The Tech M&A Podcast

Hosted by Corum Group

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100

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Jul 2026

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About the show

The Tech M&A Podcast pulls from the best of the Tech M&A Monthly webcast, hosted by Corum Group, the global leader in technology mergers and acquisitions. The podcast features special reports on sectors, buyers, trends and M&A processes, as well as panel discussions and interviews featuring both recent sellers and major tech buyers like Google, Microsoft, Salesforce and others.

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August 14, 20265 min

Episode 113: 6 Risks of Using AI to Sell Your Software Company

AI can be a powerful tool in business, but it is not a substitute for expert guidance when selling a software or IT company. This video explains six key risks of relying too heavily on AI in tech M&A, including outdated valuation data, generic buyer outreach, incomplete buyer intelligence, and weak strategic positioning. Selling a technology company requires current market insight, buyer relationships, compelling storytelling, confidentiality, and professional deal strategy. Learn why AI should be used responsibly as an advantage in the M&A process — not as a shortcut for one of the most important decisions a founder will make. Takeaways • AI tools can help streamline work, but they cannot run a complete M&A process. • Outdated public data can lead to poor valuation assumptions. • Generic AI-generated outreach may fail to capture buyer attention. • AI lacks private buyer intelligence, negotiation history, and relationship context. • Strong positioning depends on understanding disruptive trends and future buyer value. • Deal structure, tax issues, estate planning, and legacy goals require human expertise. • Confidential company data should be protected carefully when using AI tools. 0:00 – AI Is Not a Shortcut for Tech M&A Why founders should be cautious about using AI to sell a software or IT company. 0:49 – Six AI Risks in the Sale Process The core cautions around AI-generated valuation, research, buyer lists, and deal support. 1:00 – Data Quality and Buyer Messaging Why current market data and human storytelling are critical to price discovery. 2:16 – Buyer Intelligence and Strategic Positioning How relationships, deal behavior, disruptive trends, and future value shape outcomes. 3:15 – Personal Planning, Security, and Expert Execution Why complex deal decisions and confidential information require professional guidance.

August 14, 202612 min

Episode 112: Tech M&A Market Research Report

July Tech M&A Report: Taking a look at the deal activity, emerging trends, and valuations across 29 subsectors in July of 2026.

August 14, 20265 min

Episode 111: Tech M&A's New Golden Era: Why Mega Deals, AI, and Private Equity Are Fueling Acquisitions

The tech M&A market may be entering a new golden era, driven by mega deals, AI disruption, massive tech balance sheets, and record levels of private equity capital. As technology moves faster and competition intensifies, the world's largest buyers are increasingly using acquisitions to buy growth, innovation, market position, and strategic advantage. For tech CEOs, founders, and shareholders, this creates a powerful market opportunity. With more active buyers, more acquisition currency, and a wave of founders preparing for succession or exit, today's environment may be one of the strongest windows to consider selling a technology company. Key Takeaways • Mega deals are setting the tone for the broader tech M&A market. • The largest technology companies are increasingly using acquisitions to sustain growth. • AI is accelerating competition and forcing strategic buyers to move faster. • Tech giants now have unprecedented market value, stock currency, and cash available for acquisitions. • Large acquisitions often create chain reactions as competitors respond. • Private equity firms have trillions in capital they need to deploy. • A founder succession crisis is increasing the number of companies preparing to sell. • Cross-border M&A activity continues to expand as technology becomes more global. • For technology CEOs, founders, and shareholders, the current market may represent one of the strongest exit environments in history. 0:00 – Why Tech M&A Is Heating Up Mega deals, AI disruption, and massive tech balance sheets are setting the stage for a new acquisition cycle. 0:55 – Today's Tech Giants vs. the Dot-Com Era A look at how today's trillion-dollar companies dwarf the market leaders of 2000. 2:00 – Why Big Tech Is Buying Growth Strategic buyers are using acquisitions to gain innovation, market position, and competitive advantage. 2:47 – Mega Deals, Private Equity, and Buyer Demand Record deal activity, more acquisition capital, and thousands of active buyers are fueling the market. 3:46 – Why Founders May Have a Window to Sell A founder succession crisis, global buyer demand, and strong market conditions are creating exit opportunities.

