Inorganic Podcast

Who's Going to Pay $1B+ for a Scaled Independent Agency? | In/Organic Ep. 53The question every banker, founder, and PE partner is asking right now — and we used Clay to actually answer it.Christian used Clay to run a full analysis of the Forrester Commerce Services Wave Q1 2026 and map out which players have both the strategic rationale AND the balance sheet to acquire a scaled independent. The answer might surprise you (👀 Tata).Then we break down FIVE deals from Q1 that you need to know about:Front Row + Socium Media — textbook Amazon-first capability acquisitionPodean + AdAdvance — tech + customer base play from the Mountaingate portfolioOneMagnify + Optimal — carve-out, vertical depth, and a now ~1,000 person agencyShipyard + Fancy AI — the smartest "partner before you buy" move we've seen in a whileSol XC + Craft & Commerce — quiet cross-border deal flying under the radarPlus: why WPP + a PE sponsor could flip from "maybe" to "yes" fast, and what the recurring AI-forward theme across all five deals actually signals.Timeline01:15 - Celebrating 10,000 YouTube views: growth milestone02:11 - What strategic buyers are willing to pay for independent agencies03:10 - The Forrester Commerce Services Wave and agency positioning in the market05:55 - Analyzing the cash positions of potential acquirers like Tata and Accenture07:18 - When do strategic players step in to make their move?09:22 - Highlights of recent acquisitions: Front Row and Socium10:11 - The strategic fit: Amazon-focused agencies and vertical capabilities12:13 - Podion’s recent acquisition of AdAdvance and its strategic significance14:01 - Clarity in deal strategy amid rising deal volume in the first quarter15:03 - The role of PE firms like Mountain Gate building strong portfolios16:16 - The importance of strategic clarity and data-backed decision making in M&A17:05 - The acquisition of Optimal’s performance media by One Magnify18:16 - Expanding capabilities through strategic acquisitions and vertical specialization19:41 - The latest on strategic investments: Shipyard’s partnership with Fancy AI23:16 - A hidden gem: Craft and Commerce’s acquisition by Sol XC and Amazon retail media focus24:24 - The ongoing hunt for agencies: Opportunities in performance marketing and Amazon services25:37 - The quest for sponsors and strategic partnerships to support industry growth26:20 - Final insights: credible buyers are out there, retail media remains hot, and AI integration continues to shape deal flowConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode, Azim Nagree, head of M&A at Herringbone Digital, shares insights on building a successful origination engine, the importance of early and honest communication in M&A, and how agencies can prepare for sale by focusing on retention, growth, and profitability.TakeawaysOpen and honest conversations early in the process streamline deals.Retention rate of 80% is a key indicator of business health.Growth of 15-20% and EBITDA of 20-25% are desirable benchmarks.AI should improve core business metrics to add value.Founders should focus on building a strong foundation before sale.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration01:10 Azim Nagree’s Background and Herringbone's Focus05:42 Herringbone's Acquisition Strategy and Ideal Targets07:49 Relationship with Private Equity and Deal Support09:21 Lessons from Deal Experience and Early Communication13:43 Deal Origination Process and Tech Stack15:00 Defining the Prospect Universe and Narrowing the Buy Box16:33 Balancing Organic and Broker Deal Sourcing18:43 Assessing Seller Readiness and Valuation Expectations20:01 Using the 'Magic Number' to Evaluate Sellers23:57 The Triangle of Value: Retention, Growth, Profitability25:21 Evaluating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA28:57 Retention and Growth Benchmarks for Agencies29:59 The Leaky Bucket Problem in Agencies30:05 Identifying Signs of Retention Issues30:36 Impact of AI on Agency Valuation and Performance34:09 Common Mistakes Before Selling an Agency35:36 Advice for Founders Considering Exit36:47 Managing Communications with Potential Buyers39:51 Closing Remarks and Key TakeawaysConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with Azim Nagree on LinkedInHerringbone Digital - https://herringbonedigital.com Azim Nagree on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/azimnagree/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Yannick Lorenz uncovers his remarkable transition from building Shadow Digital to leading Vesa Digital’s aggressive M&A and growth strategy. He talks openly about the ups and downs of agency life, the importance of building a