High Stakes

How do you leverage intellectual property for M&A?

In this episode of High Stakes, Todd Bracher joins Paige Soya to answer.

With over 20+ years experience in building great products, Todd believes that the world’s biggest problems already have solutions, but they need the right design approach to shine.

They discuss:

- how better design can give your patent the moat it needs

- TRLs and IP litigation attorneys

- making a product market-ready

Don’t miss out.

Connect with us here:

1. Todd Bracher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbracher/

2. Paige Soya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigesoya/

3. K Street Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstreetvc/

Resources:

1. Design in Context (Todd’s book)- https://www.toddbracher.com/book

2. Market Efficiency Index (Free tool for founders/investors)- https://www.toddbracher.com/mei

Hookit was acquired by KORE Software for much more than the $20 million they raised over three funding rounds.

But getting there was no walk in the park.

In this episode of High Stakes, K Street Managing Partner Paige Soya is joined by Scott Tilton, exited co-founder of Hookit.

They discuss:

• how Hookit got acquired for 2x the offer price

• why co-founders need to be aligned before the big close

• embracing the shift to becoming an employee after a merger

Connect with us here:

1. Scott Tilton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiltcore/

2. Paige Soya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigesoya/

3. K Street Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstreetvc/

Managing our digital footprints has become almost impossible without the right tech.

Personal data is more vulnerable than ever, and cybercriminals are ready to take advantage.

That’s where PrivacyHawk steps in — your defense against this growing digital chaos.

We're thrilled to have backed PrivacyHawk in its recent $3M funding round.

In this conversation with Aaron Mendez, CEO of PrivacyHawk, we discuss everything from dead weight on your cap table, the need for a better understanding of liquidation preferences, and why you're better off selling early rather than too late.

Connect with us here:

1. Aaron Mendes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendes/

2. Paige Soya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigesoya/

3. K Street Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstreetvc/

Building a company for exit? Prepare for the long haul.

In this encore episode, hosted by Paige Soya, Richard Leggett, former CEO of FrontierView, and lead investor Tom McCormick dive into the harsh realities of the world of M&A.

They share how they navigated the pressures of competing priorities, kept the business afloat during the pandemic, and avoided a fire sale by strategically positioning for a successful exit.

With candid insights on resilience, timing, and critical decision-making, this episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs facing tough choices.

Note: This episode is a re-upload with added substance and a quick sneak peak into the conversation at the start. Enjoy!

In this episode of High Stakes, host Paige Soya dives in with Zach Axelrod, CEO of Redball Energy, uncovering the game-changing moments that shaped his entrepreneurial success. Discover:

• How financial leverage and perfect timing led to Zach's career-defining $100M exit

• Insider tips on maximizing returns from high-growth investments

• Crucial lessons on negotiation power dynamics and maintaining control

Zach's candid insights on market timing, profit-taking, and strategic flexibility are pure gold. Don't miss this masterclass in entrepreneurial wisdom!

Imagine thinking your startup is doomed, only to be acquired for $165M.

On this episode of High Stakes, Russ Hiddleston shares the wild ride that led to DocSend’s $165 million acquisition by Dropbox.

In this chat with Managing Partner Paige Soya, they discuss funding, exits, Russ’s next venture, Distill (hint: think Wikipedia but for company and people summaries).

In episode 12 of High Stakes, Paige Soya, Managing Director of K Street Capital, interviews Marcus Brauchli, co-founder of North Base Media and former managing editor at the Wall Street Journal, on the intricacies of investment exits. Marcus shares his extensive experience in the venture capital world, highlighting the lessons learned from both successful and failed exits. They cover the wide range of stories Marcus has to share on the importance of legal documentation, the complexities of international investments, and the various exit strategies companies may face. Marcus also emphasizes the necessity for founders to plan for exits from the beginning and maintain open communication with investors. Tune in for insightful advice on navigating the unpredictable landscape of venture capital exits.

In Episode 11 of High Stakes, Paige Soya interviews Sean Griffey, CEO of Industry Dive. Griffey discusses Industry Dive's journey from bootstrap beginnings to a company with $100 million in revenue and over 400 employees, culminating in its acquisition by Falfurrias Capital. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and cultural fit in acquisitions. Griffey also shares insights into Industry Dive's subsequent acquisition by Informa in 2022, navigating the transition from private equity ownership to being part of a large public corporation, and the opportunities and challenges it brought.

In episode 10 of High Stakes, Paige Soya, Managing Partner at K Street Capital, and Joe Fluet, Founder of Fluet Law Firm and MAG Aerospace, discuss Fluet’s journey from founding MAG to navigating significant exits and recaps. He emphasizes a values-driven approach to business, discussing how aligning with investors who share these values is crucial for long-term success. Tune in to hear Fluet’s insights underscoring the complexity and critical decisions involved in building lasting, impactful companies.

Join us as we dive into the world of multiple exits with Martin Tobias, Managing Partner of Incisive Ventures. Martin brings a wealth of experience and perspective as a GP and a three-time venture-funded CEO who has navigated IPOs and strategic acquisitions, sharing insights from his journey with Loud Eye Technologies, among others. He discusses the nuances of laddering and IPO pricing, the challenges of lock-up periods, and strategies for managing concentrated positions post-exit. Tune in to Martin and Paige’s discussion on the dynamics of modern exit strategies and valuable perspectives for both founders and investors.