Go Tech, or Go Extinct: How Acquiring Tech Disruptors Is the Key to Survival and Growth for Established Companies

Go Tech, or Go Extinct: How Acquiring Tech Disruptors Is the Key to Survival and Growth for Established Companies by Paul Cuatrecasas presented an interesting and compelling argument regarding the importance of companies investing in and acquiring technology companies. In order to keep up and avoid becoming “extinct,” CEOs and other C-level executives must examine their strategies in order to continue expansion and growth, with a willingness to take risks. This author presents many examples of companies (without naming names) who took advantage of forward-thinking information and acquired technology businesses in order to expand and grow.The author does initially present the well-known example of Wal-Mart acquiring Jet.com, an example of a conservative, powerful company “taking the leap” in a move that shocked many. Other large companies, such as Amazon and GE, have also acquired technology businesses – offering them the expertise, talented professionals, and creativity required to thrive in this fast-paced and dynamically-changing world. The author strongly suggests that executives change their mindset and attitude to focus on innovative technology and ways they can integrate this into their current business plan. A company’s future relies on this willingness to expand into new and exciting realms within an ever-changing economic climate.Another important element is including brilliant tech minds who have the cutting-edge knowledge on the team. I found Cuatrecasas’ chapter on successful “techquisition” particularly helpful, as he presents detailed steps that are practical and offer clarity. But if C-level executives are still doubtful, the author clearly answers many of questions doubting CEOs might have – yet clearly emphasizes jumping on board the tech train is required for future success and expansion.I found this book particularly interesting, as I have worked as a COO and I am currently Director of Operations for a mid-sized company. This helpful book is a necessity for all executives of companies who are open to growth and expansion, and are interested in further understanding what technological innovation can do for their companies.Why not receive necessary information from an established expert? Cuatrecasas offers so much insight, tricks, and tips for companies to survive and thrive in 2020 and beyond! This book is a required primer for anyone interested in learning more about successfully integrating business and technology, and I learned a great deal in this well-written, fast-paced, practical, and informative guide.

A fascinating read explaining how ALL companies must adopt increasing amounts of technology in order to survive and then (exponentially) thrive! Throughout the book Paul provides convincing evidence about the absolute necessity of technology capability for a modern company, often referencing one of the 300+ meetings that he has had with senior board members of some of the largest companies in the world on the matter. My copy is littered with notes on how I can better my invest decisions going forward and has changed my outlook on the not so distant future. A must read from for everyone from S & P 500 CEO's to a keen investor.

The author makes a seriously robust argument, complete with case studies, that support his title's proposition that companies either get tech capability or get out of business altogether. What struck me most about this book is the vast global experience that the author brings to bear in his writings. If you're looking for a road map with clear signs pointing toward a winning strategy through tech acquisition, then look no further because this is the definitive guide.

Author and Mergers and Acquisitions expert Paul Cuatracasas states that this book is not a how-to guide for businesspeople looking to acquire tech companies. But it is something much more valuable. This engaging book is a deep dive into the changes we are all experiencing right related to the disruptions and shifts created by exponential advances in technology. This technology, which includes show we shop and communicate, permeates just about everything in the framework that runs different aspects of our lives. Even if we don’t think of our lives being run or managed by technology, they are, and this is true of of the world of business.In the introduction, Cuatracases begins with a discussion of brick and mortar stalwart Walmart acquiring jet.com and then launches that into a combination of stories from his background in M & A along with analysis of the current marketplace trends and the necessity of people in business to prevent the extinction of their firms. He gives the essential intel on how to adjust mindset—both individual and corporate—to support innovation not just for the sake of innovation, but for the sake of serving the customer.Disruption isn’t about breaking down current assumptions and ways of doing things. One of the things I found meaningful about reading this book is the dive into “Don’t break your culture, bend it” and how to leverage the power of teams and talent for cultural momentum. His use of case studies, examples, and the top 11 concerns expressed and how to overcome them (when it comes to managing mergers and acquisitions) is invaluable business advice, no matter your job title or industry. If you need some reading that offers timely, forward-thinking business intel that is engaging, informative, and will stimulate your ability to view everything about how you do business with fresh eyes, this is the book for you.

All boards are increasingly focused on Strategies for Purpose and Viability, considering both the upside & downside of survival risk especially including technology risk. Those who fail to spot that all surviving businesses will need a technology base are end-of-life dinosaurs. Paul summarises that future world in his first chapter such that a need for boards to understand and act is beyond doubt. Examples, tips and techniques are included This is a real game changer - if you act on what you read! Beware others will if you don't.... Doing nothing is a very bad option....