Dr. Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT
Every deal tells a story of risk, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of value. With M&A evolving into a core function across industries, simply following old playbooks is no longer enough. You need insight, discipline, and a strategy tailored to today’s fast-moving, multi-dimensional landscape.
In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT, joins us to unpack the intricacies of software valuation, integration challenges, and structuring carve-outs that unlock hidden value.
Things you will learn:
Trends in software valuation: EBITDA vs. revenue multiples
How growth impacts valuation and attracts buyers
Navigating deals with difficult CEOs
Challenges in carve-outs from the buy-side
Key differences between buy-side and sell-side M&A
This episode is sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:31 Trends in software valuation: EBITDA vs. revenue multiples
05:22 Venture capital vs. private equity mindsets
07:48 Who is lending on software deals
09:13 Convincing someone to sell their company
12:41 How growth impacts valuation and attracts buyers
15:46 How to approach your first acquisition
18:54 How to pitch a deal to Founders
22:15 Navigating deals with difficult CEOs
27:46 Challenges in carve-outs from the buy-side
31:36 Networking to find carve-out deals
35:28 Structuring optimal deals for carve-outs and founder-owned businesses
41:46 When to take on investments and build a platform
45:25 Key differences between buy-side and sell-side M&A
50:21 Surprises and lessons learned in M&A
55:09 How M&A strategies have evolved
58:25 Craziest thing in M&A
Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT
M&A is a minefield of uncertainties, let alone the tech space. Missteps in integration, cultural clashes, and unforeseen risks can quickly derail even the most promising deals. That’s why understanding what could go wrong is critical.
Dr. Amit Monga, Founder and CEO of SARAPOINT, shares lessons from the trenches to help you anticipate challenges and mitigate risks. Learn how to navigate integration, manage carve-outs, and turn M&A uncertainty into opportunity with actionable insights from a seasoned expert.
Things you will learn:
Key lessons from the trenches for corporate M&A success
Balancing proactive and opportunistic M&A strategies
Handling opportunistic deals outside core strategy
Evaluating deals that don’t fit the M&A thesis
Maintaining control during M&A execution
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This episode is sponsored by DealRoom AI. Forget spending hours reviewing diligence contracts. Automate the extraction and analysis of key information and create quick summary reports. Harness the power of Buyer-Led M&A™ with DealRoom's proven framework. Visit DealRoom.net to learn more.
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Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:17 The power of an engineering background
03:48 Key lessons from the trenches for corporate M&A success
06:51 Balancing proactive and opportunistic M&A strategies
08:39 Building and managing an M&A pipeline
10:32 Handling opportunistic deals outside corporate strategy
12:35 Balancing synergies and opportunistic deals
14:54 Deciding how much to integrate a company
17:59 Evaluating deals that don’t fit the M&A thesis
23:06 Planning integration based on partnerships and synergies
25:02 Becoming a buyer-led M&A organization
27:05 Working with the sell-side during M&A processes
30:46 Maintaining control during M&A execution
32:40 Balancing the M&A process management with bankers
34:48 Handling proprietary deals without an advisor
38:34 Scenario: Balancing opportunism with communication in competitive processes
Joe Mantone, U.S. Financial Institutions News Desk Manager at S&P Global Market Intelligence (NYSE: SPGI)
The M&A market isn’t what it used to be. Deal volumes are rising, but they remain a shadow of the record highs of 2021. Add to this the challenges of regulatory hurdles, high interest rates, and uneven global recovery. Corporate development leaders are left asking: where do we go from here?
In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe Mantone of S&P Global Market Intelligence unpacks the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the M&A cycle. You’ll learn the latest insights to stay ahead in a volatile market and prepare for the opportunities 2025 promises to bring.
Things you will learn:
The state of M&A, recovering from the 2022 downturn
How regulatory challenges are reshaping deal strategies
What corporate leaders need to know about private equity and credit trends
The rise of AI and sector-specific opportunities for 2025
Actionable advice for corporate development teams in a volatile market
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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.
DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today.
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Episode Timestamps
00:00 Intro
06:03 Current state of the M&A market
07:45 Distinguishing the current M&A downturn
08:51 Factors driving global M&A
10:14 M&A blindspots to lookout for
12:38 How Fed rate cuts will affect M&A
13:38 Financing M&A deals in a changing market
15:22 Investor sentiment and the future of IPOs
16:17 Impact of market volatility on corporate M&A
17:12 Cross-border M&A: Lessons from Asia Pacific and Europe M&A Activity
20:19 How to prepare for the heightened regulatory scrutiny
21:43 Strategies for mitigating regulatory risks
22:24 M&A insights from earnings calls
23:53 Increased investment banking recruiting
24:48 Practical takeaways for corporate M&A teams
25:40 The future of M&A: Trends to watch in 2025
28:13 Emerging sectors for 2025
29:55 Craziest thing in M&A
Andrew Kelley III - VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9 ( NYSE: FIVN)
Achieving success in M&A requires more than identifying opportunities—it demands a thoughtful approach to relationship-building, thorough due diligence, and strategic alignment. Without these key elements, even well-intentioned deals risk falling short of their potential.
In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Kelley, VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of corporate development. From building strong relationships to prioritizing due diligence and leveraging emerging technology, Andrew provides actionable insights for driving successful deals. Learn how to overcome common pitfalls, foster alignment, and build a strategic M&A framework.
Things You Will Learn:
Strategies for building relationships and sourcing deals effectively
How to prioritize and execute efficient due diligence
Identifying and overcoming bid-ask spread challenges
The role of culture in deal success and integration
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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.
DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today.
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Episode Timestamps:
4:13 Overview of Experience in Corporate Development
7:17 Foundational Skills for M&A Success
17:39 Efficiency and Prioritization in Due Diligence
22:00 The Role of Culture in Integration
23:22 Green Flags in the Deal
27:12 Red Flags in the Deal
33:18 Predicting Actual Value
37:46 Key Players in Your Letter of Intent
41:01 Relationships in Corporate Development
44:46 Supporting Your Team While Holding Them Accountable
49:01 Dealing with Bid-Ask Spreads
54:35 Building External Relationships
1:08:22 Future of Corporate Development