How to Scale Acquisitions 10x: Fractional CTO Strategy That PE Firms Use

Technology due diligence before acquisition is one of the most overlooked steps in M&A — and it's costing PE firms millions post-close. Michael, Partner at Forium, breaks down why skipping tech due diligence leads to expensive integration surprises, how fractional CTO and CIO leadership accelerates value creation, and what most companies get wrong about AI adoption. If you're a founder preparing for acquisition or a PE-backed operator scaling through M&A, this episode is required watching. KEY TAKEAWAYS ✓ Skipping technology due diligence has cost some PE firms "several million dollars to integrate" a company they could have repriced — or walked away from entirely ✓ Most AI initiatives fail ROI tests because companies "jumped in with both feet without having strong business cases" — Michael outlines the framework for fixing that ✓ The real power of AI isn't headcount reduction — it's freeing resources for strategic work by eliminating manual, repetitive tasks ✓ Fractional technology executives drive faster outcomes because they lead with experience, not ramp time — having lived these challenges across multiple engagements before yours ABOUT THE GUEST Michael is a Partner at Forium, the largest fractional technology executive services firm in the country. With 30 years in the IT industry, he works with mid-market to Fortune 50 companies navigating M&A integration, digital transformation, and executive transitions. His firm deploys experienced CIOs, CTOs, and technology leaders on a fractional basis to drive immediate, measurable impact. Get the complete show notes, frameworks, and playbooks: https://podcast.rapidproductgrowth.com/technology-due-diligence-before-acquisition/ Subscribe for more tactical B2B growth strategy: https://www.youtube.com/@ProductGrowthStories?sub_confirmation=1 #TechnologyDueDiligence #MAndA #FractionalCTO #PrivateEquity #AIStrategy