In this episode, Rishi Garg, former Head of Corporate Development at Twitter and Square, shares insider knowledge on tech acquisitions. He explains when companies should start considering M&A and the three key approaches: tops down, bottoms up, and strategy influence. Rishi reveals how he managed up to 15 deals in 12 months and why integration is crucial for M&A success. He debunks common M&A misconceptions and discusses the "sins of omission" - deals he regrets not making. The conversation shifts to his current role as a VC at Mayfield Fund, offering a unique perspective on both sides of acquisitions.

LINKS:

https://www.twitter.com/rishigarg

https://www.mayfield.com/

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X/SOCIAL:

@sashaorloff

@rishigarg (Rishi)

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:53) How companies should think about M&A and corp dev

(00:06:58) Signs that a company is ready to consider M&A

(00:11:37) Different approaches to M&A: tops down, bottoms up, and strategy influencing

(00:16:52) How to start building an M&A team

(00:18:16) Sponsors: Netsuite | Metaview

(00:22:15) Misconceptions about M&A in Silicon Valley

(00:26:53) Valuation considerations in M&A deals

(00:34:31) Current state of M&A market and opportunities

(00:38:24) Sponsors: Omneky | Brave

(00:39:47) How M&A deals happen and relationship building

(00:45:55) Reasons why M&A deals don't work out

(00:51:50) Transition to Rishi's experience as a venture capitalist

(00:57:50) Advice for founders considering M&A

(01:02:09) Rishi's current interests in investing, particularly in AI and new platforms