Most entrepreneurs do not create businesses in order to stay with them for the long haul. Rather, they prefer to gradually build a business, make it into a marketable entity, and exit at a considerable multiple of what they put in. This positions them to move on to their next great idea, while creating a positive track record with angels who have financed them along the way.

However, it is all easier said than done. Most startups spend their initial years in the trenches. Later, they need to build out their product offering - which may be relatively thin, not adequately differentiated, or generate too little cash flow. When financial resources are sufficient, startups are well-served to enter the M&A arena to search for competing products and firms that will accelerate growth and ultimately lead to a faster exit.

The event will focus on the following:
(1) Why M&A is a relevant topic for startups, regardless of stage of development.
(2) Methods to approach and finance M&A transactions when resources are few and scarce.
(3) How to find target firms that are good additions and extensions to your existing platform.
(4) Approaches to M&A discussions with those who are backing your firm and may face dilution.
(5) Operational, legal, financial, & managerial checklist - before you decide to sell.
(6) How to get on the radar screens of firms potentially interested in acquiring your startup.

 Ben Boissevain is Founder and Managing Partner of Bois Capital, an independent investment bank providing  financial advice on mergers & acquisitions, spinoffs, and company financings. In particular, Bois assists with  acquisition strategy, target company research and selection, valuation, financial structuring, and negotiations. This is  augmented by senior-level access to angel and venture capital investors as well as family funds.

 Stephen Kaplitt is a sponsor of Entrepreneurs University, a non-profit training institute for startup CEOs in  biomedical and technology fields supported by New Jersey Angels. He also provides deal assessment and legal  advice to NJA. He has served as General Counsel to a medical products manufacturer and an investment firm, and  as an Advisor to the State Department. Currently, he is General Counsel to a variety of start-up companies.

 William Reinisch runs the New York office of Paladin Capital, a multi-stage private equity firm that invests in growing  companies. Its Paladin III fund invests in small to mid-sized technology firms which are market leaders in their industry  segments. Bill is an Adjunct Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, and teaches entrepreneurial courses at  Columbia and NYU. Previously, he was V.P. of Strategy and Technology at Motorola.