Table of Contents
1 Cover
6 Foreword
7 1 Seeding What Would Grow into Panthera Advisors Accelerated Growth through Acquisitions Inbound Interest and a Path Forward Choosing My Wingman Our M&A Journey Launching Panthera Advisors My Unwavering Commitment to Entrepreneurs
8 2 Getting Your Company Acquired M&A Is Harder Than Fundraising The Acquisition Process Media versus Your Business: What You See in the Press versus Reality Acquirer Expectations Why Most Acquisitions Fail
9 3 The Role of Investment Bankers What Is an Investment Banker? Good Cop, Bad Cop Why Bankers Add Value Getting the Right Advice Breaking Down the Fees
10 4 How to Plan Ahead Consider the Reasons Why You Want to Sell Tying Up Loose Ends The Importance of Making Yourself Expendable How to Make Yourself Expendable
11 5 Preparing the Company's Pitchbook Packaging the Message What Makes Your Company Unique? Nailing the Value Proposition for Potential Acquirers Defining Transition Plans for Potential Buyers Crafting the Marketing Plan Identifying a Powerful Flow and Structure Acquisition Memorandum Template Notes
12 6 Putting Your Finances in Order Understanding Financials The Importance of Key Metrics Why Growth and Operating Assumptions Are Critical Modeling Out a Powerful Five-Year Projection Anticipating Questions on Numbers
13 7 Understanding Your Valuation Variables Affecting Your Startup's Value Common Methods of Business Valuation How to Value Pre-revenue Startups How to Increase Your Valuation Faster Valuation versus Terms Why You Never Want to Disclose Your Valuation Avoiding High Valuations with No Rationale
14 8 Building the Target List The Importance of Building the Target List Ways to Identify Potential Buyers Vetting Buyers for the Right Fit Using Partnerships to Trigger Acquisitions How to Make Contact with Interested Parties
15 9 The Communication Process with Buyers Liabilities and Responsibilities How to Handle Communications Gauging Initial Interest Nailing the Follow-Up Finding the Decision-Maker
16
10 Preparing for a Successful First Meeting
Finding Out the Strategic Road Map of the Buyer
Agreeing On the Meeting Location
Setting