sellable business, and stepping into a strategic role in acquisitions—all fueled by lessons learned the hard way.Key Topics:How Yannick built Shadow Digital from a freelance side hustle into a successful agencyThe pivotal moment when he realized the value of making his business sellableThe lessons learned from hitting rock bottom during a major agency crisis in 2020The unique approach Vesa Digital takes to agency roll-ups and the concept of the VAN (Vesa Agency Network) strategyCreative deal structures and the importance of leaving chips on the table during acquisitionsHow Yannick is leveraging his CEO experience to now lead Vesa’s inorganic & M&A effortsThe impact of self-sourcing deals and avoiding traditional private equity pathwaysNavigating culture fit, valuation, and deal negotiations with foundersPractical advice for founders about financial literacy, recurring revenue focus, and deal-making mindsetTimestamps:(0:13) The rapid evolution of Claude AI and setting up local coding interfaces(1:27) The magic of task stacking versus answer approximation in Claude(3:05) Introducing Yannick Lorenz and his entry into agency growth and exit(4:26) Yannick’s background: from Germany to founder in California(6:10) Building Shadow Digital: from side hustle to agency(8:38) The turning point: landing a $20,000 deal and scaling(11:26) Navigating the 2020 crisis and the push toward specialization(12:24) Scaling rapidly with Webflow before the crash(13:47) A major realization: building a business to sell and the importance of cash flow(15:15) How Yannick connected with Vesa during a cold outreach mistake(17:19) The evaluation process: fit, culture, and professionalism(20:05) From lifestyle agency to a growth-focused exit plan(22:14) Strategies for leaving cash in the business before an exit(23:23) Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship(25:21) Learning the inorganic & M&A game from top experts(27:48) Vesa’s current inorganic growth strategy and future plans(29:55) Creative deal structures in agency acquisitions ($500K–$1M range)(34:15) Lessons on being an empathetic versus aggressive acquirer(36:25) Why financial literacy and recurring revenue are vital for deals(38:35) How interested founders can connect with Yannick for opportunitiesConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with Yannick Lorenz on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shadowyaya/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the rising influence of AI in marketing agencies, the implications of tech-forward agency models, and recent high-profile acquisitions like Grapevine AI. Discover how private equity and Silicon Valley are reshaping agency valuations, deal structures, and the future of the industry.Key TopicsThe emergence of AI-native agencies as highlighted by Y Combinator's 2026 request listHow agencies are evolving to resemble software companies with higher margins and scalabilityThe challenges traditional agencies face integrating innovative, tech-led modelsTrends in agency valuations, deal structures, and the influence of private equityAn in-depth analysis of the recent Grapevine AI acquisition and its significanceThe shifting landscape of deal valuation, cash on close, and deal structure for tech-forward agenciesThe barriers to adopting AI and modern practices within conservative client organizationsThe strategic rationale behind merging creator economies with AI-enabled marketing solutionsTimestamps00:00 - Building custom Claude bots and the evolution of OpenClaw02:12 - Silicon Valley’s focus on AI-native agencies03:00 - How agencies will become more like software companies03:50 - The landscape of traditional vs. modern, tech-forward agencies07:02 - Private equity's view on services versus software investments09:40 - Recent acquisitions: New Engine’s Grapevine AI and other strategic moves11:32 - What makes Grapevine AI unique in creator-led content14:10 - The impact of deal structure and valuation rigor in AI agency acquisitions17:23 - How founders are pushing for tech-led valuations and lower risk models18:16 - The challenges of adapting legacy agency models to AI-driven futures20:11 - Industry response and what’s next for agency deal activityResources & LinksGrapevine AINew EngineY Combinator - 2026 Startups List (scroll to #3)LinkedIn - Caroline LaVereConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, hosts Christian Hassold and Ayelet Shipley are joined by Travis Johnson, co-founder and Global CEO of Podean, to talk about the incredible story behind the one of the rising star Amazon and marketplace retail media agencies, which is now backed by Mountiangate. The conversation