StarZero All shows Try the podcast clipper →

Mar 4, 2016 · 20m · top-founders

My Company Was Just Acquired, Here's Whats Next with Nathan Latka

Nathan Latka · 10m spoken Jim Risner · 3m spoken DJ Stefan · 1m spoken Joe Snyder · 1m spoken Sue B. Zimmerman · 50s spoken Autumn Beam · 46s spoken
0:00 / 0:00

gold bands on the timeline = statements, start to end. Hover to read, click to jump. CC turns on captions

In this episode, entrepreneur Nathan Latka details the sale of his software company Heyo to Votigo, walking listeners through high-stakes acquisition negotiations, due diligence hurdles, and his personal transition toward full-time media and podcasting.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Nathan holds 57.6% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Nathan as informed peer 2.3 Guest teaching 1.6 Guest disagreement 0.7 Nathan pushing back 1.1
05100:0010:0020:000:00–4:37 · Nathan as informed peer 6/10 Post-Deal Reflections on High-Stakes Negotiations Jim opens with candid reflection on intense negotiation moments where he felt guarded, prompting Nathan to press for specific examples. Nathan then breaks down LOI mechanics, the reality of due diligence graveyards, and maintaining deal leverage.4:38–7:38 · Nathan as informed peer 0/10 Sue Zimmerman Encourages Nathan's Next Chapter Segment features a supportive voicemail from early customer Sue Zimmerman followed by a host monologue detailing podcast metrics and personal ambition. Monologue and testimonial formatting results in zeroed interaction metrics.7:39–9:42 · Nathan as informed peer 0/10 Listener Testimonials on Business and Podcast Impact Listener call-ins from Joe Snyder and Autumn Beam expressing gratitude for the podcast's business advice and inspiration. Entirely complimentary listener testimonials without conversational pushback.9:43–12:18 · Nathan as informed peer 5/10 Navigating Exclusivity and Due Diligence Red Flags Nathan explains the tactical rationale behind LOI exclusivity clauses and asks Jim about yellow flags during diligence. Jim acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster and emerging concerns in a collaborative tone.12:18–15:34 · Nathan as informed peer 0/10 M&A Insights and Instincts from DJ Stefan Entrepreneur DJ Stefan provides recorded advice on trusting gut instincts during acquisition offers, followed by Nathan's dramatic monologue narrating the DocuSign execution. Lacks live host-guest debate.15:35–18:27 · Nathan as informed peer 5/10 Transition Strategy and Buyer Due Diligence Insights Nathan frames how Votigo beat out competing corporate suitors, while Jim educates on the acquirer's internal doubts regarding key-man risk and whether Nathan was the company's sole secret sauce.18:29–19:55 · Nathan as informed peer 0/10 Life After the Exit and 'What's Next' Announcement Pure solo host monologue reflecting on selling the company and pitching an upcoming live announcement event.0:00–4:37 · Guest teaching 3/10 Post-Deal Reflections on High-Stakes Negotiations Jim opens with candid reflection on intense negotiation moments where he felt guarded, prompting Nathan to press for specific examples. Nathan then breaks down LOI mechanics, the reality of due diligence graveyards, and maintaining deal leverage.4:38–7:38 · Guest teaching 0/10 Sue Zimmerman Encourages Nathan's Next Chapter Segment features a supportive voicemail from early customer Sue Zimmerman followed by a host monologue detailing podcast metrics and personal ambition. Monologue and testimonial formatting results in zeroed interaction metrics.7:39–9:42 · Guest teaching 0/10 Listener Testimonials on Business and Podcast Impact Listener call-ins from Joe Snyder and Autumn Beam expressing gratitude for the podcast's business advice and inspiration. Entirely complimentary listener testimonials without conversational pushback.9:43–12:18 · Guest teaching 2/10 Navigating Exclusivity and Due Diligence Red Flags Nathan explains the tactical rationale behind LOI exclusivity clauses and asks Jim about yellow flags during diligence. Jim acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster and emerging concerns in a collaborative tone.12:18–15:34 · Guest teaching 2/10 M&A Insights and Instincts from DJ Stefan Entrepreneur DJ Stefan provides recorded advice on trusting gut instincts during acquisition offers, followed by Nathan's dramatic monologue narrating the DocuSign execution. Lacks live host-guest debate.15:35–18:27 · Guest teaching 4/10 Transition Strategy and Buyer Due Diligence Insights Nathan frames how Votigo beat out competing corporate