Managing Partner, Managing Director, and Head of Software and Internet Services, Tricia Salinero is an expert M&A banker who has completed more than 80 technology mergers and acquisitions valued at nearly $4 billion over her 20 years in technology. She has represented companies that sold to Google, Microsoft, Oracle, American Greetings and Red Hat.

Recently, she was featured in the book, Mechanical Bull: How You Can Achieve Startup Success by Cheryl Contee. It is now an Amazon bestseller in multiple categories and is also a leader in the charts for Innovation and Women in Business.

When asked about her thoughts on Cheryl Contee, Tricia has only great things to say. She says “Cheryl Contee is candid, funny, and truly the most authentic person you will meet in Silicon Valley. In Mechanical Bull, she lays down her path through the technology start-up scene with all its perilous and redemptive turns. You will laugh and you will learn, fortunate to share in her journey the same way I did!”

The book covers a lot of practical how-to information for startups and advice from diverse founders and investors to help people build their dream companies, and highlights the importance of partnering with an M&A champion who can guide you through the exit process.

Key elements as shared by Tricia are as follows:

1. CHOOSING AN M&A CHAMPION: You need a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) pro who will champion and represent you to potential acquirers. You need someone who understands the market, has a good reputation in their field, and has expertise and relationships. Your M&A champion will approach acquirers and, eventually, negotiate the sale.

2. EXIT STRATEGY: The most active buyer might do twenty deals in a year, which means that there is a loooooong tail of acquirers. Look beyond the Googles, Facebooks, Apples, and Microsofts of the world.

Tricia’s additional advice can be read in the book, available for purchase here.

You can contact Tricia for more information at [email protected]