​Join us for Startup Your Morning for a critical session on "M&A Readiness: Positioning Your Startup for Acquisition," hosted by Travis Lay, Senior Director at EY.

​This workshop is designed for founders and leaders looking ahead to a potential acquisition. Travis will demystify the M&A landscape and provide actionable insights to help you strategically prepare your company for a successful exit.

​Travis Lay brings over 12 years of experience advising EY clients through more than 160 transactions, ranging from $5 million to $12 billion. As an advisor to ambitious CEOs and entrepreneurs globally, he is deeply involved in EY's entrepreneur ecosystem, leading efforts to connect diverse entrepreneurs with capital. To date, he has assisted early-stage entrepreneurs in raising $64 million through EY programs. Travis holds a BSBA in Accounting & Finance from American University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

​What You'll Learn:

• ​Understanding the M&A Landscape: Gain a clear overview of the current merger and acquisition environment and how it impacts startups.

• ​Key Factors for Acquirers: Discover what buyers truly look for in a target company, from financial health to market position and team strength.

• ​Strategic Preparation Steps: Learn practical steps to organize your company, optimize operations, and enhance your value proposition to become an attractive acquisition target.

• ​Navigating the Due Diligence Process: Get insights into the due diligence phase, understanding the documentation and information acquirers will scrutinize.

• ​Maximizing Your Valuation: Understand the drivers of valuation in an M&A context and strategies to position your company for the best possible outcome.

​Proudly supported by

• ​​Penn West, Golden Triangle Business Improvement District
  We are an inclusive, collaborative innovation hub for big ideas and groundbreaking technology dedicated to solving for a more sustainable, equitable and vibrant future for everyone. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, we welcome startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world through our global soft landing initiative.

• ​​Workbox DC
  Workbox – Dupont Circle provides the perfect setting for dynamic businesses. This energetic workspace offers spacious lounges, bright private offices, collaborative meeting rooms, and all the modern amenities one would expect from a contemporary office space. Conveniently located steps away from the trains and busses at Dupont Circle Station, in the heart of the nations capital.

​​Series Overview

​​Startup Your Mornings is a specialized workshop series crafted exclusively for growth-stage startup founders. Designed to tackle the unique hurdles of scaling, SYM will equip you with actionable strategies and invaluable insights to achieve your next major milestones, guiding you towards successful acquisition or exit.

​​Each session features an interactive, 90-minute workshop led by experts, providing a deep dive into critical aspects of growth and scalability. You'll have the opportunity to connect with a select group of 15-20 fellow growth-stage founders, fostering a collaborative environment for shared learning and networking.

​​Event Details

• ​​When: The last Friday of each month, from June - Sept.

• ​​Time: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM

• ​​Where: Workbox DC (Address upon registration)

• ​​Enjoy a light breakfast and 1 hour of impactful content & networking time with other founders & startup leaders.

​​Don't miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and network essential for your startup's continued success.

​​Don't forget to Save The Date for DCSTW25 ! - Learn more at dcstw.com.