry. Listen in for Steve's take on what you need to succeed in your tech exit, with first-hand advice on how to recover from a failed deal.

Join us as we talk with Dwayne Miller, cofounder and former CEO of UNIFI Labs, about his tech exit. Though he had sold a traditional service business before, when it was time to get the highest valuation for his SaaS company's strategic value, he turned to the tech M&A experts at the Corum Group.  Dwayne's personal experiences and insight detail how selling a SaaS company requires expertise different from traditional service M&A. Listen in to learn more. 

Rob Wellman has had four successful exits. While all were good, Rob says that if he could do them again, he would do them all with the help of WFS's platinum sponsor, the Corum Group.  Join us as we catch up with Rob at Corum's Celebration Event in Loreto to commemorate his most recent sale, the social media management company Social5. Get his advice on when to start your M&A process and discover how selling your company is a lot like finding a partner at a high school dance. 

We climbed about the luxury yacht Kayana to interview two former CEOs, Scott McCreadie of McCreadie Group and Shawn Weir of iConstruct. The two were commemorating their successful tech exits with our platinum sponsor Corum Group in Loreto Bay, Mexico. Scott shares tips on timing the market (hint: don't wait!). And Shawn details how the integration process after his sale created new opportunities for his team. Listen to Scott and Shawn's advice for exiting CEOs, and we might see you at Corum's next Celebration Event.

In this episode of TechExits, we follow up with Jim Falkanger, who sold two businesses, EleVia Software and Central Consulting Group with the WFS platinum sponsor, Corum Group. Hear what this former CEO and board member thinks everyone should know about stepping into retirement after selling your business.

In this episode of Tech Exits, we speak with Aaron Blackman, founder and former CEO of Retail Express, about his transformative journey from pioneering in SaaS to selling his enterprise in 2021. Post-sale, Aaron took on the COO role with Maropost and embarked on a whirlwind of integration and leadership across continents. He delves into vital entrepreneurial lessons from his "startup playbook" and emphasizes the significance of taking breaks. Aaron highlights gratitude from his team post-exit and his sabbatical plans centered on personal well-being and investment strategies.

In this episode of Tech Exits, we sit down with Luc Pettett, former CEO of Punters. We journey with him from his post-sale adventures, delving into his pivot into the world of AI-powered investing with Telescope. Luc sheds light on how Telescope is revolutionizing the investment landscape, turning global trends and events into actionable investment opportunities with the aid of AI. From the breakout success of their consumer app, Potato, to offering B2B solutions that provide hyperpersonalized investment themes, Luc paints a picture of the future of finance. Amidst these tech tales, he also reminisces about cherished family moments in Tahiti. Throughout our conversation, Luc shares invaluable insights for exiting CEOs on the nuances of the M&A process and the profound transformation that follows a business sale. Learn more about Telescope at telescope.co.

On this episode, we're speaking with Ken Neeld about going through the successful acquisition of Delphi Display Systems by Toast. The integration of Delphi into Toast's platform will deepen the support for customers who operate a drive-thru service model.   Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys. 

Exit planning is an essential part of an ongoing business strategy, and not being prepared with anticipation could prevent you from obtaining the highest value for your company.  Get the best advice from CEOs who have sold! Hear from Ken Neeld (Delphi Display Systems), Tara Akhavan (Faurecia IRYStec), and Betina Nygaard (ScanMarket). The moderator is Daniel Rudich, Senior Vice President, Corum Group. This was recorded during our May 2023 GXS conference. For more content, check out WFS.com.

The goal of our discussion is to provide practical insight and advice on how CEOs and Founders can execute a better Tech M&A transaction from the perspective of a potential acquirer, who may in-fact be partnering with them in the future. Hear from Ksenia Desautels (Akami), Todd Crick (Astra Capital Management) and Jay Hoffman (Volaris Group). The moderator is Serge Jonnaert, Senior Vice President, Corum Group. This was recorded during our May 2023 GXS conference. For more content, check out WFS.com.