explores the origin of Podean, their successful search for private equity backers, their acquisition of Commerce Canal and their broader point of view on  the opportunities in the retail media and marketplaces business. Travis shares insights on how Podean differentiates itself by offering integrated solutions that address not just media performance but also the broader operational needs of brands in the marketplace. He emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the necessity for brands to adapt to the changing dynamics of e-commerce.TakeawaysPodean was founded to bridge gaps in the retail media landscape.Retail media is becoming increasingly important for brands.Global consistency is a priority for large brands.Podean's growth strategy includes a focus on social commerce.The partnership with Mountain Gate Capital aims to enhance Podean's capabilities.Navigating the M&A process requires careful preparation and cultural alignment.AI is seen as a transformative tool, but its implementation must be thoughtful.Future growth for Podean includes strategic acquisitions to enhance service offerings.Chapters02:28 Travis Johnson’s Background & Podean04:55 Retail Media Today & Holdco Limits08:00 Building a Global Marketplace Business10:41 Social Commerce & Live Shopping11:19 Winning Clients from Holdcos12:47 Early M&A Talks & Learning Private Equity16:00 Choosing the Platform Model & Mountaingate19:08 Control, Governance & Valuation Realities23:57 Strategic Buyers vs. Private Equity28:26 Commerce Canal: The Right Acquisition31:13 Closing Two Deals & Integration39:24 Using AI Without the Hype45:37 Growth Strategy & What’s NextConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with Travis Johnsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-johnson77/ Follow Podean on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/podean/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging episode, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold welcome Tom Shipley to share his journey of building and scaling businesses through acquisitions. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) present, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and relationship building. The conversation also explores partnership dynamics and the role of external partners in resolving conflicts. Tom highlights the power of acquisitions in overcoming business challenges and achieving growth, offering insights into the process of identifying and acquiring businesses.TakeawaysAcquisitions can solve almost every business challenge.Partnership dynamics often require external mediation.Strategic thinking is crucial in M&A.Building relationships is key to successful acquisitions.Acquisitions offer a faster path to business growth.Understanding seller motivation is essential in deals.Partnership conflicts can hinder business progress.Acquisitions can provide liquidity and strategic opportunities.Chapters00:46 Tom Shipley’s Path Into M&A01:38 The First Acquisition That Changed Everything05:34 Using Acquisitions to Solve Cash and Capability Gaps08:28 Buy vs. Build: Rethinking Entrepreneurship09:37 Seller Motivation and Why Deals Exist Everywhere11:50 Organic Growth vs. Acquisition Math13:41 Partnership Misalignment as a Growth Blocker14:21 How M&A Can Resolve Partner Deadlock19:26 Mergers as a Reset for Growth and Liquidity28:40 The Valley of Despair for Mid-Market Founders29:45 Buying the Next Chapter vs. Starting Over31:50 Where to Find Acquisition Opportunities37:49 Adding a Zero: Expanding the Mental Model39:44 DealCon, Reources, and CommunityConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with Tom Shipleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/t-shipley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, co-host Christian Hassled interviews Robin Skidmore, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Journey Further. They discuss Robin's journey from humble beginnings to founding successful agencies, including Epiphany Search and Journey Further. The conversation explores the evolution of Journey Further, its recent acquisition of Salderson Media, and the challenges of expanding into the U.S. market. Robin shares insights on agency culture, the current state of the UK agency market, and the importance of adapting to changes in consumer behavior and technology, particularly AI. The episode concludes with a discussion on Robin's investments in startups and the significance of maintaining a strong company culture as the agency grows.TakeawaysRobin Skidmore's entrepreneurial journey began with a car wash at age 12.Journey Further was launched in 2017 with a clear roadmap for growth.The agency focuses on performance media and aims to be creatively driven.Acquisition of Salderson Media was strategic for expanding capabilities.Expanding to the U.S. market presented unique challenges and cultural differences.Maintaining a strong company culture is crucial for agency success.The UK agency market is experiencing consolidation and increased competition.AI is transforming the marketing landscape, requiring agencies to adapt.Investing in startups allows for a deeper understanding of client challenges.Cultural dynamics influence agency operations and client relationships.