Exit stage left: Tech in Asia’s acquisition story

You’ve probably heard about this by now, but let me say it again: Tech in Asia is getting acquired by SPH Media!

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey. It’s the culmination of over 10 years of hard work and the support and faith of our shareholders, subscribers, partners, employees, and everyone else who has played a role in the Tech in Asia story.

(From left) The Business Times editor Chen Huifen, Tech in Asia COO Maria Li, SPH Media editor-in-chief of English/Malay/Tamil Media Group Wong Wei Kong, Tech in Asia CEO Willis Wee, and Tech in Asia editor-in-chief Terence Lee / Photo credit: SPH Media

What began as a blog that our founder and CEO Willis Wee started in his third year of university has evolved into one of Asia’s leading technology media companies, bringing together the region’s tech and startup scene through content and community.

Now we’re embarking on a new adventure, and as we gear up for this next stage, we’re reflecting on the acquisition experience in a fireside chat at the December 2023 edition of our monthly Founders Meetup in Singapore.

The road to an exit

An exit is the end goal of the startup journey, and they aren’t always grand public market debuts. According to Tech in Asia data, there have been 530 M&As in Southeast Asia to date and only seven IPOs. Additionally, deals have been made across an increasingly diverse range of industries.

There’s a lot that goes into an M&A, and it’s a pretty complex undertaking. That’s why, armed with lessons from our own experience with the M&A process, Willis, alongside our COO Maria Li, will be sharing their perspectives on the journey to give founders a deeper understanding of what an M&A entails.

Here’s a glimpse of what we’ll discuss:

• Our approach to M&A processes
• Building a team to support the process
• Mental model for the deal and division of tasks
• Navigating how to narrow down potential acquirers
• Key lessons learned and what we wish we’d known before embarking on the M&A journey

There won’t be any secret insights or breaking news, and Willis and Maria certainly can’t share anything confidential. Our aim for this session is to give our community of founders a candid look at what an M&A involves and help them best understand what goes on behind the scenes. We might not have all the answers, but we’re happy to share what we can.

Do note that the session is strictly off the record.

Aside from the fireside chat, the event is also an opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow founders. It’s been an eventful 2023 to say the least, so take the chance to connect, reflect, and gear up for the new year.

Tickets are now on sale for US$12.50, inclusive of light bites and one complimentary alcoholic beverage. Space is limited, so be sure to get your seat before we’re sold out.

We look forward to seeing you at Founders Meetup: Singapore!

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