Strategic FOMO: The Acquisition Driver No One Talks About

Strategic FOMO: The Acquisition Driver No One Talks About

Marc Held has started and sold multiple supply chain companies — and he's developed a clear framework for why businesses actually get acquired. In this episode, Aaron and Marc break down the 5 real reasons buyers write checks, why venture investors and founders are less aligned than you think, and how to use data as a moat that actually holds up. Marc also shares his take on when to raise angel vs. venture capital, what falls apart in late-stage due diligence, and why strategic FOMO produces the most interesting acquisition valuations. If you're building a business with an exit in mind — or you should be — this one is worth your time. Topics covered: * The 5 reasons companies get acquired * Why "strategic FOMO" produces nonlinear valuations * How to read a buyer's investor relations reports to find your fit * When venture incentives work against your exit * Angel vs. venture: which is right for your business * What turns data into a defensible moat * How AI changes the signal-to-noise problem in supply chain

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