What Capital Actually Rewards: Building for Strategic and Financial Acquirers in 2026  

Today's founders face a dramatically different funding and transaction environment than they did just a few years ago. Strategic buyers, private equity firms, venture investors, and lenders are evaluating opportunities through different lenses, often rewarding different characteristics within a business. This discussion explores what makes companies attractive to investors and acquirers, how expectations have evolved, and what founders should focus on if they want to create future strategic optionality.

Session Focus:

• What makes a company financeable today
• What strategic buyers value
• What financial buyers value
• Building companies that attract capital