Podcasts Technology Acquired Episode 18: SpecialAn Acquirers View into M&A with Taylor Barada, head of Corp Dev at Adobe

Episode 18: SpecialAn Acquirers View into M&A with Taylor Barada, head of Corp Dev at Adobe

Published: Aug. 22, 2016, 12:48 p.m.

Ben & David are joined by special guest Taylor Barada, VP and Head of Corporate Development & Strategic Partnerships at Adobe, to discuss how large tech acquirers approach buying companies. This episode is full of great insights for startups & entrepreneurs who might find themselves navigating the M&A process, as well as anyone curious about the craft of dealmaking and the strategic approach of large acquirers.\xa0

Sponsors:
ServiceNow: https://bit.ly/acquiredsn
Statsig: https://bit.ly/acquiredstatsig24
Vanta: https://bit.ly/acquiredvanta


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Topics covered include:\xa0
  • How conversations begin between startups and acquirers
  • The importance of building a relationship with acquirers over time and "investing in lines, not dots\u201d (just like raising VC)
  • The often under-appreciated role of culture fit between acquirers and acquisition targets\xa0
  • How entrepreneurs should evaluate acquirers throughout the M&A process\xa0
  • Two examples of successful acquisitions Taylor completed at Yahoo in Citizen Sports and IntoNow
  • The M&A process at large technology acquirers, from initial conversations to LOI, due diligence and the definitive merger agreement\xa0
  • The relative roles of Corp Dev, business/product owners and executive sponsors in the M&A process
  • Common mistakes startups (and VC\u2019s) often make in the M&A process
  • Different \u201ccategories\u201d of M&A that acquirers think about, and the relative risks & opportunities of \u201ccore" acquisitions vs transformative new businesses\xa0
  • What percentage of deals Adobe looks at actually happen, and the importance of being willing to say no
  • M&A as a tool for strategy, and the different M&A cultures & approaches at different companies\xa0
  • Tech themes Taylor and Adobe think about as part of their M&A strategy
  • Evaluating the longterm success of deals and the importance of the M&A integration function\xa0

\xa0 Followups:\xa0

\xa0 The Carve Out:\xa0