Your business is your single largest asset, and by having investors on board, you not only get funded, but you also add their experience and skills to your business. Will your strategy get funded?  Hear from Alexandra Nicoletti (Camber Creek), Roland Dennert (Cipio Partners), Kelly Ford (Edison Partners), Risto Rautakorpi (Gorilla Capital), and James Shen (Pioneer Ventures). The moderator is Jeffrey Bunting, Senior Vice President, Corum Group. This was recorded during our May 2023 GXS conference. For more content, check out WFS.com.

On this episode, we're speaking with Ujwal Arkalgud about going through the successful acquisition of MotivBase by Lux Research. The combination of Lux Research and MotivBase unites emerging technology and research with conversation-based insights to help leaders make the right innovation strategy decisions.    Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.  

On this episode, we're speaking with Rob Wellman about going through the successful acquisition of Social5 by Pluribus Technologies. Founded in 2012, Social5 is profitable technology company that utilizes leading-edge software and content to enable small-to-medium-sized businesses ("SMB's") to effectively manage their social media footprint.    Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys. 

On this episode, we're speaking with Andreas Ulrich, CTO and Co-founder of Planfocus on their acquisition by Sesami. Founded in 2004 and based in Munich, Germany, planfocus' leading cash optimization software solutions help reduce logistics spending and cash holding costs, while improving availabilities and service levels for clients. Its technology empowers financial institutions and consumer businesses worldwide in driving up process optimization and bringing tangible cost and service efficiencies throughout their cash ecosystem. Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.

We speak with Carson Conant, CEO & Founder at Mediafly, about their acquisition strategy. Including identifying key leadership, structuring deals, and how to retain top talent. Mediafly has averaged around one acquisition a year since 2018 and with two already finished for 2022.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

Tech Investment and M&A in a Virtual World. Hear from Jon Koplin (Cisco), Scott Saklad (Everfield Software), Entienne Robequain (Irdi Soridec Gestion), Karl Michael Popp (SAP), Francois Rabaey (Synamedia), and Jesper Ulsted (Volaris Group). The goal of our discussion is to provide practical insight and advice on how CEOs and Founders can execute a better Tech M&A transaction from the perspective of a potential acquirer, who may in-fact be partnering with them in the future. For more content, check out WFS.com.

Hear from CEO's who have successfully completed a software transaction! In this sellers panel we are listening to Richard Gubbins (Azpiral), Patrick Löffler (givve), Erik Pfannmöller (Solvemate Gmbh, and Alain Durand (Synamedia). The moderator is Joel Cymberg Vice President, Corum Group Ltd.   Exit planning is an essential part of an ongoing business strategy, not being prepared with anticipation, could prevent you from obtaining the highest value for your company.   For more content, check out WFS.com.

On this episode, we're speaking with Poya Farighi about going through the successful acquisition of Vitay by Surewift Capital. Vitay came to fruition in 2018 when he wanted to marry what he learned in the Recruitment industry with his interest in technology. With Poya's background in sales, Vitay quickly became a major player in both the Canadian and U.S recruitment and staffing industries.    Tech M&A is a journey, and these are the stories behind those journeys.  

We speak to Ryen Leayva on the trials and tribulations when selling his family business, Infinity Software, to Aquila, a division of Constellation software.

We talk to Daniel Rudich about his 20-year history of leading & building various telecom and mobility software companies. He successfully founded Anomalous Networks, a supplier of Real-Time Telecom Expense Management solutions, grew it to more than 400 enterprise customers, took it through several rounds of both angel and VC funding, and sold it to IT company Tangoe. Daniel is now a VP at the Corum Group, the world's leader in Tech M&A for the lower to middle market. Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.

We talk to Corum Senior VP Mark Blundell about his 25 year career building software companies, his entry into the M&A world and experiences in it, and what his advice is for others thinking about going through a tech M&A. Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

We talk to Richard Holcomb about how he created his first software company at the age of 24 and formed a unique business partnership with Microsoft that's still discussed today. Holcomb also details the importance of being prepared to take advantage of the luck that could come your way.  Today, Holcomb is a leading tech M&A advisor and sits on the board of nearly 30 public/private companies.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

Martin Hjerpe, Vice President of Acquisitions at Epiroc, a Swedish mining and construction firm shares about how he searches for acquisition targets in construction and mining technology. Plus, Hjerpe shares what a brighter, safer, and more automated future of mining looks like from a global perspective.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.

