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Just in time for your Christmas break, episode 9️⃣is here: M&A Part 2 -- The Founder's Perspective, feat. Sarah Dusek, Sam Shank and Jeroen van Velzen! The three founders share their experiences on the M&A front, their lessons learned and how their exits informed what they've done since. Most startup founders will only go through the M&A process once or twice in their career, making it difficult to understand the ins and outs of the process. As we heard in our M&A Part 1 episode, bankers and advisors play a crucial role here, of course, but hearing from the folks who have been in the same shoes can shed some different light on how to prepare and what to expect -- financially, operationally and personally. Check it out and join the conversation below! https://lnkd.in/dfbiTSHr

From the latest pod, Sarah Dusek discusses the transition of the founder's role after selling the company. While much of the process focuses on the financial and commercial aspects of the exit, there is also an identity and emotional component that founders should give consideration to.

Understanding your exit strategy is crucial for startup success -- and it likely won't be an IPO. This article from Silicon Valley Bank highlights the factors to consider in evaluating your options, and emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and the role of advisors. https://lnkd.in/dEeibKGT

For our European and UK founder friends, Sifted takes a look at the state of exits across the region and how founders are navigating choppy seas. https://lnkd.in/dG4rsQCp

Gary Iles takes a look at how AI and automation are transforming food and beverage companies and driving a new era of restaurant tech: https://lnkd.in/dmEt9nhp

Picking up where we left off from the latest pod episode with Sarah Dusek, Sam Shank and Jeroen van Velzen, this Harvard Business Review article from David Jegen highlights some of the important things founders need to consider as they approach a sale. From the tactical to the personal to the financial, being prepared for the major changes a transaction brings helps to ensure a smooth transition for all involved. https://lnkd.in/g9_EBK5T

Gilad Berenstein breaks down our latest episode on M&A, with perspectives from the founders' side of the deal. Not all exits are created equal, and there is a lot more to consider beyond just the price of the deal. What did Sarah Dusek, Sam Shank and Jeroen van Velzen -- each of whom had very different backgrounds, built very different companies and had very different exits -- take away from their experiences with the M&A process? When it comes to exits, what should founders consider before they build, fundraise, and decide to sell? Read on and join the conversation below 👇

Is talking about exit strategies still taboo for founders? Touraj Parang explores the factors that have historically dissuaded discussions about this key aspect of startup life. As we head into 2025 with predictions of an active return to M&A activity, exit conversations will certainly be back on the table for mature startups, but early-stage founders should familiarize themselves with this landscape sooner than they think, as well. https://lnkd.in/eHG6kvtV

Food Industry Executive predicts where we'll see investment channeled for the Food & Beverage sector in 2025 and beyond. No surprise here: AI and supply chain top the priority list. https://lnkd.in/dxfCmKQt

Exiting a company is a complex journey for founders. Amy Shoenthal highlights the importance of planning, understanding the market, and having a clear vision for the future. As we touched on in our latest pod episode with Sarah Dusek, the emotional aspects of leaving a company are significant, and founders must prepare for life after the exit. https://lnkd.in/dEK-UgmM