How2Exit: Buy, Don't Build - M&A of Small Businesses

E188: Valsoft's Investment Partner Costa Tagalakis, Discusses Their Successful Acquisition Strategy

28 snips
Feb 16, 2024
Costa Tagalakis, an investment partner at Valsoft Corporation, shares insights from his journey in software business acquisitions. He explains Valsoft's strategic approach, having acquired over 90 companies, prioritizing high recurring revenue and strong customer retention. Costa highlights the importance of flexible deal structures for sellers and the company's integration playbook for post-acquisition success. He emphasizes a people-first culture and the value of in-person meetings to foster relationships and trust in the acquisition process.
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ANECDOTE

First Acquisition Validated The Model

  • Valsoft's first acquisition, InQuest, was a hotel property management system and worked exceptionally well.
  • That early win validated the model and accelerated subsequent acquisitions.
INSIGHT

Flat Teams Accelerate Dealflow

  • Valsoft organizes into multiple flat teams led by investment partners who own deals end-to-end.
  • That flat structure speeds decisions and develops talent internally.
ADVICE

Keep Unchanging Core Buy Criteria

  • Keep core buy criteria fixed: vertical market software and >90% gross revenue retention.
  • Adjust size and geography as the company scales, but stick to core metrics.
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