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Robin Skidmore and Journey Further02:14 Robin's Entrepreneurial Journey and Epiphany Search04:52 The Evolution of Journey Further08:13 Acquisition of Salderson Media and Market Relevance10:32 Expanding to the U.S. Market: Challenges and Insights17:31 Cultural Differences in Agency Operations20:16 Lessons from Epiphany to Journey Further23:29 The State of the UK Agency Market26:21 Future Growth Strategies and Inorganic Expansion30:28 Cultural Dynamics in Agency Growth34:21 Investments Beyond Agencies: The Pub and Startups41:22 Maintaining Culture and Addressing AI ChallengesConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold delve into AI related acquisitions, particularly focusing on outsized valuation multiples and whether they are sustainable or extensible to the digital agency sector. They discuss the valuation multiples seen in recent AI focused acquisitions led by Meta, Nvidia, Cvent, and OpenAI, and opine on the race for talent in the AI era. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of agency capabilities in the face of AI advancements and the potential for consolidation in the market. The hosts also explore the future of digital agencies and the opportunities that lie ahead for strategic acquirers in the AI domain.TakeawaysAI is driving significant M&A activity in the tech sector.Recent acquisitions show high valuation multiples for AI companies.The trend of acquiring talent over products is prevalent in AI M&A.Digital agencies must adapt to the changing landscape influenced by AI.There is a potential consolidation in the agency market due to AI advancements.Strategic acquirers are looking for speed to market through AI capabilities.The valuation of AI startups is often based on capital raised rather than revenue.The market for AI capabilities in agencies is still developing.Founders may need to be realistic about their exit multiples in the current environment.The future of digital agencies will be shaped by AI innovations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI Trends01:03 M&A Activity in AI05:16 Valuation Multiples in AI Acquisitions11:00 The Talent Acquisition Race15:18 AI's Impact on Agencies19:07 Future of Digital Agencies25:01 Opportunities in AI AcquisitionsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, co-host Ayelet Shipley interviews Carrie Kerpen, a pioneer in social media and co-founder of Likeable Media. They discuss Carrie's journey from starting a social media agency to successfully exiting the business. Carrie shares insights on the importance of profitability, setting exit goals, choosing the right M&A advisor, and negotiating earn-outs. She reflects on her experiences and the lessons learned, particularly for women entrepreneurs, and emphasizes the need for community and support in the business world.TakeawaysCarrie started Likeable Media in 2007, one of the first social media agencies.The initial focus was not on exiting but on building a profitable business.Setting a target exit value can help guide business decisions.Timing and personal readiness are crucial when deciding to sell a business.Choosing the right M&A advisor can significantly impact the sale process.Negotiating earn-outs requires careful consideration of control and reporting.Reflecting on the exit process can reveal areas for improvement.Building a community for women founders can provide essential support.Women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges in the exit process.M&A can be a powerful tool for business growth and problem-solving.Chapters0:00 Introducing Carrie Kerpen1:05 Founding Likeable Media 3:33 Early Growth & Cash Flow Challenges5:22 Becoming CEO and Focusing on Profitability6:37 Market Shifts & Productizing the Agency7:21 Building a Brand through All the Social Ladies9:07 Financial Stability & the $20M Exit Goal 10:43 Knowing When It's Time to Sell12:55 Choosing an M&A Advisor vs. a Banker15:36 Price vs. Timing After the Exit18:22 Negotiating & Protecting an Earnout22:02 Life After the Sale23:12 What Carrie