M&A from both sides: Building, structuring, and exiting with intent
M&A is often treated as an endpoint. In reality, it is shaped by decisions made years earlier. Most founders think about fundraising. Few think seriously about exit until it’s suddenly on the table.
We’re hosting an intimate conversation on what M&A really looks like from the inside: the founder who lived it, the lawyer who structured it, and the ecosystem perspective on how acquisitions are evolving today.
Moderated by David Harris, Aspire’s US Country Head, the discussion will feature:
Partner and M&A lawyer advising founders, investors, and companies through complex transactions across Silicon Valley and internationally. Matteo specializes in venture-backed M&A, cross-border deals between Europe and the U.S., and strategic transactions in tech, fintech, and emerging markets. He is also a frequent speaker on securities regulation and global entrepreneurship, with appearances ranging from Stanford University to the Italian Parliament.
Serial entrepreneur and investor with 30+ years in tech, seven companies built, four exits, and over $300M raised. His most recent company, Evensi, the world’s largest events discovery platform, was acquired by Events.com and is now preparing to go public on Nasdaq. Paolo is also Founder and GP of 1521 Ventures and has invested in 200+ companies and 20 funds globally.
We’ll cover:
Does planning for the end distract from the beginning?
What “being exit-ready” actually means at Seed or Series A
The hidden legal and structural landmines that kill deals
What happens between the LOI and the wire transfer, and why deals fall apart at the 11th hour
What founders can learn from industry consolidation and how to position for strategic acquisition
We’ll close with a candid conversation about the often-overlooked founder–lawyer dynamic: how trust, tension, and alignment evolve over time, and what makes that relationship decisive during an exit.
Join us for a founder-first discussion on building with optionality and navigating one of the most consequential moments in a company’s life.
Agenda
5:00 PM – Doors open
5:30 PM – Panel + Q&A
6:30 PM – Networking
Space sponsored by Cushman & Wakefield.