The Tech M&a Podcast

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we sit down with Brian Allen, former Managing Director and Chief Executive of Certus Solutions. Over the course of two decades, Brian grew Certus into a leading IBM-focused software and services provider in Australia and New Zealand, specializing in enterprise asset management. This journey culminated in a successful strategic sale to Egis, following a long-planned liquidity event for the company's shareholders. Brian discusses his decade-long relationship with Corum Group, which began during a prior M&A process, and explains why he chose to re-engage professional advisors for the Certus exit. He shares candid insights into managing a complex transaction that included a strategic "hiatus" period, the importance of maintaining competitive tension during negotiations, and his advice for CEOs navigating their first or second sale. This episode offers a masterclass in long-term value creation and the discipline required to execute a high-stakes liquidity event. Tak

Selling a company is one of the most complex—and emotional—transactions a founder will ever face.   In this 2026 Annual Sellers Panel, CEOs who successfully built and sold their companies share real‑world insights from inside the M&A process. From global deal dynamics and valuation expectations to earnouts, advisor selection, partner alignment, and emotional resilience, this panel offers candid lessons every founder should hear before going to market.   The discussion highlights what surprised sellers most, where preparation mattered, and why having experienced advisors, aligned partners, and clean financial reporting can make or break an outcome.   If you're a tech founder or CEO thinking about an exit—now or in the future—this panel delivers practical, experience‑driven advice from those who've already been through it.   Corum is the world's leading educator on tech trends, valuations, growth strategies and Tech M&A. If you are a Tech CEO/founder and would like to  learn to prepare, position, resear

February 2026 was an active month for technology mergers and acquisitions, with 394 tech M&A transactions, including five billion‑dollar mega deals and a top disclosed transaction valued at $9.9 billion.   In this market update, we break down the latest tech M&A data from the Corum Index, including deal volume, valuation multiples, private equity activity, cross‑border trends, and sector‑level performance across horizontal, vertical, infrastructure, gaming, IT services, healthcare, AI, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.   You'll hear where valuations are expanding, which subsectors are commanding premium multiples, and how strategic buyers, private equity firms, and non‑tech acquirers are shaping today's deal landscape. If you're a founder, CEO, investor, or corporate development leader, this report offers practical insight into exit timing, buyer demand, and market momentum.   Takeaways February 2026 recorded 394 tech M&A deals, including five $1B+ mega transactions Private equity acqui

After 40 years advising technology founders on mergers and acquisitions, one thing is clear: old myths about selling a tech company refuse to die—and they cost founders millions.   In this video, a veteran tech M&A advisor breaks down five dangerous myths that still derail otherwise great exits. From the belief that "companies are bought, not sold," to the risks of amateur buyer outreach and flawed bid timelines, this discussion explains why preparation, process, and professional execution matter more than ever.   If you're a tech founder, CEO, or shareholder thinking about an exit, recapitalization, or strategic sale, this video explains how to avoid undervaluation, missed markets, and broken deal dynamics—and how to position your company for the best price, structure, and outcome.   Takeaways Companies are sold, not magically bought—waiting rarely produces premium outcomes "Soft" signals to buyers don't work; credible market engagement does Serial buyer outreach weakens leverage—competitive tension dri

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we sit down with Robin Fisk, co‑founder and CEO of Donorfy, a SaaS CRM platform built specifically for nonprofits and charities. Robin shares the 10‑year journey of building a bootstrapped, cloud‑based CRM serving over 1,000 organizations across the UK and Scandinavia, culminating in Donorfy's acquisition by The Access Group in November 2024.   Robin walks through why he and his co‑founder decided to sell, how they prepared for the M&A process, why choosing the right advisor mattered, and what surprised him most along the way. He also offers candid insights into due diligence, managing confidentiality with a close‑knit remote team, defining non‑negotiables, and life after exit. This episode is packed with practical advice for founders considering a strategic sale.   Takeaways Build with the exit in mind from day one. Preparation matters more than speed. Choose advisors with founder experience. Know your non‑negotiables early. Selling your company is emotional

Operating a company during an exit is difficult. Managing a sell-side process while simultaneously acquiring a business in a different time zone? That requires a specific mindset. In this episode, we speak with James Fair, founder of Vetasi, following his acquisition by Cohesive (part of the Bentley Group). James breaks down the reality of "oily hands" asset management software and the critical importance of recurring revenue. He shares the story of a grueling, unprecedented 3-week due diligence sprint that galvanized his team, and offers advice on why waiting for the "perfect" conditions is often the enemy of a successful deal. Plus, we'll cover:     CEO Desk: The High Cost of Waiting for Perfection     Current Valuation Trends: Understand tech company valuations today     Key Tech Market Deals: Discover notable transactions from the past month     Active Tech Buyers: Learn which companies are acquiring Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular podcast series for software company owners, executives and CEOs.