Would Do Differently24:51 Acting Like a Platform and Rethinking Capital25:58 The Exit Gap and The Whisper Group27:45 Closing ThoughtsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with guest, Carrie Kerpenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekerpen/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, co-hosts Christian Hassold and Ayelet Shipley chat with Chloe Cotoulas, Partner at Everos Group and an investment banker with a diverse background in advertising and finance. On this episode they discuss Chloe's unique career path, the evolution of holdcos in the advertising industry, and the impact of market trends on large-scale independent agencies. The conversation also explores the future outlook for deal activity in the coming quarters, emphasizing the importance of AI and experiential marketing in shaping the industry.TakeawaysChloe transitioned from a creative background to investment banking.The convergence of creativity and business is crucial in today's market.Holdcos are facing challenges due to changing market dynamics.AI is reshaping the advertising landscape and agency operations.Experiential marketing is becoming central to brand strategies.The enterprise value of agencies is often misrepresented in the market.Private equity is increasingly interested in the advertising ecosystem.Founders are reconsidering their exit strategies in light of market changes.The importance of financial performance in upcoming deal activity is paramount.Prompt engineering is emerging as a valuable skill in the creative industry.Chapters00:52 Chloe Cotoulas' Presidential Writing Experience05:07 Chloe’s Career Path from Creative to Finance10:04 Holdco Shakeups, IPG–Omnicom, & WPP17:26 How Market Turmoil Impacts Independents19:03 New Buyers & Founder Mindset 22:38 Selling to Holdcos vs. Challenger Networks24:15 The Rising Trend of Experiential + Social30:19 Deal Flow Outlook for the Next Two Quarters32:45 AI Opportunity: Differentiation & Acceleration33:24 AI Risks, Defensibility, & Prompt Engineering36:51 Closing Thoughts Connect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with guest, Chloe Cotoulashttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-cotoulas-92082861/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold discuss WPromote's acquisition of Giant Spoon. They delve into the intricacies of the acquisition process, emphasizing the importance of trust and the contributions of a strong deal team. The conversation also touches on market reactions to the acquisition and the importance of post-merger integration planning. The hosts conclude with reflections on lessons learned and future goals for the newly formed agency.TakeawaysThanksgiving cooking hacks can lead to perfect meals.The acquisition of Giant Spoon by WPromote is a significant industry move.Trust and communication are crucial in the deal process.Shared expectations workshops can enhance collaboration.Having a partner to navigate complex P&Ls is critical to navigating technical financial discussions in a deal processMarket reactions can provide insights into industry perceptions.The integration process should be planned from the start.Maintaining brand identity is important post-acquisition.Future goals and objectives are vital for continued growth.Chapters00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Cooking Hacks02:12 Major Acquisition Announcement: WPromote and Giant Spoon05:05 The Search for the Right Agency: A Corporate Development Journey10:08 Navigating the Deal Process: Trust and Communication17:31 Building Trust: Shared Expectations Workshop21:30 Challenges and Insights from the Deal Process25:05 Market Reactions and Industry Perspectives29:21 Final Thoughts and Future GoalsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredEpisode ReferencesAd Age Deal AnnouncementGE’s Opening Day Commercial by Giant Spoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the In/organic Podcast, co-host Christian Hassold shares insights from the KPMG Technology M&A Conference, discussing the current landscape of mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the tech sector. In this episode, Christian shares highlights from the conference, including the pervasive influence of AI on M&A decisions, the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI investing landscape, and the importance of creative deal structures in navigating the current market dynamics. The episode also covers the “operator's dilemma” faced by CEOs - that is, the rise in peer pressure to do M&A, and what are the best practices are from leading strategics. Finally, Hassold provides an overview of current B2B SaaS deal