A Founders Guide To Selling Your Company

In this episode of Dalton + Michael, the two demystify the process of selling your startup. They breakdown what an "aqui-hire" is, what "corp dev" is, and explain the acquisition math that is rarely talked about. They also discuss tactics around how to actually get acquired. Acquisitions are a topic a lot of founders are curious about but are afraid to ask, hopefully this video helps! Dalton + Michael is brought to you by @Standard_Cap Dalton Caldwell on X: https://x.com/daltonc Michael Seibel on X: https://x.com/mwseibel

Michael SeibelhostDalton Caldwellhost

May 7, 202631mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: May 7, 2026
Duration: 31m
Channel: Dalton + Michael
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode of Dalton + Michael, the two demystify the process of selling your startup. They breakdown what an "aqui-hire" is, what "corp dev" is, and explain the acquisition math that is rarely talked about. They also discuss tactics around how to actually get acquired. Acquisitions are a topic a lot of founders are curious about but are afraid to ask, hopefully this video helps! Dalton + Michael is brought to you by @Standard_Cap Dalton Caldwell on X: https://x.com/daltonc Michael Seibel on X: https://x.com/mwseibel

SPEAKERS

Michael Seibel
host
Y Combinator partner and startup founder who advises early-stage companies on fundraising, growth, and M&A outcomes.
Dalton Caldwell
host
Y Combinator managing director and longtime startup founder/investor focused on founder guidance and company-building.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Dalton + Michael, featuring Michael Seibel and Dalton Caldwell, A Founders Guide To Selling Your Company explores how acquisitions really work: acqui-hires, corp dev, and leverage truths Most startup “acquisitions” are actually acqui-hires where the buyer mainly wants the team, not the product, customers, or revenue.

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