July 24, 2026Episode 1106 min

Episode 110: Inside the Deal with Steve Wargalla

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we sit down with Steve Wargalla, Managing Director of QSTRAT, a supply chain software company that provides quoting and sourcing solutions for manufacturing and distribution businesses. After acquiring QSTRAT in 2016 with a clear five-year exit strategy, Steve spent nearly eight years growing the company before successfully selling it through Corum. Steve reflects on how attending one of Corum's educational seminars first introduced him to the firm, why having a structured M&A process made all the difference compared to his previous company sale, and the lessons he learned from planning an exit years in advance. He also shares practical advice for founders preparing to sell, emphasizing the importance of education, surrounding yourself with experienced advisors, and recognizing that building a successful company requires a very different skill set than selling one. Finally, Steve discusses life after the exit, from embracing new personal challenges to rediscovering interests outside of business. Takeaways Plan your exit from the beginning : Steve acquired QSTRAT in 2016 with a long-term goal of selling the company, ultimately achieving that exit after nearly eight years. Education opens the door : Attending Corum's AI and M&A seminars provided valuable insight into the acquisition process long before the transaction began. Experience changes everything : Having previously sold a business, Steve saw firsthand how a structured, advisor-led process produced a far stronger outcome than navigating a sale alone. Structure builds confidence : Corum's disciplined, repeatable approach gave Steve confidence throughout the transaction and kept the process organized from start to finish. Founders shouldn't go it alone : Most software CEOs are experts at building companies—not selling them. Steve stresses the importance of learning the process and hiring experienced M&A advisors. The right team creates better outcomes : Drawing on the expertise of dozens of experienced dealmakers helped strengthen the company's positioning and presentation to buyers. Life after the sale brings new opportunities : With his consulting agreement ending, Steve looks forward to exploring new interests, spending more time on hobbies, and discovering what comes next beyond business. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Steve Wargalla and QSTRAT 00:45 – QSTRAT: supply chain software for manufacturers and distributors 01:00 – Discovering Corum through AI and M&A seminars 01:28 – Planning an exit: the original five-year strategy 01:59 – Life after selling the business 02:29 – Comparing a first company sale with the Corum process 03:04 – Why Corum's structured approach stood out 03:42 – Advice for software CEOs preparing to sell 04:21 – Looking ahead after the consulting agreement 04:45 – Final thoughts on Corum's deal team and the value of experienced advisors

July 10, 20264 min

Episode 109: 2026 - Why Deals Fail Now

In this special report, we examine the most common mistakes that derail transactions—from poor preparation and unrealistic expectations to the costly mistake of engaging only a single buyer.

July 10, 202622 min

Episode 108: Tech M&A Mid-Year Market Research Report

Mid-Year Tech M&A Report: Taking a look at the deal activity, emerging trends, and valuations across 29 subsectors in the first half of 2026.