activity and market trends based on Pitchbook data.TakeawaysThe KPMG M&A Conference provided valuable insights into current market dynamics.AI is a major factor influencing M&A decisions and strategies.VCs are increasingly making investments in AI startups without getting governance rights, and not always checking the underlying economics of the businessThe operator's dilemma highlights the challenges that CEOs face in mergers and acquisitions (M&A).Corporate development roles are seeing a significant increase in demand.Top CEOs simplify their M&A strategies to focus on core problems.Deal activity in the tech sector is on the rise, indicating a healthy market.Earnouts are becoming a significant component of deal structures.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Episode02:50 Insights from the KPMG M&A and Tech Conference06:04 AI's Pervasive Influence on Tech and M&A08:54 The AI Investing Landscape11:40 Deal Structures Sparking Innovation16:42 The Operator's Dilemma in M&A21:48 Corporate Development and Deal Activity24:38 Priorities in M&A for Corporates vs. Private Equity29:19 Case Studies of Successful M&A Strategies32:59 Market Update on Deal Activity and EarnoutsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredEpisode ReferencesKPMG M&A Conference AgendaKPMG 2025 Deal Market Study (buyer priorities)Kirkland & Ellis M&A Bring Down Report 2025 (earnout data) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold welcome Brian Burt, founder & CEO of Canopy Management. In this episode, we discuss Brian's entrepreneurial journey, with an emphasis on his principles for building the business and expanding through highly accretive tuck-in M&A transactions. Brian also shares the importance of cultural fit in successful integrations. He then discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the retail media space, emphasizing the need for omnichannel marketing strategies. The conversation underscores the importance of momentum in business and the role of performance-based incentives in sustaining an entrepreneurial spirit within acquired teams.TakeawaysCanopy Management has grown without external investment, focusing on mergers and acquisitions for expansion.The need for operational efficiency and scalability drove the first acquisition.Cultural fit and shared values are crucial in successful acquisitions.Integrating new teams requires clear communication and defined outcomes.Performance-based incentives help maintain entrepreneurial spirit in acquired teams.AI presents both a threat and an opportunity for the agency space.Omnichannel marketing is essential for modern e-commerce success.Building a strong personal brand aids in building an acquisition funnelMomentum in business is key to successful integration and growth.?Chapters00:26 Brian Burt’s Background 02:38 Growing through M&A 12:31 Culture Fit and Founder Alignment13:09 Integrating the First Acquisition16:36 Defining and Executing Acquihires20:45 Evolving the Playbook23:46 Incentives Pods, and Integration Strategy27:44 Scale Synergy and Sustainable Growth31:28 Market Outlook: Retail Media Omnichannel and AI37:14 Closing Thoughts and TakeawaysConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with guest Brian Burthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianburt1/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryOn this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, co-hosts Christian Hassold and Ayelet Shipley are joined by guest Jeff Cohen, newly minted Chief Business Development Officer of Skai, former Principal Evangelist for Amazon Ads, and in general a seasoned operator with an extensive background in commerce and tech. In this episode, the hosts and guest explore the current state and future vision of omnichannel commerce. Their discussion spans the immediate and long-term prospects of retail media agencies and the defensibility of these businesses based on their commonly observed category-specific expertise. As a part of this discussion, they talk about notable retail media agencies including Podean, Cartograph, and Envision Horizons. The conversation emphasizes the need for agencies to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing market.TakeawaysE-commerce is growing at a rate of 6-8%.Retail media is experiencing growth rates in the low to mid 20s.Omnichannel connectivity is crucial for brands.Brands often underutilize Amazon's audience capabilities.Organizational silos hinder effective marketing strategies.Audience planning is essential for successful media execution.Agencies should act as partners, not just service providers.The future of retail media agencies is evolving