Exits Masterclass
Alpha Advisory is delighted to have collaborated with Boardwave, Europe's leading network for ambitious software leaders, to launch “Optimising Your Exit”, an in-depth masterclass series designed to demystify the entire exit process. This series provides invaluable insights from both strategic and private equity buyer perspectives. Over eight comprehensive sessions, hosts Joel Greenwood and Phill Robinson engage with industry experts, including CEOs, private equity investors, investment banking advisers, and founders who have successfully exited their businesses.
Series Overview
In this short video, Joel Greenwood and Phil Robinson provide an overview of exits masterclass and the topics covered in each session.
Session 1: Introduction to Exits
Key topics include: What is (and what is not) an exit?; Overview of the M&A market and global capital flows; Who buys a business and why?; Are all businesses are saleable? Hosted by Joel Greenwood with speakers Anton Black (Partner and Head of Technology, Rothschild & Co), Thomas Koehrer (Head of EMEA Tech Investment Banking at Bank of America) and Laura Maddison (Partner, Arma Partners).
Session 2: Valuations and how to maximise them
Key topics include: What are the key factors that determine valuation multiples for software businesses?; Organic growth as a key valuation parameter; Growth vs profitability; Competitive positioning and switching barriers; Customer stickiness and Gross and Net revenue retention metrics. Hosted by Joel Greenwood with speakers Nick Padgett (Partner, McKinsey & Company) and Nandan Shinkre (Managing Director, Jefferies).
Session 3: The PE buyer’s perspective
Key topics include: Overview of the PE landscape and its evolution; Key categories of PE; What motivates PE buyers?; LBO structures and the role of leverage; LPs, fund structures and fund dynamics; How PEs engage with potential investee companies; Exit processes vs self-originated transactions. Hosted by Joel Greenwood with speakers Irina Hemmers (Partner, Thoma Bravo) and Simon Peet (Partner, Livingbridge).
Session 4: The motivations of strategic buyers
Key topics include: Why do strategics do M&A and what do they look for in a deal?; Differences in approach between listed vs. PE backed strategics; Who makes the deal happen - roles of corporate development, executive sponsor and the board; How do corporates do M&A? - sale processes vs. off market deals. Hosted by Phil Robinson with speakers Dean Forbes (CEO, Forterro) and Elona Mortimer-Zhika (Former CEO, IRIS Software).
Session 5: Preparing to exit
Key topics include: When is the right time?; Assessing the market outlook; Setting clear exit objectives; Aligning stakeholders; Developing and proving the equity story; How to respond to inbound interest; Who to talk to when (and who not to talk to); Running your business before and during an exit. Hosted by Joel Greenwood with speakers Kiren Asad (Partner, Deloitte) and Simon Hill (Partner, Liberty Corporate Finance).
Session 6: Tips from fellow Founders and CEOs
Key topics include: What do you wish you had known before you started?; What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?; What would you do differently next time?; Hosted by Joel Greenwood with speakers Achim Weick (Founder & CEO, EQS Group AG), Karen Slatford (Chair, The Foundry; Chair, Neverfail Group; and NED, Microfocus) and Virginie Fauvel (CEO, Harvest SA).
Session 7: Tech due diligence
Host Phill Robinson sits down with Barr Blanton, CEO of Crosslake Technologies to discuss tech due diligence. They delve into the whole process of due diligence, preparing for the exit yourself, and understanding the mood of the buyer when evaluating your technology and business.
Bonus: Rothschild and Co Wealth Management
Host Phill Robinson speaks to Jake van Beever, Director and Rothschild & Co Wealth Management about your life after exit and how best to manage your liquidity and wealth post sale.