July 10, 20267 min

Episode 107: Succession Crisis 2026: Strategies for Tech Founders

A global succession crisis is emerging as millions of business owners approach retirement without a clear succession plan. According to recent studies, a significant percentage of family businesses and SMEs across North America, Europe, and Asia face leadership and ownership transitions within the next decade, yet many remain unprepared. In this episode of CEO's Desk , Corum Group CEO Bruce Milne explores the growing succession challenge facing technology founders and CEOs. He discusses the risks of delaying succession planning, the realities of family succession, management buyouts, ESOPs, SPACs, and IPOs, and why mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalizations often provide the most practical path for technology companies. Whether you're actively considering a sale or simply protecting the value you've built, this video offers essential insights into succession planning, value preservation, and maintaining control of your future before circumstances force difficult decisions. Learn: Why succession planning has become a global business issue The unique risks facing technology founders and CEOs Common succession options and their limitations When to consider a merger, acquisition, or recapitalization Key questions every founder should ask before planning their next chapter Interested in learning more? Join one of Corum's upcoming Selling Up Selling Out events and explore your options before you need them. https://www.corumgroup.com/events Key Takeaways A global succession crisis is affecting businesses globally. Most recognize succession planning is critical but still lack an active plan. Technology companies face unique succession challenges Unexpected life events can dramatically change a founder's options and company value. Family succession is uncommon in technology businesses. IPOs and SPACs are not realistic exit options for most founders. The best exits are typically planned before they become necessary. Understanding your options gives you more control over your future Chapters 00:00 The Global Succession Crisis Begins 00:30 Succession Challenges Around the World 01:08 Why Tech CEOs Face Greater Risk 01:44 A Real-World Wake-Up Call 02:19 Why Succession Planning Matters 02:33 Understanding Your Succession Options 02:55 Family Succession in Technology 03:10 Management Buyouts and ESOP Realities 03:41 Why SPACs and IPOs Aren't for Most Founders 03:48 Why M&A Is the Most Practical Path 04:00 When Is the Right Time to Sell? 04:18 The Hard Questions Every Founder Should Ask 05:04 Succession Planning Is About Control 05:23 The Ultimate Founder Question 05:48 The Best Time to Plan Your Exit 05:56 Next Steps: Get Educated and Prepare

June 20, 202612 min

Episode 106: Inside the Deal with Luis Landgrave

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we chat with Luis Landgrave , co-founder of Algebraix , an edtech and fintech company serving private schools across Latin America, with a primary focus on Mexico. Over nearly two decades, Luis helped build Algebraix into a school management platform with an integrated fintech arm that processes tuition and payments on behalf of schools — momentum that ultimately led to a successful sale through Corum after years of inbound interest from investors and acquirers. Luis shares how a Corum seminar in Mexico City planted the seed nearly a decade before he was ready to sell, and how an early deal that fell through made the second, advisor-led process far smoother. He offers candid advice on the demands of financial due diligence, the importance of getting your reporting in order before going to market, and the emotional discipline required when deal terms shift mid-negotiation. He also reflects on the realities of post-exit life — from deferred payments and multi-year earnouts to the reduced control and renegotiation that can come with a two-year transition. Takeaways Plant the seed early: A Corum seminar in Mexico City sparked the idea nearly a decade before Luis was ready to sell — selling was always the goal, never a legacy to pass down. The turning point can be a business-model shift: Adding payment processing around 2017–2018 accelerated revenue and made the company far more attractive to buyers. A first attempt that falls through still teaches you: A 2021 approach from a Brazilian acquirer didn't close, but it made the second, Corum-run process much smoother. A competitive process improves terms: Even with just one official offer, having other interested buyers in play tightened the LOI and held due diligence to a 90-day timeline. Due diligence is the heavy lift: For founders who are engineers rather than finance experts, producing the reports that PE-background buyers demanded was the most taxing part. Get your numbers in order first: The more prepared your reporting and financials, the less pressure and rework once offers start coming in. Align with your partner and stay centered: Selling is an emotional rollercoaster as terms move on and off the table — shared objectives keep you steady. Plan for the transition: A two-year earnout means deferred payments, reduced control, and even some renegotiation — know what you're signing up for. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Luis Landgrave and Algebraix 00:44 – An edtech + fintech platform for private schools in Mexico 01:01 – First learning about Corum: a seminar in Mexico City 01:58 – The long gap: staying in touch over nearly a decade 02:29 – The turning point: payment processing and faster revenue growth 03:03 – A 2021 approach from a Brazilian acquirer — and why it didn't close 03:29 – Round two with Corum: a smoother, time-bound 90-day process 04:33 – The hardest part: due diligence and producing reports 05:26 – Buyer-side negotiation: in-house experience and the Corum advisor 06:03 – Inside the buyer: a startup with a search-fund track record 06:41 – Choosing the acquirer: business-model fit, cross-selling, and timing 08:03 – Advice for LatAm founders: partner alignment and preparation 09:32 – Bringing in local M&A and tax counsel in Mexico City 09:58 – Post-exit life: earnouts, reduced control, and what comes next

