Mergers and Acquisitions in Tech: Insights from TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become a crucial aspect of the tech industry, with many startups and established companies alike turning to M&A as a strategy for growth and expansion. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, a panel of experts will gather to discuss the intricacies of M&A and provide insights for founders and entrepreneurs looking to navigate this complex landscape.

M&A as an Early-Stage Strategy

The panel, which will take place on the Builders Stage, will explore the trend of M&A as an early-stage strategy for startups. With the rise of AI and other emerging technologies, acquisitions and acqui-hires have become increasingly common, even among early-stage companies. The panel will examine the implications of this trend and what it means for founders and entrepreneurs.

Expert Panel

The panel will feature a diverse range of experts, including Aklil Ibssa, Head of Corporate Development and M&A at Coinbase; Lindsey Mignano, Founder of Mignano Law Group; and Karl Alomar, Managing Partner at M13. These industry leaders will bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the conversation, providing founders with a playbook for creating optionality and navigating the M&A process.

Aklil Ibssa: Buyer-Side Perspective

Aklil Ibssa brings a buyer-side perspective to the panel, having overseen more than 14 acquisitions and nearly 50 early- and later-stage investments at Coinbase. He will share his insights on how strategic buyers evaluate young companies and the importance of M&A in the crypto space.

Lindsey Mignano: Legal and Structural Expertise

Lindsey Mignano will provide legal and structural expertise, having represented emerging technology companies, SMEs, venture-backed startups, and venture firms as outside general counsel. She will discuss the importance of early M&A readiness and the necessary work for acquisitions to happen.

Karl Alomar: Investor and Operator Perspective

Karl Alomar will bring an investor and operator perspective to the panel, having backed seed and Series A software founders across infrastructure, fintech, developer productivity, and other categories. He will share his insights on the strategic decisions founders must make, including when to raise, partner, or pursue an acquisition path.

Takeaways

The panel will provide founders with a range of takeaways