Our carefully curated agenda will help you prepare for acquisition and connect with Canada’s leading entrepreneurs, mentors and dealmakers. Discover the full agenda below.
OCTOBER 15, 2026 • MaRS CENTRE • TORONTO
2025 Conference Chair
A Message From Our Chair
If you’re a Builder, TechExit.io is your opportunity to connect with like-minded Builders shaping the world. We will explore the subtle and not-so-subtle nuances of building and how they pertain to acquisition, and share lessons on how to acquire. This is where resources, knowledge, and the network you’ll need to succeed will be.
–Amar
- Full Program |
- PROGRAM ARCHIVES:
- 2024
- 2023
Events
December 16, 2025 , 2025
03:15 PM – 03:45 PM
Finding A Permanent Home For Your Employees, Customers and Products
The quest for stability and long-term success has never been more vital. Join us for an insightful and forward-thinking session designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies to acquire businesses with untapped growth potential, skillfully manage them, and ultimately build a sustainable future.
1127402 Minutes
03:45 PM – 04:25 PM
The Things They Don’t Tell You When You Get Acquired
Hear from a panel of CEOs and founders who have recently exited and can now reflect on the process in the rear-view mirror. Let them help you build and broaden your frame of reference by sharing their own tales from the trenches.
You’ll hear:
- What factors go into selling your company
- Reasons behind the founders’ decision to sell
- What they wish they had known, their key learnings and what they would have done differently
- If you join another team, what it’s like to go from being in charge to being an employee?
- The emotional aspects of selling and walking away from a venture you put so much time and energy into building
- Each founder’s personal growth and development from the experience of selling their company and what you can take away from your own company’s journey
1127362 Minutes
08:15 AM – 08:45 AM
No Silver Bullets: The Story Behind Canalyst’s $400-Million Exit to Tegus During an Economic Downturn
Capital markets data and analytics startup Canalyst was acquired by Tegus, a leading company intelligence platform, resulting in one of the largest-ever tech exits in BC. The acquisition closed in August 2022 amidst (and despite) the broader technology market downturn. Join Canalyst co-founder & CEO, Damir Hot, as he shares Canalyst’s story and lessons learned hot off the heels of his most recent exit.
30 Minutes
Main Room
08:45 AM – 09:25 AM
Board Governance + M&A
Evaluating M&A opportunities can be the board’s highest stake role — while also the most frustrating. Although some companies make regular acquisitions a part of their corporate strategy, most are occasional, stressful events that involve many uncertainties.
Board actions and decisions get made on a hurry-up-and-wait basis. Decisions reached today are second-guessed for years to come. And often, no matter how diligently the board acts, there is an information mismatch between what the board needs to know to make the best decisions and what it gets from leadership. Learn all Board Governance, its role in M&A and how to do it right.
40 Minutes
Main Room
09:25 AM – 09:55 AM
2023 M&A Environment: The State of the Industry
The go-go days of 2021 are over. 2022 was the polar opposite: rocky and uncertain. Is 2023 the year we level set? What does the future hold in store? What does this mean for the tech landscape when it comes to M&A? Most importantly, what does this mean for you as a Founder/CEO? And how can you harness this information to your advantage?
Join John Ruffolo as he talks how 2023 is unfolding and his predictions for the coming quarter. This session will provide insights into a macro view of the economy and cast a lens on industry sector differences. You will walk away with:
- An overview of the current economic conditions and market trends that founders need to consider when thinking about them.
- An understanding of how these trends are impacting their business.
- Insights into the current M&A environment, such as industry consolidations, leading acquirers and other factors which might affect your future.
30 Minutes
Main Room
10:25 AM – 10:55 AM
Building the Foundational Building Blocks of M&A
Whether you want to be ready for a knock on the door or embark on an acquisition strategy, it takes time (and sometimes years) to check all the boxes. Early and measured preparation is key throughout all phases of the process – from strategy to integration. Operating efficiently, professionalizing processes, limiting vulnerabilities around IP, and source code and accounting records are just some things to consider. This session will showcase the most comprehensive, essential must-dos to get M&A ready.
Why attend this session?
- Get the roadmap and understand the exact steps required to plan for a sell-side acquisition successfully.
- Learn how to maximize your company’s valuation even if you have no plan to exit.
- See where most companies make mistakes and get the tools to avoid these pitfalls.
30 Minutes
Breakout Room 2
Drive Your Next Deal: Get M&A Tips
But Wait, There’s More!
We have a lot more exciting things for you to check out about this event!
Our 2025 Speakers
Get inspired by trailblazers from Shopify, visionary founders with multi-million dollar exits, and top dealmakers in tech M&A.
Our 2025 Steering Committee
Meet the steering committee shaping the vision and experience for this year’s event.
Why Attend TechExit.io?
Discover why this event is the place to connect, learn, and lead.
Our 2025 Speakers
Get inspired by trailblazers from Shopify, visionary founders with multi-million dollar exits, and top dealmakers in tech M&A.
Our 2025 Steering Committee
Meet the steering committee shaping the vision and experience for this year’s event.
Why Attend TechExit.io?
Discover why this event is the place to connect, learn, and lead.