This episode goes in-depth into what founders can do to engineer & navigate an exit for their startup. We cover everything from various types of exit routes (classic M&A, Private Equity buyouts, acqui-hires, asset sales, etc.), what large acquirers look for, generating acquisition interest, fielding corp dev inbounds, valuation methods, key deal terms, how to become diligence-ready, and finally, leaning on investors, bankers, lawyers & advisors to help drive an exit.Joining me for this discussion are Madhu Chamarty and Hanz Kurdi, Founding Partners of HKMC, a Silicon Valley-based advisory firm that supports early-stage founders and emerging VC managers in achieving their most important milestones, including fundraising, go-to-market, and exits. Each of them has 20+ years of experience in navigating exits. Hanz’s prior startups were acquired by PayPal and Google, while Madhu’s prior HRTech startup was acquired by Lightcast.TIME STAMPS:

The HKMC backstory

Today’s AI exit environment

What do large tech acquirers look for in potential M&A targets?

Is Private Equity a viable exit channel for software startups?

Should founders entertain inbounds from corp dev?

What can founders do to create a “salvage exit” in case they don't achieve PMF?

What can founders at $10-100Mn ARR do to engineer an exit?

How do acquirers typically value startups?

How do acqui-hire deals work?

Key legal terms during M&A deals

How can founders become M&A diligence-ready?

What can VCs do to help drive exits for their portfolio?