Episode 18: Special—An Acquirer’s View into M&A with Taylor Barada, head of Corp Dev at Adobe

Ben & David are joined by special guest Taylor Barada, VP and
Head of Corporate Development & Strategic Partnerships at
Adobe, to discuss how large tech acquirers approach buying
companies. This episode is full of great insights for startups
& entrepreneurs who might find themselves navigating the
M&A process, as well as anyone curious about the craft of
dealmaking and the strategic approach of large acquirers. 


Sponsors:


WorkOS: https://bit.ly/workos25

Sierra: https://bit.ly/acquiredsierra

Sentry: https://bit.ly/acquiredsentry

Anthropic: https://bit.ly/acquiredclaude25


 




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Topics covered include: 

How conversations begin between startups and acquirers

The importance of building a relationship with acquirers over
time and "investing in lines, not dots” (just like raising VC)

The often under-appreciated role of culture fit between
acquirers and acquisition targets 

How entrepreneurs should evaluate acquirers throughout the
M&A process 

Two examples of successful acquisitions Taylor completed at
Yahoo in Citizen Sports and IntoNow

The M&A process at large technology acquirers, from
initial conversations to LOI, due diligence and the definitive
merger agreement 

The relative roles of Corp Dev, business/product owners and
executive sponsors in the M&A process

Common mistakes startups (and VC’s) often make in the M&A
process

Different “categories” of M&A that acquirers think about,
and the relative risks & opportunities of “core" acquisitions
vs transformative new businesses 

What percentage of deals Adobe looks at actually happen, and
the importance of being willing to say no

M&A as a tool for strategy, and the different M&A
cultures & approaches at different companies 

Tech themes Taylor and Adobe think about as part of their
M&A strategy

Evaluating the longterm success of deals and the importance
of the M&A integration function 



  Followups: 


Ben & David’s quick take on Instagram Stories! 



  The Carve Out: 


Ben:  Why the Concorde failed by Vox

David: Simone Biles,  the greatest gymnast of all time

Taylor:  Mindset by Carol Dweck,  Shoe Dog by Phil
Knight, Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam
Grant

None this week… coverage of Instagram Stories to come next
time!