The Path to Exit

Learn what software and technology founders needs to know as they grow their business towards an eventual M&A transaction. In this podcast, Mike Lyon from Vista Point Advisors chats with tech founders and the VPA team to address questions like: - What is the process for selling a software or internet business? - What drives the valuation of a SaaS business? - What are my different transactions options? - And more. Subscribe to listen to new episodes released monthly. About VPA Vista Point Advisors is a founder-focused investment bank that advises software & internet founders through M&A and capital raise transactions. We are a fully unconflicted investment bank who only works for founders on the sell-side, so you know that we’re always representing your interests. If you have any questions about the process of selling your business or raising capital, reach out to a member of our team. Or check out the For Founders section o

The Path to Exit is a business podcast hosted by Vista Point Advisors, with 43 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Vista Point Advisors hosts The Path to Exit, a business show with 43 episodes published.

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  The Path to Exit

  42 | Where Software M&A Deals Typically Fall Apart

  Jul 21, 202619 min

  When does a software deal typically fall apart? What issues surface in diligence that can derail a close or lead to a retrade? In this episode, managing directors Mike Lyon and Scott Austin discuss the most common reasons deals break down, the potential surprises founders need to prepare for, and how the right groundwork can help you preserve leverage and keep a process on track from LOI to close. Vista Point Advisors is a boutique sell-side investment bank providing unconflicted M&A and capital raising advice to founder-led software, AI, and internet businesses. We partner with entrepreneurs of growing businesses to help them understand their options in the marketplace so they can maximize business value, leverage their options, and realize their ideal outcomes. Securities offered through Vista Point Advisors, member FINRA/SIPC. This has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation. It is not intended to address all circumstances that might arise. The views expressed herein may change at any time subsequent to the date of issue. Opinions contained herein should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results. Outcomes will vary depending on individual circumstances. Any examples used in this material are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. Testimonials from past clients may not be representative of the experience of other clients and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Clients are not compensated for their comments.

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  The Path to Exit

  41 | How Software Buyers Evaluate Defensibility in an AI World

  Jun 30, 202616 min

  AI has changed what buyers consider a defensible software business, and the gap between companies that command a premium and those facing a potential discount is widening. For founders, where your software sits in the AI stack now shapes valuation almost as much as growth does. In this episode, managing directors Mike Lyon and Miles Lacey discuss what makes software essential rather than replaceable, the questions buyers ask in diligence to test defensibility, and the steps founders can take to strengthen their position. If you are not sure where your business lands, it is a conversation worth having early. Vista Point Advisors is a boutique sell-side investment bank providing unconflicted M&A and capital raising advice to founder-led software, AI, and internet businesses. We partner with entrepreneurs of growing businesses to help them understand their options in the marketplace so they can maximize business value, leverage their options, and realize their ideal outcomes. Securities offered through Vista Point Advisors, member FINRA/SIPC. This has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation. It is not intended to address all circumstances that might arise. The views expressed herein may change at any time subsequent to the date of issue. Opinions contained herein should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results. Outcomes will vary depending on individual circumstances. Any examples used in this material are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. Testimonials from past clients may not be representative of the experience of other clients and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Clients are not compensated for their comments.

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  The Path to Exit

  40 | Choosing Software M&A Counsel: What Founders Should Know Before Their Exit

  May 19, 202618 minS0

  <p>Choosing the wrong M&A attorney can slow your deal, cost you on terms, and in some cases, put the whole transaction at risk. Yet most software founders give this decision far less thought than it deserves. In this episode, managing directors Mike Lyon and Mike Greco discuss what to look for in a lawyer who specializes in software deals, the most common mistakes founders make when selecting legal counsel, and the specific questions every founder should ask before making the hire.</p><p>Vista Point Advisors is a boutique sell-side investment bank providing unconflicted M&A and capital...

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  The Path to Exit

  39 | SaaSpocalypse? How AI Is Reshaping Software M&A

  Apr 14, 202619 minS0

  <p>AI is reshaping what buyers and investors look for in software businesses faster than most founders realize, and many are still operating with an outdated playbook. In this episode, managing directors Mike Lyon and Jeff Koons break down what is driving the so-called SaaSpocalypse, why we think it is more of a market re-rating than a collapse, what criteria investors are now using to evaluate software companies, and what concrete steps founders can take right now to assess and help strengthen their position.</p><p>Vista Point Advisors is a boutique sell-side investment bank providing unconflicted M&A and...

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  The Path to Exit

  38 | The Entrepreneur's Dilemma: When Should You Sell or Raise Capital?

  Mar 17, 202621 minS0

  <p>When is the right time to sell your business or raise capital? And why would you consider a transaction when business is booming? Founders often delay selling or raising capital when their company is performing so well, yet that is frequently when buyers and investors pay the most attention. In this episode, managing directors Mike Lyon and Jeff Koons revisit The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma to unpack how founders should think about timing a transaction, ways to reduce risk in the process, and practical steps that can help maximize outcomes when the time comes.</p><p>Vista Point Advisors is a...

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