In this episode of Founders, Future, host Jay Encarnacion sits down with Zack Walmer, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of sc0red, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the M&A landscape. With 15+ years in strategic growth, Zack shares how sc0red’s AI-powered platform solves the critical pain point of inefficient deal sourcing—replacing outdated databases with intelligent target discovery and prioritization. From his consulting roots to co-founding sc0red in 2024, Zack breaks down how mid-market advisors and PE firms leverage their SaaS platform to find "the perfect puzzle piece" acquisition targets faster than ever.

Zack dives into sc0red’s lean, AI-driven approach to scaling—using tools like PhantomBuster for LinkedIn outreach and AI agents to replace traditional sales teams. He also unpacks the future of M&A, where AI handles transactional heavy lifting (research, diligence) while humans focus on relationship-building. With a seed round underway and an elite advisory board forming, Zack reveals his vision for an end-to-end M&A workflow powered by "man-machine collaboration" and why paying knowledge forward is his #1 rule for entrepreneurial success.