Webinar: Exit Planning for Founders
🚀 Unprepared founders leave money on the table
Level Up Ventures is hosting a webinar! In this session, you'll learn:
How to maximize value and maintain flexibility for your company’s future
How to be prepared if a buyer approaches you, even if you are not actively planning an exit
The key factors founders should consider today to create stronger options down the road
How to create impact now that can pay off again if and when you decide to explore an exit
🎤 Our guest
PREP: Pre-M&A Readiness and Exit Planning
The PREP program is a multi-step, proactive process designed to significantly improve your company structure and value drivers, ensuring you are prepared to command a premium valuation and providing you a broader array of buyers to choose from.
ℹ️ About Level Up Ventures
Level Up Ventures is a corporate venture arm of the Hearst Corporation, launched in 2021 to invest in exceptional entrepreneurs who have experienced barriers to accessing capital. Beyond funding, we offer hands-on support and leverage the Level Up Scout network - professionals across Hearst’s businesses - who provide mentorship, strategic insights, and key resources.
👤 Speakers
Jon Guttenberg
Managing Director, Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips
Jon is a managing director at Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips in New York. He is a highly experienced deal maker who specializes in media, marketing services, adtech, events, healthcare, consumer products, education and technology. He has closed numerous M&A transactions across all of these sectors.
Previously, Jon ran a strategic advisory firm, where he advised companies on strategy, operations, product development, marketing, fundraising and partnerships, often playing interim management roles within many of these businesses. Earlier in his career, Jon was CEO of GORP.com, a leading internet content company focused on outdoor recreation and adventure travel. He was president and co-founder of LocalAlert, a mobile subscription-based news service, which was subsequently acquired. He was vice president of Epsilon Interactive, where he oversaw M&A, strategy and partnerships; vice president of new media for Random House, where he managed digital media for Bertelsmann’s US book publishing operations; manager of corporate development at Viacom, where he investigated new business opportunities and acquisitions across motion pictures, television, cable, theaters, new media, theme parks, books, advertising and satellite distribution; and he was an analyst in corporate development for Columbia Pictures. Throughout his career, Jon has been instrumental in launching multiple companies, including six cable channels, two motion picture production companies, the digital divisions of two major media companies, a mobile content company and one of the earliest e-commerce companies. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
Marci Weisler
Managing Director, Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips
Marci is managing director of business development at Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips in New York. She spearheads new business initiatives, further strengthening the firm’s presence across its core sectors. Marci is a highly accomplished business development and operational leader within the technology, media and mobile sectors, bringing expertise and relationships in the TMT marketplace.
Most recently, Marci was head of owned and operated media for T-Mobile Advertising Solutions, an on-device suite of mobile apps and services. Before that, she was chief commercial officer of Vengo Labs, an innovative DOOH adtech solution. Marci’s prior roles include chief operating officer of EachScape, a mobile SaaS platform; the first head of digital at Time Out North America; director of emerging technology for CondeNet, a division of Condé Nast; and vice president of business development and carrier relations for Vindigo, a mobile content company. In each of these roles and as leader of her own advisory practice, Marci has consistently increased revenue, closed licensing and distribution deals, and developed strategies for new products leading to growth as well as exits. She has been instrumental in launching multiple companies and products by deploying emerging technologies and creating game-changing partnerships including the digital divisions of two major media companies, mobile apps for leading brands, a digital asset management platform, corporate e-commerce, online currency and AI-powered adtech solutions. Marci is also the founder of SWSI Media (Smart Women. Smart Ideas), a platform supporting female entrepreneurs and innovation, underscoring her commitment to leadership and industry advancement. Marci has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Erica Gruen
Senior Advisor, Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips
Erica specializes in television, digital media, advertising, marketing and the creator economy. She is a principal with Quantum Media, named in Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Management Consulting Companies” for five years running.
Erica is known as the Food Network CEO who masterminded one of the most popular channels ever—“TV for everyone who loves to eat”. Prior to Food, Erica created one of Madison Avenue’s first digital ad agencies, Saatchi & Saatchi Interactive.