AoA Workshop – 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 successful M&A event. However, proper M&A planning can make the difference between a blockbuster deal – or no deal. The best deals result when a CEO combines the two disciplines.

TechStrat’s Nat Burgess, fresh from negotiating the sale of Seattle’s Flowroute to West, Victoria BC’s Latitude Geographics to Battery Ventures, and Seattle’s PicMonkey to Spectrum, 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?
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

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.