In this episode, we discuss tech M&A with Barr Blanton, CEO of Crosslake Technologies, who specializes in technology mergers and acquisitions and advises private equity firms on buying, building, and transforming technology companies. If you own a tech company or invest in technology companies, this show will be of interest to you.
There is no such thing as perfect technology. The goal of technology is to accomplish the firm’s strategic objectives.
More than $1 trillion has been invested in tech companies in 2021.
Technology is an enabler of strategy – it should not drive strategy.
Always start by asking yourself what the role of your technology is in accomplishing your company’s objectives.
Technology is synonymous with disruptive innovation.
There are two types of tech companies – pure-play software businesses (SAAS) tech-enabled companies, and enterprise systems-driven systems (with purchased software).
If you don’t know about tech, you better start knowing about it. Technology is playing an ever-present role in nearly every company.
Technology used to be a vertical, now it’s a horizontal.
No two tech due diligences look alike.
Integration will usually take twice as long as you think it will – it’s not just about integrating technology, it’s also about integrating people. The appetite for change will also determine how rapid integration will be.
A lot of tech due diligence is conducted through situational interviews, as opposed to financial or legal due diligence, which is focused on reviewing documents.
You should prepare at least one year in advance for due diligence.
CEO of Crosslake Technologies | Charlotte, North Carolina
Barr joined Crosslake from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company where he was a partner in the Transformation and Private Equity practices and served as managing partner of the firm’s Charlotte, North Carolina office. Barr has extensive experience advising private equity firms, portfolio companies, and Fortune 500 clients on strategic and transformational initiatives.