Optimizing Your Corporate Development Team

Andrew Kelley III  -  VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9 ( NYSE: FIVN) Achieving success in M&A requires more than identifying opportunities—it demands a thoughtful approach to relationship-building, thorough due diligence, and strategic alignment. Without these key elements, even well-intentioned deals risk falling short of their potential. In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Andrew Kelley, VP of Corporate Development and Ventures at Five9, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of corporate development. From building strong relationships to prioritizing due diligence and leveraging emerging technology, Andrew provides actionable insights for driving successful deals. Learn how to overcome common pitfalls, foster alignment, and build a strategic M&A framework. Things You Will Learn: Strategies for building relationships and sourcing deals effectively How to prioritize and execute efficient due diligence Identifying and overcoming bid-ask spread challenges The role of culture in deal success and integration ******************* This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It's the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights. DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today. ******************* Episode Timestamps: 4:13 Overview of Experience in Corporate Development 7:17 Foundational Skills for M&A Success 17:39 Efficiency and Prioritization in Due Diligence 22:00 The Role of Culture in Integration  23:22 Green Flags in the Deal 27:12 Red Flags in the Deal 33:18 Predicting Actual Value 37:46 Key Players in Your Letter of Intent 41:01 Relationships in Corporate Development 44:46 Supporting Your Team While Holding Them Accountable 49:01 Dealing with Bid-Ask Spreads 54:35 Building External Relationships 1:08:22 Future of Corporate Development