Image by rudall30 via Shutterstock Remember back in 2013, when venture capitalist and founder of Cowboy Ventures, Aileen Lee, coined a specific term to represent a distinctive class of start-ups that were breaking the norms and catching the eye of investors worldwide? That's right, the label 'unicorn' was born. In the world of business, a unicorn isn't a mythical creature fresh out of a fantasy novel. Rather, it is an exceptional title granted to private companies or startups valued over a whopping $1 billion. Just as elusive and awe-inspiring as their fictional namesakes, these companies embark on the adventurous journey from mere concepts to billion-dollar businesses. But the unicorn landscape has dramatically changed. Seeing a startup reach unicorn status is no longer a rare…
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are complex endeavors that require meticulous planning, strategic foresight, and, above all, comprehensive data. In the contemporary business landscape, where data drives decisions, understanding what information is crucial to the M&A process can significantly influence the outcome. Therefore, the first step in any successful M&A transaction is Data. This article will explore the critical aspects of data in M&A, focusing on identifying the right data, understanding customer and market insights, the role of operational metrics, and the broader scope of data beyond financials. Identifying the Right Data The first step in any successful M&A transaction is identifying and preparing the right data. Sellers often wonder what data buyers need to evaluate the deal and decide whether…
Australia has long been a popular destination for investment among Asian communities, and the past century has witnessed significant growth through the migration of Asian populations to Australia. Singaporeans are amongst those communities drawn to investment opportunities in Australia for many reasons, including but not limited to the benefit derived from its geographical proximity and historical ties with Australia, which have contributed to the close relationship fostered between the two countries. In investment and financial planning, trusts are often considered one of the most effective tools for achieving tax and succession planning goals. To help our readers better understand how trusts are used in wealth structuring and planning, we are pleased to introduce Rachael Grabovic, who shares her insights into…
TBP PHOTO: iStock Photo Now, who pops into your head when we utter the word 'entrepreneur'? Does your mind race through names like Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, or Mark Zuckerberg? These are the experts who didn't just pique the world's interest, they reinvented the whole playbook of business. Indeed, they've reshaped entire industries and won us over with their ingenuity, giving us a fresh perspective on how we live, work, and connect. Let's ponder on this: How would you define an entrepreneur? Venturing into the thrilling world of business, entrepreneurs are often a sight to behold. Some believe this intriguing breed is born, crafted with an inherent drive that continues to burn brightly. Yet, there’s a different school of…
Mr. Masahiro Nishii, Managing Director of Nihon M&A Center Singapore Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Singapore start off as family-run businesses that are built with blood, sweat, and tears. After about 20 years of steady growth, owners are either looking for succession or to sell the company for retirement. But how does one even start to navigate the complicated M&A landscape, and more importantly, how can one ensure that the legacy lives on even after the company is sold? This is where Mr Masahiro Nishii comes in. As the Managing Director of Nihon M&A Center Singapore, he and his team connect SME owners in Singapore with Japanese investors looking for opportunities in the region. Nihon M&A Center is…
