The Tech M&A Podcast

AI can be a powerful tool in business, but it is not a substitute for expert guidance when selling a software or IT company. This video explains six key risks of relying too heavily on AI in tech M&A, including outdated valuation data, generic buyer outreach, incomplete buyer intelligence, and weak strategic positioning.

Selling a technology company requires current market insight, buyer relationships, compelling storytelling, confidentiality, and professional deal strategy. Learn why AI should be used responsibly as an advantage in the M&A process — not as a shortcut for one of the most important decisions a...

July Tech M&A Report:

Taking a look at the deal activity, emerging trends, and valuations across 29 subsectors in July of 2026.

The tech M&A market may be entering a new golden era, driven by mega deals, AI disruption, massive tech balance sheets, and record levels of private equity capital. As technology moves faster and competition intensifies, the world's largest buyers are increasingly using acquisitions to buy growth, innovation, market position, and strategic advantage.

For tech CEOs, founders, and shareholders, this creates a powerful market opportunity. With more active buyers, more acquisition currency, and a wave of founders preparing for succession or exit, today's environment may be one of the strongest windows to consider selling a technology company.<...

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we sit down with Steve Wargalla, Managing Director of QSTRAT, a supply chain software company that provides quoting and sourcing solutions for manufacturing and distribution businesses. After acquiring QSTRAT in 2016 with a clear five-year exit strategy, Steve spent nearly eight years growing the company before successfully selling it through Corum.

Steve reflects on how attending one of Corum's educational seminars first introduced him to the firm, why having a structured M&A process made all the difference compared to his previous company sale, and the lessons he learned...

In this special report, we examine the most common mistakes that derail transactions—from poor preparation and unrealistic expectations to the costly mistake of engaging only a single buyer.

Mid-Year Tech M&A Report:

Taking a look at the deal activity, emerging trends, and valuations across 29 subsectors in the first half of 2026.

A global succession crisis is emerging as millions of business owners approach retirement without a clear succession plan. According to recent studies, a significant percentage of family businesses and SMEs across North America, Europe, and Asia face leadership and ownership transitions within the next decade, yet many remain unprepared.

In this episode of CEO's Desk, Corum Group CEO Bruce Milne explores the growing succession challenge facing technology founders and CEOs. He discusses the risks of delaying succession planning, the realities of family succession, management buyouts, ESOPs, SPACs, and IPOs, and why mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalizations...

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we chat with Luis Landgrave, co-founder of Algebraix, an edtech and fintech company serving private schools across Latin America, with a primary focus on Mexico. Over nearly two decades, Luis helped build Algebraix into a school management platform with an integrated fintech arm that processes tuition and payments on behalf of schools — momentum that ultimately led to a successful sale through Corum after years of inbound interest from investors and acquirers.
Luis shares how a Corum seminar in Mexico City planted the seed nearly a decade before he was re...

Tariffs, rate concerns, geopolitical uncertainty — the headlines make it easy to wonder whether now is the right time to sell your software company. Corum Group CEO [Name] breaks down the actual data behind tech M&A valuations over the last decade, and the picture is more compelling than most CEOs realize.

With the Dow at 50,000, stable multiples across all six tech sectors, and over $6 trillion in capital available for tech acquisitions, the fundamentals have never been stronger. If you're asking yourself whether to wait — this video is for you.

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In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we chat with Heriberto Garcia, founder and former CEO of Vialterna Comunicaciones, a leading modern telecommunications firm serving all of Mexico. Over 15 years, Heriberto built Vialterna into a powerhouse of connectivity before navigating a successful exit to a search fund — a buyer type he initially never expected to consider.
Heriberto shares how a Corum seminar he attended three decades ago planted the seed for his eventual exit, and how that knowledge stayed with him until the timing was right. He offers candid advice on the importance of pre-deal preparation, th...

Selling your software or IT company is likely the most important financial decision of your life—and getting the right outcome requires more than just finding a buyer. 