June 12, 20264 min

Episode 105: Why Tech M&A Is Stronger Than the Headlines Suggest | CEO's Desk

Tariffs, rate concerns, geopolitical uncertainty — the headlines make it easy to wonder whether now is the right time to sell your software company. Corum Group CEO [Name] breaks down the actual data behind tech M&A valuations over the last decade, and the picture is more compelling than most CEOs realize. With the Dow at 50,000, stable multiples across all six tech sectors, and over $6 trillion in capital available for tech acquisitions, the fundamentals have never been stronger. If you're asking yourself whether to wait — this video is for you. Subscribe for weekly Tech M&A insights from Corum Group. Join a Corum Tech M&A Educational Event: https://www.corumgroup.com/events Learn more: https://www.corumgroup.com/ Key takeaways: The Dow crossing 50,000 reflects a decade of compounding resilience — not a bubble — and strong capital markets fuel M&A activity. Tech M&A valuations have been remarkably stable over the last 10 years when you strip out the anomalous 2020–2021 pandemic spike. A normalized, mature market is a functional one — it's a better environment for getting deals done than a frothy one. The buyer pool has expanded significantly — Corum is actively tracking over 19,000 potential acquirers across six tech sectors. There is over $6 trillion in available capital waiting to be deployed into tech acquisitions and investment. The demand side of the tech M&A market isn't weakening — it's deepening. For CEOs weighing whether to wait, the data suggests the opportunity right now is as strong as it has ever been. Chapter: 0:00 Introduction — cutting through the noise 0:24 The Dow at 50,000 — what it means for M&A 0:55 Should you wait to sell? 10 years of valuation data 1:41 Why a normalized market is actually good for deals 2:00 The expanding buyer pool — 19,000+ active acquirers 2:33 $6 trillion in dry powder waiting to be deployed 2:42 The bottom line — why now is the moment to act

May 21, 2026Episode 10413 min

Episode 104: Inside the Deal with Heriberto Garcia

In this episode of the Tech M&A Podcast, we chat with Heriberto Garcia, founder and former CEO of Vialterna Comunicaciones, a leading modern telecommunications firm serving all of Mexico. Over 15 years, Heriberto built Vialterna into a powerhouse of connectivity before navigating a successful exit to a search fund — a buyer type he initially never expected to consider. Heriberto shares how a Corum seminar he attended three decades ago planted the seed for his eventual exit, and how that knowledge stayed with him until the timing was right. He offers candid advice on the importance of pre-deal preparation, the often-overlooked complexity of tax due diligence, and why authenticity and transparency with buyers can be your greatest asset. He also reflects on the realities of post-exit life — including the multi-year transition that follows a deal and the importance of learning to manage newfound wealth. Takeaways Plant the seed early: A seminar attended 30 years prior shaped Heriberto's entire approach to eventually selling — long-term mindset matters. Run a pre-due diligence on yourself: Conducting your own internal DD before going to market surfaces surprises early and dramatically smooths the formal process. Don't underestimate tax: Tax due diligence should be addressed from the very beginning of the process, not left to the end. Be open to unexpected buyers: A search fund — initially rejected outright — turned out to be the perfect match, proving that criteria should remain flexible. Authenticity wins deals: Transparency and openness with potential buyers builds trust and accelerates the process. Keep the sale confidential: Avoid telling staff or partners until necessary — unexpected reactions can complicate operations mid-deal. Expect a long transition: Post-exit life involves a multi-year handover, not an overnight handoff. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Heriberto Garcia and Vialterna Comunicaciones 01:00 – 15 years building a telecom powerhouse across Mexico 02:00 – How a Corum seminar 30 years ago set the foundation for this exit 03:00 – The motivation to sell: retirement planning and the right timing 04:00 – Surprises in the market: rejecting investment funds — then finding the perfect search fund 05:30 – Due diligence surprises and the lesson of working capital 06:30 – External advisors: legal, financial, and tax support during the deal 07:30 – What Heriberto wishes he'd known: pre-DD, taxes, and behaving like a big company 08:30 – How the right buyer was chosen — and why transparency sealed it 09:30 – Advice for CEOs in Latin America: valuations, firm decisions, and authenticity 10:30 – Post-exit life: transitions, wealth management, and what comes next