In 2025, Canada’s tech entrepreneurs and the M&A landscape are stepping into a new era, one shaped by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving market dynamics. While the broader Canadian ICT sector anticipates steady growth of around 1.5–2%, AI is surfacing as a key player driving innovation and transforming industries. As AI gains momentum across various sectors, the technology is becoming essential for businesses looking to stay competitive, enhance decision-making, and streamline operations. The accelerated pace of AI adoption is positioning it as a central theme at TechExit.io 2025, where tech leaders, investors, and industry experts will explore how it is reshaping M&A strategies and business growth, even in a climate of broader economic challenges.
TechExit.io is a key event for anyone interested in the ins and outs of buying and selling tech companies. This conference is designed to provide clear, fact-based insights into the M&A process, featuring top speakers, detailed panels, and plenty of networking opportunities.
TechExit.io will take place on February 25, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. A second event is scheduled for October 21, 2025, at the MaRS Centre in Toronto. By hosting events on both coasts, the conference addresses the unique needs of tech companies across Canada. Attendees can expect a full day of sessions covering everything from strategic planning to the latest trends in technology and dealmaking.
Understanding the Tech M&A Landscape
Mergers and acquisitions are a vital part of the growth strategy for many tech companies in Canada. TechExit.io aims to break down how these transactions work. Participants will get an in-depth look at market dynamics, valuation techniques, and the financial strategies that underpin successful deals.
A key focus of the conference is how new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are changing the M&A game. Panels will explore how AI can streamline due diligence, predict market trends, and even assist in identifying potential acquisition targets. These sessions are grounded in current data and real-world examples, making them accessible and practical.
Keynote Speakers and Industry Leaders
One of the main draws of TechExit.io is its impressive lineup of speakers, all of whom have hands-on experience in the tech M&A world. Here are a few of the featured speakers:
- Adrian Salamunovic, Co-Founder, The EXIT Group: A firm dedicated to guiding technology companies through successful exit strategies.
- Ally Bharmal, Partner, Fasken: A prominent Canadian law firm known for its expertise in corporate law and M&A transactions.
- Anush Sachdeva, General Manager, Emerging Ventures, RBCx: Part of RBC’s innovation arm that supports early-stage tech ventures with strategic investments.
- Ben Slager, CEO & Co-Founder, Morgan Daniels Slager LLP: A boutique law firm specializing in legal advisory services for tech and M&A deals.
- Bill Hunter, Founding Member & CEO, Canary Medical: A company at the forefront of developing innovative medical technologies.
- Brent Holliday, Founder & CEO, Garibaldi Capital Advisors: An investment firm that focuses on providing growth capital and M&A advisory for technology companies.
- Bruce Townson, Director, Growth & Transition Capital, BDC: A division of the Business Development Bank of Canada, offering financial support and advisory to Canadian entrepreneurs.
- Chelsea Bohonis-Schiemann, Director, PwC: Part of a global professional services firm delivering audit, tax, and consulting services with a strategic business focus.
- Daniel Gardiner, Senior Vice President, KPMG Corporate Finance: Leading complex financial transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring within a top-tier advisory firm.
- Devon Thompson, Managing Director, RBCx: Helping guide emerging ventures through strategic investments and innovation initiatives under the RBC umbrella.
- Diraj Goel, Founder & CEO, GetFresh Ventures: A venture capital firm investing in early-stage tech startups, driving innovation across various industries.
- Geordie Rose, Founder & CEO, Snowdrop Quantum Applications Corporation: Pioneering advancements in quantum computing technologies and their practical applications.
- Greg Malpass, Founder & Former CEO, Traction on Demand: Led one of the leading Salesforce consulting firms before its successful acquisition by Salesforce.
- Jack Newton, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Clio: Developed a cloud-based legal practice management software company that has grown through multiple strategic acquisitions.
- Jason Leeson, President, Squirrel Systems: Provided specialized software solutions and led the company to a successful acquisition by Volaris Group.
- Jon Conlin, Partner, Fasken: Contributes to Fasken’s strong reputation in corporate and M&A legal services.
- Jordan Huang, Director, Investment Banking, Scotiabank: Part of one of Canada’s major banks offering comprehensive financial and investment banking services.
- Judi Hess, Former CEO, Copperleaf: Led a company that provides decision analytics software for asset-intensive industries, later acquired by Industrial and Financial Systems.
- Julie Bogle, Partner, Corporate Capital Market, BLG: From a Canadian law firm known for its deep expertise in corporate and capital markets.
- Karl Sigerist, Managing Director, Shaughnessy Group: Specializes in corporate finance and offers expert M&A advisory services in Canada.
- Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO, The Forum: Heads a platform that facilitates high-level industry discussions and networking among business leaders.
- Kris Hartvigsen, CEO, Dooly: Led a company that developed innovative sales enablement software, which was acquired by Mediafly to expand its market presence.
- Krista Morgan, Founding Partner & CEO, Edited Capital: Runs an investment firm focused on funding and scaling tech-driven businesses.
- Maggie Puhacz, Partner, Smythe LLP: Provides specialized legal services, particularly in corporate law and M&A transactions.
- Maria Pacella, Managing Partner, Pender Ventures: Heads a venture capital firm that invests in high-growth technology companies.
- Mark Longo, Vancouver Managing Partner, Osler: Represents a leading Canadian law firm renowned for its expertise in corporate transactions and M&A.