suitors, while Jim educates on the acquirer's internal doubts regarding key-man risk and whether Nathan was the company's sole secret sauce.18:29–19:55 · Guest teaching 0/10 Life After the Exit and 'What's Next' Announcement Pure solo host monologue reflecting on selling the company and pitching an upcoming live announcement event.0:00–4:37 · Guest disagreement 3/10 Post-Deal Reflections on High-Stakes Negotiations Jim opens with candid reflection on intense negotiation moments where he felt guarded, prompting Nathan to press for specific examples. Nathan then breaks down LOI mechanics, the reality of due diligence graveyards, and maintaining deal leverage.4:38–7:38 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Sue Zimmerman Encourages Nathan's Next Chapter Segment features a supportive voicemail from early customer Sue Zimmerman followed by a host monologue detailing podcast metrics and personal ambition. Monologue and testimonial formatting results in zeroed interaction metrics.7:39–9:42 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Listener Testimonials on Business and Podcast Impact Listener call-ins from Joe Snyder and Autumn Beam expressing gratitude for the podcast's business advice and inspiration. Entirely complimentary listener testimonials without conversational pushback.9:43–12:18 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Navigating Exclusivity and Due Diligence Red Flags Nathan explains the tactical rationale behind LOI exclusivity clauses and asks Jim about yellow flags during diligence. Jim acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster and emerging concerns in a collaborative tone.12:18–15:34 · Guest disagreement 0/10 M&A Insights and Instincts from DJ Stefan Entrepreneur DJ Stefan provides recorded advice on trusting gut instincts during acquisition offers, followed by Nathan's dramatic monologue narrating the DocuSign execution. Lacks live host-guest debate.15:35–18:27 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Transition Strategy and Buyer Due Diligence Insights Nathan frames how Votigo beat out competing corporate suitors, while Jim educates on the acquirer's internal doubts regarding key-man risk and whether Nathan was the company's sole secret sauce.18:29–19:55 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Life After the Exit and 'What's Next' Announcement Pure solo host monologue reflecting on selling the company and pitching an upcoming live announcement event.0:00–4:37 · Nathan pushing back 4/10 Post-Deal Reflections on High-Stakes Negotiations Jim opens with candid reflection on intense negotiation moments where he felt guarded, prompting Nathan to press for specific examples. Nathan then breaks down LOI mechanics, the reality of due diligence graveyards, and maintaining deal leverage.4:38–7:38 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 Sue Zimmerman Encourages Nathan's Next Chapter Segment features a supportive voicemail from early customer Sue Zimmerman followed by a host monologue detailing podcast metrics and personal ambition. Monologue and testimonial formatting results in zeroed interaction metrics.7:39–9:42 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 Listener Testimonials on Business and Podcast Impact Listener call-ins from Joe Snyder and Autumn Beam expressing gratitude for the podcast's business advice and inspiration. Entirely complimentary listener testimonials without conversational pushback.9:43–12:18 · Nathan pushing back 2/10 Navigating Exclusivity and Due Diligence Red Flags Nathan explains the tactical rationale behind LOI exclusivity clauses and asks Jim about yellow flags during diligence. Jim acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster and emerging concerns in a collaborative tone.12:18–15:34 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 M&A Insights and Instincts from DJ Stefan Entrepreneur DJ Stefan provides recorded advice on trusting gut instincts during acquisition offers, followed by Nathan's dramatic monologue narrating the DocuSign execution. Lacks live host-guest debate.15:35–18:27 · Nathan pushing back 2/10 Transition Strategy and Buyer Due Diligence Insights Nathan frames how Votigo beat out competing corporate suitors, while Jim educates on the acquirer's internal doubts regarding key-man risk and whether Nathan was the company's sole secret sauce.18:29–19:55 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 Life After the Exit and 'What's Next' Announcement Pure solo host monologue reflecting on selling the company and pitching an upcoming live announcement event.

