6 Acquisitions and Why It Matters at Maven Advisory

Sometimes the goal is acquisition. Sometimes it’s IPO. Either way, how you go to market matters.

The Challenge

Too often, founders focus only on near-term traction or feature velocity, but skip the deeper work of building a business that can attract the right buyers or investors.

Without a clear GTM strategy tied to your long-term vision, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of chasing deals instead of building value.

Whether you’re aiming for a strategic exit or public markets, you need to show real revenue potential, clear customer fit, and a repeatable path to scale.

That starts with how you sell and how you tell your story.

The Maven Approach

I’ve been through six acquisitions across my career. I’ve worked for the buyer. I’ve worked for the seller. I’ve sat next to founders navigating the chaos.

I know what it looks like when things get messy and how quickly momentum can disappear.

At Maven Advisory, I help fintech founders build go-to-market strategies that can handle real-world friction. That includes helping them recognize the signs of M&A distraction and adapt fast.

Here’s how we shift the strategy:

01.

Identify urgency early so you are not chasing a deal that is already iced

02.

Build relationships with multiple stakeholders, not just one internal champion

03.

Adjust positioning for acquiring teams or shifting priorities

04.

Create near-term wins to keep momentum alive even if the long-term plan gets delayed

05.

Know when to walk so you do not burn cycles chasing a deal that will not close

The Outcome

Founders who build awareness into their sales motion protect their time, their energy, and their pipeline.

This approach helps teams:

Avoid surprise stalls by spotting warning signs sooner.

Keep deals alive by focusing on short-term, high-value outcomes.

Adapt their message as priorities shift.

Stay in control even when the buyer’s organization is in transition.

My take

I’ve been through six acquisitions and sat close to the founders every time. I know what it’s like when everything changes overnight. That’s why I coach teams to stay focused, stay sharp, and be ready to move when the door opens or close it when it won’t.