Comments on: Lessons from a Startup Acquisition

By: Startup Acquisition - Trailofview

Startup Acquisition - Trailofview — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:39:18 +0000

[...] LinksPositioning a startup for acquisitionSome pointers on what’s important in acquisition.Tips on startup acquisition processSome tips on what to do when going through the acquisition [...]

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:03:23 +0000

“Negotiating the terms and conditions of the final contract must be done by a professional thoug.” I love the ambiguity of this sentence. Is there one letter too few (add an h at the end)? Or one too many (remove the o)?

By: pr4pirates

pr4pirates — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:24:41 +0000

I'll add a couple more tips based on my own recent experience:

1 After you've sold, if you stay involved, don't delude yourself into thinking you still call the shots. Even if someone tells you that you do, you really don't. Over time, your control will slip more and more.

2 Fight for your people at the outset-- it may be your only chance to get what you want. You'll have a lot of room to negotiate issues like bonuses, vesting, raises, vacation time, promotions/titles, etc before you close. Typically you are dealing with the most powerful people in the company, and if they sign off on your employees' packages, it's the law.

Once the deal closes, you'll be dealing with HR and "policy". So think hard about the things you need for your people to feel like the acquisition was a win for them.

If you need your team to help you hit your post-acquisition goals, remember that your ability to recruit is going to be a lot different post-acquisition (and not in a good way).

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:22:55 +0000

Firstly, congrats on the acquisition.

Secondly, very good post.