- Maryam Zargar, Partner & Leader, Corporate Group Vancouver, Miller Thomson: Works at a full-service Canadian law firm with significant experience in corporate law and transactions.
- Max Kaplan, Director, PwC: Part of a global professional services network offering audit, tax, and consulting services with deep insights into corporate finance.
- Narbe Alexandrian, Founder & CEO, Define Capital: Leads a private equity firm focused on strategic investments and facilitating successful exits in tech.
- Nathan Yeung, Founder, Find Your Audience: Runs a marketing firm dedicated to helping companies expand their customer base through digital engagement strategies.
- Petar Zelic, Managing Director & Head of Tech Investment Banking, Stifel Canada: Provides comprehensive investment banking services with a focus on tech companies and M&A advisory.
- Sarah Miller Wright, Former President, Certn: Formerly led a company specializing in background screening solutions, notable for acquiring InterCheck Australia in 2022.
- Sean Silcoff, Business Writer & Technology Reporter, The Globe and Mail: A seasoned journalist covering in-depth business and technology news for one of Canada’s leading newspapers.
Each speaker brings unique insights into the complexities of M&A, ensuring that attendees receive a balanced view of both the strategic and practical aspects of the process.
In-Depth Panels and Interactive Sessions
TechExit.io is packed with panels that offer a detailed look at various facets of tech M&A. Here are some of the most interesting sessions:
The New Horizon of Tech M&A: Trends, Transformations, & The AI Advantage:
This session will break down how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the M&A process. Speakers will discuss how AI tools are being used to enhance due diligence and improve decision-making in dealmaking.
Inside the Buyer Brain: Cracking the Code of M&A Buyers:
In this session, panelists will reveal the strategies used by acquirers when evaluating tech companies. Expect a data-driven discussion that explains the key metrics and processes that guide buyer decisions.
24 Months Out: Your Detailed Roadmap Towards M&A:
Aimed at companies preparing for an acquisition, this session offers a step-by-step guide to getting M&A-ready. Experts will outline the milestones and preparation tactics that can make a significant difference in the success of a deal.
Mastering the Maze: Navigating Roadblocks in M&A Transactions:
M&A deals often face challenges such as regulatory issues, cultural mismatches, and integration hurdles. This panel will provide practical advice on overcoming these obstacles with real-world examples.
Building Strong to Exit Strong – The Copperleaf Story:
Focusing on a case study of Copperleaf, this session explores the journey of a company that successfully navigated the acquisition process. Panelists will share the strategies that helped Copperleaf build a resilient business ready for a profitable exit.
LOVE It Or HATE It: Tales From the Trenches:
In a more informal setting, experienced founders will share their personal stories, discussing both the successes and the challenges they faced during their M&A journeys. This session is all about the real-life experiences that shape the industry.
Cash Out, Stay In: Mastering Partial Exits, Management Buyouts & Smart Tax Strategies:
Not every deal involves a full exit. This session will cover strategies for partial exits and management buyouts, as well as how to navigate the tax implications of these transactions.
AI Impact on Growth – What Sales & Marketing Looks Like in 2025:
This forward-looking panel examines the influence of artificial intelligence on sales and marketing. Experts will discuss how AI is being used to drive growth, improve customer engagement, and streamline operations.
Anatomy of an Acquisition:
A detailed look into the structure of a successful acquisition, this session will cover everything from initial negotiations to the final integration of companies. It’s a must-attend for anyone looking to understand the nuts and bolts of dealmaking.
Portrait of a Leader:
Beyond the technical aspects of M&A, leadership plays a crucial role in steering companies through transitions. This session highlights the personal qualities and strategic vision required to lead a company successfully through an acquisition.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
Beyond the informative sessions, TechExit.io offers extensive networking opportunities. The conference includes structured networking breaks, a VIP reception, and dedicated sessions for informal meetups. These events allow participants to connect with peers, potential investors, and industry experts. Whether you’re looking to build strategic partnerships or simply exchange ideas, the networking component of TechExit.io is designed to facilitate meaningful interactions.
The event also recognizes the importance of regional market dynamics. By hosting sessions in both Vancouver and Toronto, TechExit.io caters to the diverse needs of the tech community across Canada. This dual-location approach ensures that attendees gain localized insights as well as a national perspective on tech M&A trends.
Factual Insights into the M&A Process
Throughout the conference, every session is grounded in data and real-world examples. From discussions on market valuation to the analysis of high-profile deals, the information presented is designed to be both practical and actionable. The focus is on providing clear, factual insights that help attendees understand how M&A transactions work—from the initial planning stages to the final closing of a deal.
For example, one of the sessions will dissect the famous $770 million acquisition deal involving ecobee. By examining the key factors that led to such a high-value transaction, participants can learn about the importance of strategic planning and market positioning. Similarly, sessions on partial exits and management buyouts will offer detailed advice on managing financial transitions without losing control of your company.
Preparing for Future Trends
TechExit.io also looks to the future. As technology continues to evolve, so do the strategies around M&A. The conference provides a platform to discuss emerging trends such as the increasing role of AI in business operations and the potential impact of new regulatory environments on tech deals. Attendees will leave with a forward-looking perspective that prepares them for the next wave of changes in the tech landscape.
Panels dedicated to future trends ensure that participants not only understand the current state of the market but are also equipped to adapt to upcoming changes. By focusing on both present challenges and future opportunities, TechExit.io offers a comprehensive overview of the tech M&A process.