In this video, Corum Group—global leaders in tech M&A with over 40 years of experience—break down their proven 8-step global partner search process and the 7 key benefits that help founders maximize valuation, improve positioning, and create competitive buyer demand.

Learn how Corum's proprietary First Look program, deep buyer relationships, and unmatched market feedback loop help software CEOs achieve better outcomes—including higher valuations, stronger deal structure...

April Tech M&A Report:

Taking a look at the deal activity, emerging trends, and valuations across 29 subsectors in April 2026.

Tech M&A Secrets: 10 Strategies to Boost Company Value Before Sale

In today's changing tech M&A environment, buyers are more selective than ever—taking a closer look at your business model, revenue quality, and growth potential.

In this video, Corum Group outlines 10 proven strategies to increase (or protect) the value of your software or IT company before an exit. Whether you're planning to sell soon or years from now, these insights will help you position your company for maximum valuation.

Takeaways:

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we chat with Seth Freedman, founder of Intelligent Observation, to explore the realities of building, scaling, and ultimately exiting a venture-backed software business. Over a six-year period, Seth grew the company from startup to acquisition, navigating the pressures of institutional capital and the strategic decisions that come with sustained growth.

Seth shares how a timely outreach from Corum initiated his M&A journey and walks through the board-level decision between raising additional capital versus pursuing a sale. He offers candid insight into the emotional transition founders experience post-exit...

Due diligence has become tougher, deeper, and more demanding than ever before—especially in today's fast‑paced tech M&A and private equity environment. Buyers now apply higher standards, deploy specialized diligence teams, and scrutinize every aspect of your business.

In this special report, we walk through 12 critical steps every CEO must take to survive due diligence—and protect deal value. From preparing your data room and managing disclosures to controlling working capital and hiring the right advisors, this video outlines the real‑world land mines that derail deals and how experienced sellers avoid them.

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What really happens when you try to sell a software company for free?

In this CEO's Desk episode, Corum Group addresses the unexpected fallout from launching First Look—a new tech M&A program designed to help owners sell for free by giving software and IT companies early exposure to qualified buyers.

While First Look attracted the right audience of smaller sellers, the promise of a free exit also triggered a surge of long‑waiting founders—many with established companies—who had delayed action for years hoping their software company exit would simp...

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...

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...

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...

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 e...

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 o...

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...

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:

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?

Learn why Tech CEOs and Founders should be watching the PE and VC ex...

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: 

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:

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Corum's Tech M&A Monthly is a regular podcast series for software company owners, executives and CEOs. Each month, Corum Group, th...

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:

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:

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

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 b...

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"

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Ryen Leyva, 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

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

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 hel...

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

Not every M&A deal follows a straight path—sometimes, stepping back can be the key to securing the best outcome. Corum's Hiatus Program empowers tech entrepreneurs to refine their businesses, address buyer concerns, and return to market stronger than ever. With nearly one-third of Corum's clients utilizing the program, the results speak for themselves—companies see an average 40% increase in offer values post-hiatus. In this month's webcast we'll share two success stories where businesses leveraged this strategic pause to drive substantial growth, re-entering the market to secure significantly higher valuations and better deal terms. Plus, we'll share the Q1 T...

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, Richard Addotta, co-founder and CEO of WRM, shares his journey from working in utilities to founding a software development company focused on storm response solutions. He discusses the motivations behind selling his company, the changes in his life post-sale, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Richard emphasizes the importance of timing, expert guidance, and the personal fulfillment he now experiences as he transitions into a new chapter of life, focusing on family and personal growth.   Takeaways WRM focuses on improving storm response through innovative software. The decision to sell was b...

CEOs that sold in 2024—What advice do they have for founders and CEOs?

Whether you've had an exit plan in mind from the start or you're fielding unsolicited offers from potential acquirers, the more information you have about the M&A process, the better. This month, hear from CEOs and founders who sold their tech companies in 2024. We're excited to host Richard Addotta (WRM), John Dickey and Steve Wargalla (QSTRAT) and Scott Petersen (HIRECLICK) on our annual Sellers Panel webcast.