Mark Nardone | Blue Cow Software| Former President

In this Seller's Corner episode, Mark Nardone, President of Blue Cow Software, shares the story behind building — and ultimately selling — a niche SaaS company serving the fuel and energy industry.

Mark reflects on an early acquisition attempt that nearly closed and then fell apart, what that experience taught him about valuation, buyer intent, and timing, and how focusing on recurring revenue fundamentally changed how buyers viewed the business.

He also discusses why choosing the right buyer mattered more than maximizing price, how experienced advisors helped manage friction during negotiations, and what life looks like after the transaction — including why reduced stress became the most meaningful outcome.

Key Takeaways:

• Recurring revenue significantly improves buyer perception and valuation

• Selling without experienced M&A guidance creates real risk

• Buyer fit can matter more than headline price

• The greatest post‑exit benefit is reduced stress and clarity

00:00 – Introduction and Mark Nardone's background 01:05 – Building Blue Cow Software and long‑term vision 06:12 – Preparing for the exit and navigating the sale process 10:23 – Lessons learned and post‑exit reflections

Rodolfo Elias Dieck | Managing Partner | Proeza Ventures

What does today's exit market really look like from the investor's seat?

In this Investor's Corner episode of the TechExits Podcast, Rodolfo Elias Dieck shares how venture investors think about exits in today's market—why most venture‑backed outcomes still happen through strategic M&A, how founders should prepare years in advance, and where valuation expectations often break down.

Rodolfo also discusses the growing role of secondaries, how boards and investors navigate misalignment, and what founders need to understand about building relationships with potential acquirers early.

A practical, grounded conversation for founders, operators, and investors navigating the next wave of tech exits.

Key Takeaways

• Why most venture‑backed exits still happen through M&A

• How investors help founders prepare long before a sale

• Where valuation misalignment between founders and VCs comes from

• Why secondaries matter—but aren't a silver bullet yet

00:00 – Introduction & Proeza Ventures' investment focus 01:50 – Why tech exits are picking up again 04:30 – How investors prepare founders for exits 07:05 – M&A vs IPOs and the role of secondaries 09:10 – Inbound interest vs running a formal M&A process 12:45 – What buyers value that founders often overlook 19:20 – Will the exit wave continue? Advice for founders

Sharon Van Zeeland | Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development | Rockwell Automation

What do strategic buyers actually look for before they make an acquisition?

In this Buyer's Corner episode of the TechExits Podcast, Sharon Van Zeeland shares how Rockwell Automation approaches M&A—from target identification and diligence through integration and value creation. Sharon explains what founders often misunderstand about buyer priorities, why profitability and focus matter more than ever, and how transparency can make or break a deal.

A must-listen for tech CEOs who want to understand how strategic acquirers think—and how to position their company accordingly.

Key takeways:

• What strategic buyers value beyond revenue • How corporates assess product fit and risk • Why transparency speeds up M&A deals • How founders can prepare to be acquisition-ready

00:00 – Introduction & Sharon's background

01:00 – Rockwell's acquisition strategy

02:50 – What makes a company attractive to buyers

04:30 – Product and technology diligence

07:30 – Common red flags founders underestimate

09:15 – How deals get delayed or derailed

10:20 – Post-close integration realities

11:25 – Advice for founders planning an exit

13:10 – Closing thoughts

What are investors actually looking for in the AI Era for tech companies right now?

In this special TechExits Podcast episode, we bring you the Investors Panel from Growth & Exit Strategies: Scaling & Selling in the AI Era, recorded live on November 6.

Leading venture, growth, and private equity investors share how AI is reshaping investment decisions, valuations, and exit strategies—and what founders should understand as they scale, raise capital, or prepare for M&A.

The discussion covers:

• What gets funded in today's AI-driven market

• How AI impacts diligence, scalability, and valuation

• When founders should raise capital vs. prepare for exit

• What investors believe founders consistently underestimate

Panelists: Brian Mac Mahon, Founder & Managing Partner | Expert DOJO Tanya Marvin-Horowitz, Partner | Butterfly Ventures Gabriela Smith, Co-Founder | LatAmplify Ventures Steve Schlenker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner | DN Capital Tara Zahiri, Vice President | Mainsail Partners

Moderator: Nihat Arkan, Senior Vice President | Corum Group

00:00 – Introduction & panel overview 02:10 – Investor perspectives: what they fund and where 08:45 – How AI is changing investment theses 17:00 – Where AI actually creates value (data, efficiency, moats) 25:00 – Real AI investments: examples and lessons learned 42:00 – Generative AI, margins, and sustainable business models 55:00 – Exit timing, IPO vs M&A, and founder advice

Robin Fisk | Donorfy | Co-Founder & Former CEO

In this Seller's Corner episode, Robin Fisk shares what it really takes to sell a SaaS company you've spent a decade building. As a two-time founder and former CEO of Donorfy—a bootstrapped CRM serving more than 1,000 charities & nonprofits—Robin offers a candid look at designing a company with an exit in mind, managing the reality of due diligence, and handling the emotional side of letting go.

He reflects on what worked, what he'd do differently, and how he approached the deal after the first buyer walked away. Whether you're thinking about selling in a year or in ten, Robin brings clarity to the decisions founders face on the road to a successful exit.

