We are in an age of change, creating extraordinary opportunity and M&A activity. Disruptive technologies are those that change our lives. They transform markets. Technology companies can't ignore them - they have to adapt and incorporate these technologies, or they quickly fall behind. No technology leader has the foresight to always stay ahead on the innovation curve, 100% correct with their research projects. The smart ones know it's necessary to buy the pioneering companies that have the disruptive domain expertise and forge a strategy to avoid being overwhelmed.  Buyers won't always be right with their R&D spending or acquisitions of first movers - these misses have a cost, but being wrong and ignoring just one disruptive technology trend can cost them their company. Kodak, Polaroid, Blockbuster, Blackberry, RadioShack and lots of others in the corporate graveyard learned this lesson the hard way.

 

 

Let's look at the Top Ten disruptive technology trends that are creating the acquisition activity across the technology landscape. At Corum, we have compiled our list of Top Ten disruptive technologies creating this extraordinary M&A opportunity. We’ve comprised our list from our perspective of what’s driving M&A transactions and what is creating wealth and liquidity for our clients. As you think about your position within your chosen technology arena, what’s important to know is:

1.            That your company is not being made obsolete by these disruptive forces. Generally, if you are not aligned with at least one disruptive technology then you are at risk of becoming obsolete by someone who is.

2.            That you are making your company, products and services relevant by seizing the opportunity within the disruption. Don’t become the casualty of disruption. You need to position your company and tell your story within this context.

 

These disruptive forces will be evident in your markets in varying degrees. Be aware, understand their impact and take advantage. They break down into 2 segments – Technologies that CONNECT and those that are used to CREATE. We'll cover each trend in a separate blog in this 11 part series. Stay tuned for more.