rapidly.AI can significantly enhance operational efficiency in marketing.Chapters01:01 Introduction & Why Omnichannel Commerce Matters02:40 Jeff Cohen’s Journey04:46 The Growth of Commerce Talent05:58 Defining Omnichannel Commerce07:39 Are Brands Underutilizing Amazon’s Potential?11:58 Balancing In-House and Agency Collaboration14:21 Audience Planning: The Core of Retail Media18:31 How Retail Media Agencies Differentiate and Mature22:00 The Future of Agencies with AI & Tech34:07 Inside Skai: AI Tools and Omnichannel Evolution37:25 Platform Strategy & The Broader Tech Landscape 40:40 Closing Reflections & TakeawaysConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with guest Jeff Cohenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreycohen/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the In/organic Podcat, co-hosts Christian Hassold and Ayelet Shipley welcome guest Matt Bodnar, founder and managing partner at Eidolon Capital. Matt is a business owner and investor with substantial experience using M&A as a lever to acquire and grow businesses. In this episode, Matt discusses how he has leveraged his intellectual interest in valuations and deal structuring to execute creative and accretive deals. Further, Matt discusses the importance of understanding earnings and multiples in business valuation, the impact of size on valuation, and the challenges of customer concentration. Additionally, he provides strategies for sellers to maximize their exit value, emphasizing the need for thoughtful analysis and potential acquisitions to enhance business value.TakeawaysValuation can be simplified to earnings and multiples.Size significantly impacts business valuation multiples.Customer concentration can negatively affect valuation.Sellers should consider adding businesses to increase value.Earnings adjustments can significantly influence business valuation.Understanding market perceptions is crucial for sellers.Agencies offer unique opportunities for cross-selling and growth.Chapters00:00 Coffee Preferences and Brewing Techniques02:54 Restaurant Business Insights and Challenges05:42 Valuation Philosophy and Business Insights14:44 Valuation Fundamentals: Understanding Multiples22:12 Earnings and Adjustments: The Art of Valuation34:20 The Size Premium: Why Bigger is Better38:12 Customer Concentration: Risks and Strategies41:53 Maximizing Exit Value: Key Strategies for SellersPepperdine Capital Markets Report discussed on the podcasthttps://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/gsbm_pcm_pcmr/Connect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with guest Matt Bodnarhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbodnar/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold discuss the complexities of earnouts in agency acquisitions in the context of discussions covered at DealCon 2025. In this episode, Ayelet and Christian explore the reasons earnouts are used, the difficulties in negotiating them, and the importance of maintaining operational control and alignment between buyers and sellers. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear expectations and mutual understanding to navigate the intricacies of earnouts effectively.TakeawaysEarnouts are often used to bridge valuation gaps in acquisitionsBuyers typically dislike the complexity of earnouts but find them necessaryAccording research, significant percentage of earnouts (>55%) are never paidNegotiating earnouts should ideally happen early in the deal processOperational controls are necessary for buyers and sellers to achieve earnout targetsCultural alignment between buyers and sellers is essential for successEarnouts should generally not exceed 15-20% of the total transaction valueProtracted earnout negotiations can lead to deal fatigue, which can pose risk to deal timeline or completionChapters0:26 Introduction to Earnouts1:05 Why Earnouts Are a Key Topic1:34 The Purpose and Function of Earnouts02:21 Common Uses of Earnouts in M&A3:45 Challenges in Structuring Earnouts5:58 Pipeline Credit and Control in Earnouts10:24 Negotiating Earnouts & Deal Fatigue12:05 Maintaining Seller Control for Earnout Success15:15 Cultural Alignment in Earnout Negotiations14:41 Structuring Earnouts Strategically16:29 Key Takeaways on EarnoutsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryThis conversation explores the insights and experiences gained at DealCon, an event focused on agency founders and owners looking to grow through mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The speakers discuss the importance of understanding the intricacies of deal-making, the role of capital in acquisitions, and the dynamics of