The Path to Exit
36 | 2026 Software M&A Outlook: Valuations, Buyers, and What’s Changed
AI Summary
In this episode, Vista Point Advisors’ managing directors Mike Lyon and Jeff Koons dissect the 2025 software M&A landscape and project key shifts for 2026, focusing on buyer behavior, deal structures, and valuation trends—especially in vertical SaaS. They highlight that strategic buyers are becoming more disciplined, private equity is prioritizing cash‑flow stability, and valuation multiples are compressing compared to the pandemic boom. Founders are advised to time exits carefully, leverage stronger negotiating positions by showcasing recurring revenue, and consider alternative deal structures like earn‑outs to align with buyer risk appetites. Overall, the discussion equips software founders with actionable insights on market dynamics, valuation expectations, and negotiation leverage for 2026 exits.
Episode Description
Software founders planning to exit or raise capital in 2026 need a clear read on where M&A is heading after a volatile few years. In this episode, Vista Point Advisors Managing Directors Mike Lyon and Jeff Koons unpack the most important 2025 trends and what founders could expect in 2026. From buyer behaviors to changes in vertical SaaS valuations, they offer a view of the market dynamics that can help software founders better understand their exit timing, deal structure, and negotiating leverage.
Securities offered through Vista Point Advisors, member FINRA/SIPC. This has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation. It is not intended to address all circumstances that might arise. The views expressed herein may change at any time subsequent to the date of issue. Opinions contained herein should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results. Outcomes will vary depending on individual circumstances. Any examples used in this material are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. Testimonials from past clients may not be representative of the experience of other clients and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Clients are not compensated for their comments.
Show Notes
Software founders planning to exit or raise capital in 2026 need a clear read on where M&A is heading after a volatile few years. In this episode, Vista Point Advisors Managing Directors Mike Lyon and Jeff Koons unpack the most important 2025 trends and what founders could expect in 2026. From buyer behaviors to changes in vertical SaaS valuations, they offer a view of the market dynamics that can help software founders better understand their exit timing, deal structure, and negotiating leverage.
Securities offered through Vista Point Advisors, member FINRA/SIPC. This has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation. It is not intended to address all circumstances that might arise. The views expressed herein may change at any time subsequent to the date of issue. Opinions contained herein should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results. Outcomes will vary depending on individual circumstances. Any examples used in this material are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. Testimonials from past clients may not be representative of the experience of other clients and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Clients are not compensated for their comments.
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