In this episode, Rishi Garg, former Head of Corporate Development at Twitter and Square, shares insider knowledge on tech acquisitions. He explains when companies should start considering M&A and the three key approaches: tops down, bottoms up, and strategy influence. Rishi reveals how he managed up to 15 deals in 12 months and why integration is crucial for M&A success. He debunks common M&A misconceptions and discusses the "sins of omission" - deals he regrets not making. The conversation shifts to his current role as a VC at Mayfield Fund, offering a unique perspective on both sides of acquisitions.
LINKS:
https://www.twitter.com/rishigarg
https://www.mayfield.com/
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X/SOCIAL:
@sashaorloff
@rishigarg (Rishi)
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:53) How companies should think about M&A and corp dev
(00:06:58) Signs that a company is ready to consider M&A
(00:11:37) Different approaches to M&A: tops down, bottoms up, and strategy influencing
(00:16:52) How to start building an M&A team
(00:18:16) Sponsors: Netsuite | Metaview
(00:22:15) Misconceptions about M&A in Silicon Valley
(00:26:53) Valuation considerations in M&A deals
(00:34:31) Current state of M&A market and opportunities
(00:38:24) Sponsors: Omneky | Brave
(00:39:47) How M&A deals happen and relationship building
(00:45:55) Reasons why M&A deals don't work out
(00:51:50) Transition to Rishi's experience as a venture capitalist
(00:57:50) Advice for founders considering M&A
(01:02:09) Rishi's current interests in investing, particularly in AI and new platforms
"Tech Finance" with Sasha Orloff: B2B Fintech | AI | Finance Tech 