John Kinnaman, Managing Director in Accenture's High Tech Strategy practice leading M&A efforts in North America, shares his views on what is happening in tech M&A that's getting him excited for the future and what Accenture sees will be making a difference.   Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

Gaming expert and Corum Group Vice President Randy Breen talks about how he got introduced to game design and production, his experience developing major titles at EA and LucasArts, and his thoughts on how blockchain technology will impact the future of gaming. Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

Former navy pilot and TOPGUN trainer turned tech entrepreneur, Patrick Laney of Performance Drone Works (PDW) talks about his successful tech exits, life after the deal with integration, and how it led to his current company—using drones to keep people out of danger in combat environments.   Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

insightsoftware CEO, Jim Triandiflou talks about the key feature his group always looks for when finding a potential acquisition targets, dealbreakers that stop deals in their tracks, plus how a seller's market impacts the decisions buyers make.   To read more about the insightsoftware acquisition of BizView systems, check out: https://www.corumgroup.com/transactions/insightsoftware-bizview-systems

Banker turned serial tech entrepreneur Domenico Crapanzano, shares how his experiences selling Fing, a network monitoring tool for IoT technology and how he had to focus a wealth of information and widespread R&D  to get the company ready for Tech M&A.  Crapanzano also shares how a bidding process with an advisor helped bidders take him more seriously throughout the process.   Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

Founder and former CEO/Chief Strategy Officer at NTP, Bruce Backa, talks about how logical thinking and math were driving factors for the selling of his company. And, why the best tech in the world won't help you if the market passes you by.  Plus, Bruce shares the single best advice he can share with others as a successful tech CEO and business advisor.   Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

Michael Bor, co-founder and CEO of Carlotz and Matthew Ehrlichman, CEO, Chairman and founder of Porch discuss their successful experiences with Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), why they're trendy today, and how to prepare if you're thinking about going the SPAC route.  To see this in its full webcast form, visit corumgroup.com/resource-center

Tech entrepreneur and former two-time mayor Michael Egelston talks about the transformation of the real estate market with the help of SenEarthCo's software services and how's realistic, objective market observation is critical in a successful exit.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

Guest Richard Staveley, CEO of ip.access (A Mavenir Company) and current SVP at Mavenir, talks about how his company shaped the future of wireless technology and how going with the right Tech M&A advisor made all the difference in the process. Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

Tony Pappas of ExakTime shares how a home improvement project led to a chance meeting of a partner who, with Tony, would go on to develop an essential time management tool for the blue-collar industry, later resulting in a successful exit. We discuss why they eventually sold the company, how he knew he found the right buyers (strategics vs. PEs), and how an at-home chicken coop is helping him prepare for his next venture.   Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

Tech M&A leaders discuss their unique experiences and difficulties as well as how mentorships helped them overcome their challenges to get to a successful exit. Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.   

Moe Arnaiz and Mathieu Gulimineau discuss the successful sale of eMobus and how going through that process helped them navigate their new venture, Weeldi.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

Forty-year HealthTech veteran, Teresa Chase shares her instrumental role in the successful sale of American Health Tech and what is was like navigating her way through 20 interested buyers.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

Tech M&A is a journey and this past year we had a blast sharing those journeys with you! In this special edition of Seller’s Corner, we complied the best advice from CEOs we've interviewed in 2020. Grab a note pad, sit back and enjoy! Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

Corum Senior Vice President Martin Lowrie, former fighter pilot turned tech entrepreneur, shares the trials and tribulations he went through during his tech M&A experience.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

Jeff Bunting, VP at Corum Group, leads a discussion with investors centered around which strategies get funded and which get forgotten. Guests include speakers from Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, UCI Law, Expert DOJO, OPN, and Dreamers VC.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com. 

On this Seller’s Corner we welcome our first Woman CEO to the podcast! We are excited to chat with Constance Anderson who went from living on a cattle ranch to starting her own company, MemberXP. Constance, in pursuit of life balance sold her company to CU Solutions Group in 2019. In this episode she shares her experiences and life lessons of Tech M&A.  Check out other podcast episodes, webcasts, and videos at WFS.com.