41 | How Software Buyers Evaluate Defensibility in an AI World

AI has changed what buyers consider a defensible software business, and the gap between companies that command a premium and those facing a potential discount is widening. For founders, where your software sits in the AI stack now shapes valuation almost as much as growth does. In this episode, managing directors Mike Lyon and Miles Lacey discuss what makes software essential rather than replaceable, the questions buyers ask in diligence to test defensibility, and the steps founders can take to strengthen their position. If you are not sure where your business lands, it is a conversation worth having early.Vista Point Advisors is a boutique sell-side investment bank providing unconflicted M&A and capital raising advice to founder-led software, AI, and internet businesses. We partner with entrepreneurs of growing businesses to help them understand their options in the marketplace so they can maximize business value, leverage their options, and realize their ideal outcomes. Securities offered through Vista Point Advisors, member FINRA/SIPC. This has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation. It is not intended to address all circumstances that might arise. The views expressed herein may change at any time subsequent to the date of issue. Opinions contained herein should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results. Outcomes will vary depending on individual circumstances. Any examples used in this material are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. Testimonials from past clients may not be representative of the experience of other clients and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Clients are not compensated for their comments.