For many software founders, growth eventually slows – not because the business lacks potential, but because it’s reached the limits of its current market or product set. So what’s next? 

In this chapter of our Founders’ Guide, me and the Advisory Board Member Bruno Tourme explain how mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be a powerful tool for unlocking the next stage of growth. Whether you’re looking to enter a new geography, accelerate product development, or add complementary capabilities, M&A can help you get there faster – if done right. 

This guide outlines the strategic thinking, planning, and execution required to make M&A work for founders of niche European software companies.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify the right strategic rationale for a deal, based on your product, market, and growth goals
• Avoid common pitfalls that derail most acquisitions, from cultural clashes to unclear objectives
• Ensure post-deal integration creates value, rather than diluting it
• Ask the right questions before you start, so you’re not caught out halfway through
• Bring together two teams and cultures without losing what made each of them great

When done right, M&A can deliver growth that would take years to achieve organically.

Upliift’s experience supporting European software founders gives us a front-row seat to what makes deals succeed – and where they fall short. This chapter brings that experience to life and gives founders a grounded, actionable playbook to follow.

Whether you’re planning your first acquisition or simply exploring options beyond organic growth, this guide will help you approach M&A with clarity and confidence.

Read the full chapter and learn how to turn your next deal into long-term value.