AoA Webinar – Start with the Exit in Mind

16% of startups exit. Over 80% fail. Great execution is the most critical factor in setting up a company for a sale. Proper M&A planning will ensure a strategic sale at maximum valuation. The global pandemic and accompanying market disruption have raised the stakes, and created new opportunities. This presentation will help CEOs and executives build value, prepare for exit, and adapt to the specific challenges posed by Covid 19.

TechStrat’s Nat Burgess recently negotiated over a dozen local transactions, including several closings during the height of the Covid 19 crisis, such as the sale of BrandVerity to Accel-KKR portfolio company Partnerize; the sale of Peach Tech to Gitlab, and the recapitalization of URI with Solis Capital. He also recently led the sales of Deja vu Security to Accenture, Killer Infographics to LRW, Flowroute to West, Haiku Deck to BookRags, and several other transactions that will be announced shortly. His views on the impact of Covid 19 on the tech M&A market were published at the beginning of the outbreak, in March. Burgess will provide real-world advice on creating an optimal outcome. In addition, Gary Kocher of K&L Gates, a veteran of over 50 M&A transactions, will provide insights on the legal process.

Topics include:

• Numbers game – which companies sell? At what stage? Why? What happens to the rest?
• Creating the Pandemic-proof M&A company – vertical market tailwinds, secular challenges
• M&A is not an option when you need it: putting execution first
• Aligning shareholders, board, management and employees
• Optimizing operations to be “diligence ready”
• Scripting early conversations with interested buyers
• Knowing who your potential buyers are – and how you can help them
• Understand your fiduciary responsibilities – and risks – arising from M&A
• How to start, manage and complete a process
• Diligence without meetings – completing a deal without violating lockdowns

Nat Burgess’ career took him to Wall Street and Tokyo with Morgan Stanley, Los Angeles with the SEC and Activision, and then back to Seattle to start TechStrat. He has managed over 100 mid-market technology transactions in 13 countries, is a member of the Washington State Bar, and is a frequent guest on CNBC and other programs on the topic of tech M&A.

Gary Kocher has over 30 years of experience working with high growth companies, and has represented more than 200 start-ups in connection with seed, angel, venture and strategic financings. He counsels founders on business formation issues and works with companies on a wide range of transactions, including financings, strategic partnerships and acquisitions, intellectual property creation and protection, and exit transactions.

** Zoom instructions will be sent closer to the date.