The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors SaaStr 789: 10 Things No One Tells You About Getting Acquired for $1.5B Steve Mitzenmacher, Former Vice President Corporate Development, Own Company
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Feb 26, 2025 Steve Mitzenmacher, former Vice President of Corporate Development at Own Company, shares pivotal lessons from his experience navigating a $1.5 billion acquisition. He reveals the often-overlooked challenges of M&A, including the importance of understanding buyer motivations and the complexities of valuation. Mitzenmacher emphasizes relationship-building and clear communication as key ingredients for success. He also debunks myths about negotiation dynamics, particularly regarding initial offers and counteroffers, while offering strategic tips for startups preparing for acquisition.
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Pre-LOI Preparation
- Prepare for acquisitions; they don't happen overnight.
- Build relationships with potential acquirers long before you're ready to sell.
Take the Call
- Always take calls from corporate development, even if you're not ready to sell.
- Use these calls to learn about the acquirer's perspective and strategy.
The M&A Process
- The M&A process is messy and unpredictable, despite structured playbooks.
- Learn the process, know when to push, hold firm, or walk away.