cultural integration. They also touch on the common feelings of imposter syndrome among those in the M&A space and the various paths to success in this field.TakeawaysDealCon is a platform for agency founders to learn about M&A.Many agency founders are interested in inorganic growth.Understanding market multiples is crucial for agency exits.Cultural fit is essential in M&A success.Pressure testing cultural alignment can prevent future conflicts.Access to capital is vital for agency acquisitions.Risk-taking is inherent in entrepreneurship and M&A.Imposter syndrome is common among M&A practitioners.There are alternative paths to success in M&A.The human element in M&A is often more challenging than the financial aspects.Chapters00:43 Opening & DealCon Overview01:37 Why Founders Are Chasing Acquisitions02:42 The Backstory: How DealCon Began05:14 Access to Capital & Funding Options07:37 Challenges of M&A08:24 Culture Fit: The Real Test of M&A13:47 Risk-Taking Founders vs. Cautious Teams16:16 Non-traditional Paths & Beating Imposter Syndrome19:57 Deal Math vs. The Human Element20:28 Wrapping Up Connect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, Co-host Christian Hassold provides a follow-up on episode 29, correcting the previously reported details on the planned acquisition of Acculinks by Verisk. He explains that Acculinks, a 165-person company specializing in rooftop estimation software, will be acquired for $2.35 billion. Despite initial confusion about the high purchase price, Hassold reveals that Acculinks has impressive financial metrics, including $150 million in annual revenue, 80% of which is recurring, and a 55% EBITDA margin. The planned acquisition is notable for its high ARR and EBITDA multiples, which are significantly above market averages. Hassold also discusses the financial strategies Verisk employed to fund the contemplated acquisition, including leveraging debt. The deal is still pending regulatory review and finalization of debt financing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, co-host Christian Hassold provides an explainer for episode 33, which discussed the acquisition of 1WorldSync by Syndigo. In this explainer episode, he gives a detailed explanation of what both of the companies do, including their important role in syndicating content to product detail pages (often referred to as PDP's). In addition, he explains the difference between product detail page content and supply chain content. Christian also elaborates on why the multi-billion-dollar industry of standardizing and communicating accurate product information to retailers exists and how it benefits consumers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold welcome guests Erik Morton, former EVP of Corporate Development for Rithum (formerly CommerceHub & ChannelAdvisor), and Chris Barnes, former SVP of Corporate Development for Syndigo, to discuss the announced acquisition of 1WorldSync by Syndigo. In this episode, the guests discuss the origin of both Syndigo and 1WorldSync, the deal rationale, as well as some of the reasons why the acquired business had some potential barriers to finding the right acquirer over the course of its year long sale process. The discussion highlights the dynamics of M&A in the e-commerce sector, the competitive dynamics between major players like Syndigo, Bazaarvoice, and Salsify, and the prospects of inorganic growth following years of aggressive M&A activity. TakeawaysSyndigo’s growth trajectory from Gladson to a materially sized platform in the commerce ecosystem1WordSync’s origin and significance in the product information spaceThe competitive dynamics between 1Worldsync, Syndigo, and Salsify in the commerce marketThe significance of geographical expansion in M&A strategies.The importance and benefits of strong alignment between sponsors and holding company executive leadership on M&A strategyChapters0:12 Deal Context  1:43 Guest Backgrounds 5:48 Syndigo Founding and Acquisition Strategy  9:32 Investor View on Syndigo’s M&A Thesis  13:47 1WorldSync Origins and Strategy  18:07 PowerReviews and Strategic Misalignment  22:09 Syndigo Deal Execution and Private Equity Dynamics  24:04 Running Out of Targets  25:40 Industrial Logic Behind the Merger  27:39 Competitive Landscape and Salsify  30:49 Future Outlook on Marketplaces and IPO  38:38 Wrap-Up and Final ThoughtsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with our guest Chris Barnes on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barnes-a0a7022/Connect with our guest Erik Morton on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erikimorton/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.