Program

Join us as we untangle the twists and turns of the tech M&A rollercoaster, from its 2022 nosedive to the promising signs of a triumphant comeback in 2024 and learn why 2024 is predicted to be the year of recovery.

With extensive experience in startups and acquisitions, Phil has positioned Paper as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. During this session, he will delve into key points, including the fascinating narrative behind Paper’s rapid rise to unicorn status, their strategic vision for growth, and how they’ve leveraged acquisitions to solidify their market position.

You’ll hear about the game-changing acquisitions that have shaped Paper’s trajectory, from selection criteria to integration strategies and their impact on the company’s bottom line. Learn how Paper has fostered innovation and synergy within its acquired companies, creating a thriving ecosystem that continues to drive growth and expansion.

Through his session, you will gain a better understanding of the challenges and obstacles Paper faced during its journey and the valuable lessons you can apply to your own business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in the dynamic world of strategic acquisitions and the growth of unicorn companies in Canada, this engaging and informative session is not to be missed.

Join our expert panel as they unravel the complex and nuanced discipline of M&A. Discover the overlooked pitfalls and perspectives that can make or break an acquisition, whether you’re buying or selling.

• Why do so many deals fail during the diligence phase?
• What are buyer’s perspectives that are overlooked in M&A deals
• Negotiation tactics used by buyers and their acquisition teams
• Strategies to sidestep in the acquisition aftermath

Partnering with a private equity firm can be highly advantageous for many tech companies. However, distinguishing between genuine interest and tire-kicking requires a certain level of expertise. In this session, you’ll gain the skills necessary to confidently navigate the Private Equity process. 

Traditionally, exit options for tech companies and their investors were limited to going public or being acquired. Now, times have changed, and a world of new possibilities opened up. As a founder, navigating exit options can be a daunting task that requires careful consideration of crucial factors such as the relative strength of the company, the makeup of the investors, and the ultimate long-term goals.  

This session will guide you through the different exit options and help you make the best-informed decisions. 

In this session, we’ll discuss:  

• Considerations for different deal structures  
• How do you get the most out of your company if you aren’t growing and profitable: Distressed M&A opportunities, options and realities  
• Transactions – what we’ll see in 2023 given the market: All stock deals, acquires and more.  
• There are several ways to exit a company. Explore and compare strategic, venture, PE, etc.  

Marie Chevrier, the Founder of Sampler, has had experience on both sides of the table, from entertaining offers for her business to be acquired to becoming the acquirer. In this session, Marie will share her first-hand experience and insights on why the right decision for Sampler was to become the acquirer. With two successful acquisitions in 2023, including an NYC-based digital sampling agency called abeo and, most recently, a Toronto-based user-generated content platform called AdMass, Marie’s advice is sure to be valuable for anyone interested in learning how to build an acquisition strategy and successfully integrate teams. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from her lessons learned! 

Are you aware of your business’s true value? In this informative session, we will explore how to enhance the value of your business from the very beginning. Our team of experts, who have successfully acquired and advised acquisitions, will guide you through the levers you need to optimize your desired results. We will cover topics such as the methods buyers use to assess the growth and retention of your business, how they predict the future growth of your business and its value, valuation techniques, and steps you can take to increase your value. Additionally, we’ll delve into what drives exit value. This session is a must-attend for business owners who want to maximize their business’s potential and value.

In this keynote, Brice Scheschuk, a seasoned M&A expert with decades of experience, will delve into the secrets of successful M&A processes, with a specific focus on founders. With a remarkable career spanning senior positions at Globalive Technology and Pragmatic Solutions, Brice will tap into his extensive background in building and operating companies to share his tried-and-true strategies, best practices and success stories.

This session will not only highlight the principles of M&A, but will also bring them to life through captivating case studies and anecdotes. Drawing from his roles as the former CFO of WIND Mobile, CEO of Globalive Communications, and advisory positions across various industries, Brice will offer a unique perspective that blends theory with real-world experience.

Welcome to the era of Canadian technology companies on the rise! In a landscape where innovation is limitless, two standout players, PureFacts and eSentire, are leading the way. Their recent accomplishments – an impressive $37 million strategic financing round and a remarkable $1 billion valuation – have set the stage for an inspiring journey of growth through strategic acquisitions. 

Join PureFacts CEO & Founder, Robert Madej and eSentire’s President & Chief Operating Officer J.Paul Haynes as they sit down with David Rozin, VP & Head of Technology and Innovation Banking at Scotiabank/Roynat, to share insights and strategies on pursuing strategic acquisitions.

Discover the intricacies of the M&A process, roadmap, and steps to ensure successful outcomes for both sell-side and buy-side acquisitions successfully. Learn how to efficiently manage your business operations while seamlessly integrating processes that will improve M&A outcomes. 

Learn everything you need to know when buying a technology company. Discover how to spot strategic opportunities, what to be cautious of, what to avoid, how to successfully integrate acquired companies and how/when to build your corporate development team. 

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