All software companies, like in other industries, need to constantly be looking at how to remain relevant in the upcoming months and years. In today's ever-evolving business landscape, organizations strive to enhance their capabilities and expand their market presence. Within the software sector, opportunities abound for seamless transitions that can unlock new potentials and drive sustained growth. Join us for an engaging session that unravels the hidden mysteries behind successful software company transitions. Designed for business-level attendees, this session will equip you with valuable insights and actionable steps to ensure a smooth and prosperous transition process. Get ready to uncover the secrets that lie at the heart of executing a successful software company transition.

1. #DNNConnect2023
Unveiling the Secrets of
Software Company Transitions:
Navigating the Path to Success
Will Strohl
Upendo Ventures
@UpendoVentures | Solutions@UpendoVentures.com

2. #DNNConnect2023
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• Using DNN since 2003
• CEO & Founder, Upendo Ventures
• Former DNN Corp Employee
• Former CEO, Hotcakes Commerce (2013-2017)
• DNN MVP Since 2013*
• Leader of the Awareness Group
• DNN Author & Technical Editor
• Founder of Day of DNN & DNNCon
• Maintainer of 40+ Open-Source Projects on GitHub
Will Strohl
@WillStrohl
WillStrohl.com

4. #DNNConnect2023
• DNN Platform & Evoq
• E-Commerce
• Implementations & Integrations
• Custom Modules, Themes, Extensions
• Upgrades & Edition Migrations
• Training
• Removing Core Code Changes
• Fixing Things Other People Did ;)
Upendo Ventures
@UpendoVentures
UpendoVentures.com

5. #DNNConnect2023
Unveiling the Secrets of
Software Company Transitions:
Navigating the Path to Success

6. #DNNConnect2023
Introduction
• What are we talking about?
• Software acquisitions
• Software inheritances
• Any other instances that are similar but don’t neatly fit into those
“categories”

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Where/How Does This All Begin?

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Initial Process
Due Diligence
Design &
Ramp-Up
Announcement
Pre-Close
Planning

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Due Diligence
• Find out for you and THEM… is this a good fit?
• What are the benefits of the deal?
• What are the downsides of the deal?
• Are there any reasons internally to be concerned?
• Are there any reasons externally to be concerned?
• What do you think it will take to complete the process?
• If you have current clients/employees, how will this impact them?
• What do you think things will look like in 5 years?

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Design & Ramp-Up
• You’ve made the decision…
• Who will be involved in any next steps?
• Build a team for each initiative, if you can
• What are the strategic goals?
• How do you think the process and path will go?
• Where/how will things be maintained?
• Are there any technical challenges?
• If there are technical challenges, is there a team/plan to address
them?

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Announcement
• Internally, announce the intent of both parties
• Stakeholders could include:
• Employees, vendors, regulators, etc.
• Explain your thought process, benefits, downsides, and any
concerns.
• Be honest
• Except feedback
• Balance everything
• Consider involving your most valuable clients, if necessary
• If it works for your scenario, consider publishing a teaser

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Pre-Close Planning
• Damage mitigation phase
• DO NOT go dark!!!
• External perspective should be “business as usual”
• Leaks may have happened at this point
• If necessary, address any leaks
• If there are any leaks, look for competitive poaching
• If there are any internal staff looking to make moves, address
them
• Employee feedback is crucial at this stage
• If necessary, formally define a communications team

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Post-Process
Day One
Integration
Implementation
Stabilize/Transform

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Day One
• A thorough communications plan should be complete
• This is when you formally announce the event to the world
• If possible, make sure it’s actually an event
• All clients should be directly notified prior to any public
announcements
• Be prepared to answer questions from and for all stakeholders
• Are any leadership/process changes expected?
• All internal staff should be well-informed at this point
• Any public announcements should be accompanied by a press
release

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Integration Planning
• Incoming queries & complaints will be coming in
• Communicate frequently for anything mission critical
• Limit any changes to those that are low-risk
• Communicate any intended changes that will take place
• Only communicate those things that will directly impact
stakeholders
• Evaluate both systems/companies to determine tools/processes
that may be valuable to keep

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Stabilize/Transform
• Establish TRUE two-way communications internally & externally
• This phase may be hours/days/weeks from the previous phase
• Evaluate all of the active issues that may prevent prospects from
engaging with the brand
• Identify any pending support/feature requests that may be
pending, and work to close them ASAP
• Consider involving external staff/vendors to know what to expect
• Be ready to speak to any relevant software roadmap inquiries

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Contact Us
• We’re excited to have your feedback!
• Solutions@UpendoVentures.com

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Questions?

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