Markets shift. Buyers have concerns. Sometimes the offer isn't what you expected. After 40 years and more tech company sales than any firm in history, we've learned one crucial truth: Sometimes the best move is to hit "pause." In this month's webcast, hear from three founders who leveraged Corum's Hiatus program to deliver dramatically better results: addressing buyer concerns, improving customer base, reducing churn and demonstrating consistency—proving that patience and preparation beat settling every time. Plus, we'll cover: CEO Desk: Thinking About an Exit? 7 Buyer Benchmarks That Matter Current Valuation Trends: Understand tech company valuations today Key Tech Market Deals: Discover notable transactions from November Active Tech Buyers: Learn which companies are acquiring ------------------------------------------------ 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 re

The smart money is capitalizing on the strong M&A market and valuations to exit investments. In this month's Tech M&A Monthly webcast, we'll explore five key reasons why VC and PE funds are heading for the exits—and what it means for your business. Are you watching what the smart money is doing? You should.  What else will be covered? Special report: Understanding Working Capital Current Tech M&A market trends Valuations across all 6 tech sectors November megadeal report Learn why Tech CEOs and Founders should be watching the PE and VC exit trends. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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

When buyers evaluate a software or tech company, they don't just look at top-line growth or EBITDA. Buyers dig into the quality of your revenue. Is it recurring? Diversified? Sustainable? These factors play a critical role in determining valuation and can mean the difference between an average and extraordinary outcome. In this webcast, we break down what acquirers really look for in revenue streams, how quality impacts valuation and what CEOs and founders can do now to strengthen their company's long-term value. Webcast Agenda:  CEO Desk: 10 AI Traps to Avoid with M&A Presentations Special Report: Quality of Revenue—The Key to Your Value Review of key deals in September 2025 Valuation trends across the six technology 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, exam

The rules of Tech M&A have changed. What once took months now happens in days — accelerating buyer responses, heightening competition and creating opportunities for sellers to maximize value. In this webcast, we discuss how you can succeed in the virtual age of Tech M&A bidding. Additionally, we also cover: 10 Tips for choosing an M&A attorney Key deals in August 2025 Valuation trends across six sectors Upcoming M&A educational opportunities --------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Brian Sweat, CEO of Alterity Inc., shares his journey of building a company that developed Activate Inventory Software and the process of selling it. He discusses the motivations behind pursuing M&A, the challenges of finding the right strategic fit, and the importance of employee integration during an acquisition. Brian reflects on lessons learned, the role of advisors like Corum in filtering opportunities and negotiating deals, and how life has changed after the sale—bringing renewed focus and reduced stress. Takeaways: Alterity created Activate Inventory Software for small businesses. There's no perfect deal—focus on progress and strategic alignment. Corum's expertise helps CEOs filter noise and secure the best opportunities. Selling can reduce stress and allow founders to focus on what they enjoy. 00:00 Introduction to Alterity and its Mission 03:12 The Pivot Point: Progress Over Perfection 04:18 Employee Integration and Career Growth Post-Acquisition 06:

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Barry Larson, founder and CEO of OK Alone, shares his journey of building a company focused on employee safety monitoring solutions and the process of selling it. He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in the M&A process, including choosing the right partner, navigating negotiations, and the importance of preparation and commitment. Barry reflects on life after the sale, exploring new opportunities and personal projects.   Takeaways: OK Alone is an employee protection software. Corum has experience in selling in niche sectors. Hiring an advisor means the CEO is able to focus on running the business. Preparation is key. 00:00 Introduction to OK Alone and Its Mission 02:48 The M&A Process: Choosing Corum and Navigating Challenges 05:42 Negotiation Insights and Non-Negotiables 08:59 Life After the Sale: New Opportunities and Reflections

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Dan Goerdt, CEO of Flexagon, shares insights into his company's journey through the M&A process. He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling the business, finding the right buyer, and the impact of the deal on his personal and professional life. Dan emphasizes the importance of education and preparation in navigating the M&A landscape, as well as the significance of aligning with a buyer that fits the company's culture and goals.   Takeaways Flexagon is a software automation company founded in 2014. The M&A process requires significant time and commitment. Finding the right buyer is crucial for company culture. Education on the M&A process is essential for success. The diligence process can be rigorous but manageable. Balancing company operations with M&A activities is challenging. Having a clear process helps in making informed decisions. Financial security post-deal provides new opportunities. Work-life balance is important