A candid, practical conversation for any founder preparing for life after their exit.

00:00 – Introduction & Donorfy's background 02:00 – Building a SaaS company with an exit in mind 04:10 – Why and when to pursue an M&A exit 07:30 – Choosing the right advisor and buyer 11:00 – Managing secrecy, due diligence, and a false start 16:40 – Non‑negotiables and finding the right strategic buyer 23:30 – Lessons learned and life after the exit

Jenny Abramson | Rethink Impact | Founder & Managing Partner

Jenny Abramson, Founder & Managing Partner at Rethink Impact — the largest U.S.-based VC firm investing in female CEOs using tech to solve the world's biggest problems — joins us for an inspiring Investor's Corner conversation.

She discusses how impact and performance go hand in hand, why now is a defining moment for female founders, and how Rethink Impact identifies companies where social good and business growth scale together. Jenny also shares her take on the current wave of tech exits, lessons from supporting mission-driven founders, and what sectors she's most excited about in 2026 — from women's health to sustainability.

A must-listen for founders and investors who believe doing good and doing well can — and should — coexist.

00:00 – Introduction & Rethink Impact's investment focus 01:25 – Rethink Impact's thesis and example portfolio companies 03:45 – Why tech exits are rising again 05:45 – M&A vs IPOs and today's exit landscape 06:50 – How VCs help founders build exit optionality 09:20 – Impact investing and M&A outcomes 12:10 – Valuation alignment and board dynamics 14:20 – Sectors and technologies shaping the future 17:50 – Final advice for founders planning ahead

Ibrahim Abdel Rahim | Managing Partner | Moonbase Capital

What drives a successful acquisition strategy from the buyer's seat?

In this episode, we sit down with Ibrahim Abdel Rahim to explore how disciplined acquisition strategies fuel long-term growth. Ibrahim shares his approach to identifying the right opportunities, balancing financial considerations with strategic fit, and navigating the challenges of integration.

He highlights the role of trust, preparation, and clear communication in building lasting relationships with sellers. Ibrahim also offers practical advice for founders—what buyers really look for, how to position a company for acquisition, and the pitfalls to avoid during negotiations.

Gain firsthand insight into the mindset of an active buyer and learn what it takes to stand out in today's competitive M&A landscape.

00:00 – Introduction & Moonbase Capital's acquisition model 04:55 – Search funds and buying founder‑owned businesses 07:25 – Evaluating tech companies in a fast‑moving market 08:35 – Biggest challenges buyers face in tech acquisitions 10:10 – Deal timelines, sourcing, and avoiding competition 13:15 – Common seller mistakes and deal breakers 18:50 – Post‑acquisition priorities and founder advice

Daniel Ibri | Mindset Ventures | Co-Founder & Managing Partner

We're kicking off the very first Investor's Corner episode of the TechExits Podcast with Daniel Ibri, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Mindset Ventures.

Daniel shares his view on the surge in venture-backed tech exits, how today's M&A market compares to past cycles, and the role VCs play in guiding founders through the exit process. He also talks about where most exits are happening—M&A, IPOs, or secondaries—and which sectors excite him most right now.

This debut Investor's Corner is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and investors who want to understand tech M&A through the eyes of a leading VC.

00:00 – Introduction & Mindset Ventures' investment focus 03:20 – Early‑stage B2B software investing and exit context 04:25 – Why tech M&A activity is picking up again 06:45 – Preparing portfolio companies for acquisition 09:35 – Strategic M&A vs IPOs in today's market 12:05 – Founder–investor misalignment and exit timing 17:05 – Sectors of interest and final advice for founders

Scot Cocanour | Promium | Founder & CEO

What's it like to sell a business after nearly a quarter-century of innovation, leadership, and growth?

In this episode, we speak with Scot Cocanour, founder and CEO of Promium, a specialized software company serving environmental labs. Scot reflects on the decision to sell after 24 years, navigating the M&A process while balancing the needs of his employees, customers, and shareholders.

He discusses the smooth, eight-month journey that exceeded expectations, the importance of timing, and the emotional and strategic elements of letting go. Scot also shares the surprising personal rewards of the sale—including keeping a promise to his wife, traveling, coaching, and even starting a new venture.

This episode is full of grounded wisdom for tech CEOs looking to exit on their own terms—without dropping the ball.

00:00 – Introduction & Promium's background 01:25 – Why Scot decided it was time to sell 02:15 – Choosing Corum and preparing for the process 03:00 – What surprised him most about the M&A journey 03:55 – Balancing owners, employees, and customers 05:00 – Life after the exit and lessons for founders

In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:

• What do tech investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities?

• What is the impact of AI on investment strategies?

• When should entrepreneurs seek investment versus considering an M&A exit?

This discussion took place during the WFS Flagship Conference, Growth & Exit Strategies: HealthTech on April 3rd, 2025.

The panel lineup includes:

David Gardner, Founding Partner, Cofounders Capital

Daniel O'Mahony, Partner, Seroba Life Sciences

Robbi Allen, General Partner, Triangle Tweener Fund

Moderating this panel is David Levine, Regional Managing Director of the Corum Group.