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Key Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Founders Preparing for Strategic Exit

William Filip, Managing Director, Co-Founder
& Steven Higgins, Managing Director, Delancey Street Partners

July 12, 2024, 8:30am – 10:00am

The current M&A market remains active, with significant capital available from both private equity firms and strategic acquirers seeking to accelerate growth through acquisitions. Private equity firms have raised record amounts of capital in recent years, with an estimated $1 trillion in “dry powder” available for investments. Strategic acquirers are also pursuing M&A as a key growth strategy, driven by the need to expand into new markets, gain access to new technologies and talent, and achieve synergies.

To maximize valuation in this competitive environment, entrepreneurs and founders should focus on building companies with strong growth trajectories, defensible market positions, and attractive financial profiles.  Professionals from Delancey Street Partners (DSP), a boutique investment bank serving high growth middle market companies, will share their perspectives on the current M&A market and their outlook for the remainder of 2024.  Additionally, DSP will offer valuable insights into the steps that entrepreneurs and founders can take today to position their businesses for a successful future exit at the best possible terms. 

Bill Filip is a Founder and Managing Director of Delancey Street Partners where he focuses on Business Services, Technology and Healthcare Services.  He has a leading reputation in the business and technology services sector with strong experience in human capital technology, professional services and staffing, business process outsourcing, financial services and technology, consumer/business internet, Saas technology and healthcare services.  Prior to Delancey Street Partners, Bill was a founder and one of the original partners of Baird Venture Partners where he directed the firm’s Business Services sector and shared additional senior-level responsibilities including all aspects of fund formation, team recruitment, internal processes, investment strategy and execution and portfolio oversight. 

Steve Higgins is a Managing Director of Delancey Street Partners and has more than 25 years of diverse transaction experience including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, financings and other advisory assignments.  His client list includes owner-entrepreneurs, privately-held middle market companies, financial sponsors and larger public and private corporations.  Prior to Delancey Street Partners, Steve was a Managing Director at Baker Tilly Capital, where he had responsibility for transaction execution and served as a senior member of the firm’s healthcare practice. Prior to Baker Tilly, Steve was a Managing Director with Janney Montgomery Scott, where he had responsibility for transaction execution and coordinating the firm’s relationships with the private equity community. He has also held senior positions with middle market advisory firms including Stifel Nicolaus and Legg Mason. 

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  • Board of Directors
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  • Insights & Resources
  • Getting Started