MOMENTUM 2016
Technology Outlook:
Sustaining Growth in
an Environment
of Rapid Change
A 2016 CohnReznick LLP Report
. Regulatory Issues...
6
mo • men • tum
noun: impetus and driving force gained by the
development of a process or course of events
. Table of
Contents
..
Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change .......1
• Capital Raising ...................................................................................... 1
• Business Strategy ................................................................................... 3
• Is Now the Time to Acquire Another Company? .............................. 7
Legislative Updates .....................................................................9
Conclusion .................................................................................12
@CR_TechInd
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Preface
To grow at a sustainable level, a company needs more than the execution of an
innovative idea. It requires focus on key issues like accessing growth capital, cash
management, building a strong management team, designing efficient operating
systems, and paying careful attention to compliance issues.
While new and innovative technology is critical for a company’s success, we cannot
minimize the importance of building a solid foundation to support sustainable growth.
Having the right people, systems, and processes in place also puts a company in a position
of strength when the time is right to evaluate and potentially pursue a liquidity event.
While 2016 may turn out to be the year that technology firms say goodbye to sky-high
valuations and limitless options for capital raising, it may still be a time of remarkable
opportunity. Despite an IPO market that has all but dried up, strong, well-positioned
companies will continue to be funded or viewed as prized acquisition targets. M&A
activity should remain at a robust pace.
The investors are still out there—with capital
available for the right opportunity.
To this end, the 2016 edition of Momentum: Technology Outlook focuses on some of the
key issues and recommended strategies in fundraising and business strategy, as well as
new legislative developments that will impact the way technology companies do business.
These are among the things that need to be on your agenda in the year ahead.
We hope you find this document, which represents the collective insights of the members
of CohnReznick’s Technology Practice, to be a thought-provoking commentary on the
state of the industry and helpful to you as you seek to plot your own course. We look
forward to your thoughts and to discussing the issues it raises.
Alex Castelli, CPA
Partner
Technology Industry Practice Leader
March 2016
Alex Castelli
. Sustaining
Growth in an
Environment
of Rapid
Change
Capital Raising
In 2015, capital raising activities in the public markets
There is no doubt that, within the technology industry,
were strongly influenced by increasing volatility and a
the giddiness of the last few years has evaporated. But
lack of investor confidence. Unfortunately, these same
this is not a bad thing—exuberance is hard to sustain
conditions have followed us into 2016. We are hopeful
and, in any event, makes for poor strategy.
More
that, as the year progresses, stability and investor
importantly, three fundamental drivers remain intact:
confidence return to the markets. When they do,
the number of capital raising opportunities for
• The infiltration of technology into every aspect
growth-oriented companies will certainly increase.
of our businesses and our lives—from managing
For now, market conditions continue to be volatile.
unabated, having long ago reached a momentum
The IPO window, although not formally closed,
that feeds on itself.
certainly seems that way. And despite the fact that
middle market technology companies have become
increasingly less dependent on the IPO as a source
of capital, the level of IPO activity has broad market
implications.
It impacts both valuations and M&A
transaction activity. Three months into 2016, we still
supply chains to ordering dinner—continues to grow
• The readiness of mature technology companies
to turn to acquisition continues, either as a growth
strategy when they cannot maintain a healthy
growth rate organically, or as part of a strategic
plan to enter or dominate markets.
await the first technology sector IPO.
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. • The reduced number of investment
options for financial and strategic
investors in the low interest rate
environment, combined with large
cash reserves, means that sound
technology companies will remain
attractive investments, even if at
more modest valuations.
For our clients, this environment brings
several clear directives. Companies
must turn their focus inward, away
from valuations and exit strategies and
toward controlling costs, optimizing
operations, and solidifying their
customer base. The default stance
toward raising capital in 2016 needs to
be “How much do we really need?”
rather than, as in prior years, “How
much can we get?” But this refocusing
on long-term strategy is not a retreat,
or even necessarily a slowing down.
“When raising
capital in 2016,
companies should ask
‘How much do we really
need?’—not ‘How much
can we get?’”
Alex Castelli, Partner
Technology Industry
Practice Leader
Indeed, it may be that a company’s
strategy for growth in this changing
environment requires it to become
more aggressive in its business
strategy—perhaps even becoming
an acquirer rather than a target.
