Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Definition
M&A is the general term for combining companies through a merger, where two companies join as one, or an acquisition, where one company buys and absorbs another. It is the umbrella category for how ownership of a company changes hands outside an IPO.
How it comes up in fundraising
For startups, M&A almost always means an acquisition rather than a merger of equals, and it is the most common way venture-backed founders and investors realize a return.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a merger and an acquisition?
In a merger, two companies combine into a new or surviving entity as roughly equal partners. In an acquisition, one company buys and absorbs another, which is how most startup exits actually work.
Who typically leads M&A activity for a startup?
The board and CEO run the process, often with an investment banker or M&A advisor managing outreach to potential acquirers and negotiating deal terms.
Cite this term
Round Funded. "Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)." Startup Fundraising Glossary.
Stable URL, it will not change: https://www.roundfunded.com/en/glossary/mergers-and-acquisitions-ma
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