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, hosts Niles Overly and Rob Kopp share their experiences as co-founders of Metro Data Centers, discussing their motivations for selling the company, the unique aspects of their business, and the challenges they faced during the M&A process. They emphasize the importance of planning for an exit, effective communication, and the value of seeking professional help throughout the sale process. The conversation provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs considering an exit strategy.   Takeaways Always think about an exit strategy from the start. Unique business models can attract buyers. Effective communication is crucial during the sale process. Balancing daily operations with M&A activities is challenging. Seek professional help to navigate the M&A process. Experience plays a significant role in successful exits. Planning financial projections is essential but difficult. Involve trusted employees at the right time. Investment bankers can provide signific

Tech M&A Is Shattering Records—Are You Ready to Capitalize? Join us for the August edition of Tech M&A Monthly, where we’ll break down what’s driving record-breaking deal activity and what it means for tech founders like you. We’ll explore the latest trends shaping the M&A landscape and take you inside the buyer universe—who’s actively acquiring, how much dry powder they’re sitting on and where they’re looking to invest next. If you’re thinking about an exit or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this is a webcast you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re exploring an exit or simply preparing for the future, Corum’s 2025 mid-year report will give you the insight you need to navigate the second half of the year.   Billion-dollar tech deals dominate the headlines—but that’s only part of the story. If you're the CEO, founder or investor in a smaller software or IT company, you need to understand what’s really happening in the M&A market and how it impacts companies like yours.   Corum’s 2025 Tech M&A Mid-Year Report Covers: •    CEO Desk: “Too Small to Sell? Think Again” •    Corum’s “Four Pillars for M&A Success” •    Key trends in Tech M&A in H1 2025 •    Valuation metrics across 6 sectors and 29 subsectors •    Top buyers acquiring in 2025   Download a copy of the H1 2025 report: Tech M&A Monthly Webcast: 2025 Mid-Year Tech M&A Report | Corum Group   #techM&A2025 #techexitstrategy #techvaluationmetrics #corumgroup #softwarecompanysale

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Ryen Leva, CEO of Infinity Software, shares his journey of growing and selling his family business. He discusses the importance of building scalable processes, the family dynamics involved in the decision to sell, and the critical aspects of pitching and due diligence during the acquisition process. Ryen also emphasizes the significance of effective communication with team members and aligning offers with personal and family goals. Finally, he reflects on life after the sale and the newfound freedom it brings.   Takeaways Build your company in a way that is forward-looking. Family dynamics play a crucial role in the decision to sell. Having a solid pitch is essential for attracting buyers. Due diligence is critical to prove the business's value. Effective communication with the team is vital during the sale process. Aligning offers with personal and family goals is important. Choosing the right advisors can make a significant difference. The sale can provide new o

In this episode of the Tech M&A podcast, Poya Farighi shares his journey of building and exiting his cloud-based HR reference checking platform, Vitay. He discusses the challenges faced during the sale process, the importance of maintaining business operations, and the emotional transition after the exit. Poya emphasizes the need for preparation, the value of keeping an open mind for future opportunities, and the significance of celebrating milestones in the entrepreneurial journey.   takeaways Vitay is an automated reference checking platform that simplifies candidate screening. The sale process can be stressful, especially nearing the end. Maintaining day-to-day business operations is crucial during the sale process. Having a supportive team and advisors can ease the burden of selling a company. Be prepared for the emotional ups and downs of the exit process. It's important to keep an open mind about potential acquirers. Celebrating milestones, like an exit, is important for entrepreneurs. The journey

Confused between raising capital or selling your company? Discover how recapitalization offers a powerful growth option—allowing you to raise funds, gain liquidity, and bring on a strategic partner without giving up control. In this video, we break down how recapitalization works, why it’s increasingly popular with private equity firms, and how it can drive growth, solve internal challenges, and position your company for a second, more lucrative exit. Featuring real-world case studies, we show how founders successfully leveraged recap deals to scale their business, cash out partially, and align with the right investors. Learn how Corum’s proven process helps tech CEOs navigate recapitalization for optimal outcomes.   takeaways Evaluations don't create value, the process does. A global buyer search process is essential for maximizing value. Recapitalization allows founders to cash out while retaining equity. Private equity can provide operational expertise and growth opportunities. The Corum process can sign

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Scott Petersen shares his journey of selling his all-in-one hiring solution software, HireClick. He discusses the motivations behind the sale, the importance of being prepared, and the lessons learned throughout the process. Scott reflects on life after the sale, the excitement of new opportunities, and offers valuable advice for CEOs considering selling their companies.   takeaways HireClick was sold in August 2024 after starting in 2017. Inbound interest from potential buyers prompted the decision to sell. Scott felt they waited too long to engage with professionals. Preparation is key to a successful sale process. Life after selling the business has its ups and downs. Scott is excited about future travel and opportunities. The transition to the acquiring company has been positive. Professional guidance was crucial in garnering attention from buyers. Understanding market interest is vital for timing a sale. Scott emphasizes the importance of metrics and readine