speaking balance: gold is Nathan, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Nathan 46.3% · guest 53.7%0:00 · Nathan 46.3% · guest 53.7%3:00 · Nathan 58.7% · guest 41.3%3:00 · Nathan 58.7% · guest 41.3%6:00 · Nathan 62.2% · guest 37.8%6:00 · Nathan 62.2% · guest 37.8%9:00 · Nathan 63.8% · guest 36.2%9:00 · Nathan 63.8% · guest 36.2%12:00 · Nathan 47.3% · guest 52.7%12:00 · Nathan 47.3% · guest 52.7%15:00 · Nathan 44.4% · guest 55.6%15:00 · Nathan 44.4% · guest 55.6%18:00 · Nathan 92.5% · guest 7.5%18:00 · Nathan 92.5% · guest 7.5%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 0:00 Jim Reisner admits intense negotiation suspicion

Jim candidly brings up how frustrating certain calls were during deal talks, expressing real fear that he was about to get screwed over.

 Hardest push from Nathan ▶ 0:13 Nathan demands concrete negotiation examples

Rather than letting Jim's comment pass, Nathan immediately drills down, challenging him to specify whether the tension was due to his tone or explicit terms.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 16:50 Jim reveals buyer diligence scrutiny over secret sauce

Jim educates Nathan on the buyer's internal risks, revealing serious partner debates over whether the business could survive without Nathan as the face.

 Nathan holds their own ▶ 3:22 Nathan asserts negotiation leverage tactics

Nathan demonstrates mastery of M&A leverage, detailing how maintaining backup LOIs prevented the buyer from stalling during due diligence.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicNathan as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementNathan pushing backWhy
Post-Deal Reflections on High-Stakes Negotiations 6334 Jim opens with candid reflection on intense negotiation moments where he felt guarded, prompting Nathan to press for specific examples. Nathan then breaks down LOI mechanics, the reality of due diligence graveyards, and maintaining deal leverage.
Sue Zimmerman Encourages Nathan's Next Chapter 0000 Segment features a supportive voicemail from early customer Sue Zimmerman followed by a host monologue detailing podcast metrics and personal ambition. Monologue and testimonial formatting results in zeroed interaction metrics.
Listener Testimonials on Business and Podcast Impact 0000 Listener call-ins from Joe Snyder and Autumn Beam expressing gratitude for the podcast's business advice and inspiration. Entirely complimentary listener testimonials without conversational pushback.
Navigating Exclusivity and Due Diligence Red Flags 5212 Nathan explains the tactical rationale behind LOI exclusivity clauses and asks Jim about yellow flags during diligence. Jim acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster and emerging concerns in a collaborative tone.
M&A Insights and Instincts from DJ Stefan 0200 Entrepreneur DJ Stefan provides recorded advice on trusting gut instincts during acquisition offers, followed by Nathan's dramatic monologue narrating the DocuSign execution. Lacks live host-guest debate.
Transition Strategy and Buyer Due Diligence Insights 5412 Nathan frames how Votigo beat out competing corporate suitors, while Jim educates on the acquirer's internal doubts regarding key-man risk and whether Nathan was the company's sole secret sauce.
Life After the Exit and 'What's Next' Announcement 0000 Pure solo host monologue reflecting on selling the company and pitching an upcoming live announcement event.

Statements from this episode (8)

Insight
Nathan Latka: Due Diligence Is the Graveyard Where Deals Fall Apart
“Between the LOI signing and the actual money being exchanged when the deal potentially closes, there's this big period of due diligence, and guys, this is like the graveyard. This is where deals fall apart.”
Nathan Latka Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 2:18
Insight
Nathan Latka: Founders Must Maintain Alternative LOI Leverage During Due Diligence
“Due diligence is a pain in the butt, but look, you have to keep leverage when you're doing these deals, and I had a hundred percent confidence that if it fell through, we could very easily go back to one of the other companies who made an offer in one of their…”
Nathan Latka Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 3:24
Disclosure
Latka Refuses All Podcast Sponsorships Because He Does Not Need Money
“Sponsors are wanting to pay me lots and lots of money to come on, and I tell them all, hell no. I say, go away. We don't need the money.”
Nathan Latka Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 6:42
Disclosure
Reisner: Votigo Plans No Changes for Heyo Customers Post-Acquisition
“So we see we see no change happening to Hayo customers. We want to, you know, we kind of look at Hayo and what you guys have built as a well-oiled machine and we don't want to mess with that.”
Jim Risner Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 10:18
Assertion Not checkable as stated
SkySlope Now Valued 7 to 10 Times Higher Than 2014 Offer
“The company is now worth probably seven to 10 X what it was worth back then, so it was the right decision.”
DJ Stefan Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 13:21
Disclosure
Nathan Latka Finalizes Sale of Software Company Heyo to Votigo
“Folks, the deal is done. We have sold heyo.”
Nathan Latka Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 15:07
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Heyo Received Multiple LOIs Including One From a Public Company
“We had multiple LOIs from, you know, one of them was a publicly traded company.”
Nathan Latka Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 15:52
Disclosure
Votigo Nearly Abandoned Heyo Acquisition During Due Diligence Phase
“I mean, we had those kind of moments that, you know, kind of we almost wanted to walk, you know, and in the end, I think it all turned out for the best.”
Jim Risner Mar 4, 2016 ▶ 17:50
Made with StarZero

Turn any episode into a week of clips.

This entire site, over 2,600 episodes transcribed, diarized, checked and made playable, runs on the StarZero media pipeline. Drop in your own episode and the podcast clipper finds the moments worth sharing, cuts them, captions them, and reframes them for every feed.

Try the podcast clipper Learn more