However, before an enterprise decides
to move forward, it is important that
it build a solid foundation to support
its strategic plan. This may involve the
examination of a variety of issues and
options such as evaluating gaps in your
management team, reviewing your
corporate structure, and analyzing
your tax strategy.
A failure to address
these matters can have significant
implications down the line.
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Momentum 2016: Technology—Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change
. Sustaining
Growth in an
Environment
of Rapid
Change
Business Strategy
Digital Transformation—
Eating Your Own Dog Food
The less-heady reality of 2016 demands that
companies increase focus on their current businesses.
But what is true for a technology company’s clients is
true for the tech space in general. In today’s world,
the traditional five-year strategic business plan has
been replaced by a five-month plan that is constantly
Fortunately, while managing the process of customer
conversion and operations optimization has become
much more complex, the analytic tools available to
generate insights, drive business strategy, and improve
every aspect of the customer experience have more
than kept pace. Companies, therefore, should view
digital transformation as an exciting opportunity to
bring an innovation orientation to all that they do.
being revised in the face of changing markets,
But the fact is that the process of digital transformation
better informed customers, new opportunities, and
can be easy to do incorrectly, even for technology
new threats. While many companies have adopted
companies.
Digital transformation requires enterprises
an agile mindset in application development, their
to rethink at a very fundamental level what it is they
approach to key functions like marketing, customer
are trying to accomplish and why—especially when
retention, and operations is often stuck in the analog
the default approach in business often is to focus
era. To reprise a saying from the early dot-com days,
immediately on how to get something done. The
technology companies need to make sure they are
result is a great deal of effort on traditional initiatives
eating their own dog food.
like upgrading ERP and CRM platforms with very little
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“Businesses
with a digital purpose
will outperform those
focused solely on the
bottom line.”
Paul Gulbin,
Managing Director,
Digital and Innovation
Services
When a consumer is offered the opportunity to log
onto a company website using a LinkedIn profile
instead of typing in a username and password, the
company is granted permission to access a wealth
of information about that consumer. What is their
current employment position? Which associations
do they belong to? What kinds of jobs have they
had? By gaining access to this kind of lifestyle
information, companies can better target their
product and service offerings to the consumer’s
specific background and degree of influence at
the company. This information also gives companies
critical information to develop new products and
energy given to underlying questions such as how
services designed to better address these needs.
the lives and expectations of customer personas are
Companies such as Salesforce.com
changing and which digital strategies can bring us
and Gigya are enjoying new levels of success using
closer to becoming a critical part of the customer
these approaches.
experience in real time.
The second “customer first” strategy is the use of
These questions are important to answer because
omnichannel digital commerce to build lasting brand
they point toward strategic opportunities, uncover
relationships with customers. Digital commerce once
inefficiencies, and help mitigate risks.
Take the
meant shopping cart conversion, e-coupons, and
customer conversion example. The enterprise
online payment tools. Today, digital commerce
reporting systems for technology companies can
has evolved into creating and fostering online
provide a false sense of security regarding their
communities with customers, using tools such as
customer base.
Since ERP and basic CRM do
video chat for assisted selling, social network product
not harness enough information to understand a
reviews and brand advocacy, and service taking on a
customer’s interests, likes, and specific attributes, a
role in multi-channel lead management. Omnichannel
seamless customer experience with the brand will
2.0 is about using digital commerce as a means to
remain out of reach. In short, digital transformation
help companies generate revenue by enabling them
requires “customer first” type of thinking that keeps
to build meaningful, two-way relationships with their
organizations prioritized on the things that will actually
consumers or business customers.
These relationships
drive conversion, loyalty, or both.
are fostered across multiple retail, wholesale, mobile,
There are two significant “customer first” digital
strategies that smart companies are now employing.
and direct/indirect sales channels, through call
centers, and through other digital platforms.
The first is personalization. With the continued rise of
Companies such as Burberry and Leviev Jewelry are
Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets,
growing and outperforming their competitors using
consumers are taking a more proactive approach
personalization and omnichannel 2.0 digital strategies
in sharing certain types of personal data with each
to create lasting relationships with their customers.
other and with the companies they do business with.
These and other innovative companies are leveraging
In response, companies have begun to execute
digital transformation at the highest level—reinventing
permission-based data collection protocols on their
the way companies sell to, and retain, their customers.
websites and other digital communication tools.
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Momentum 2016: Technology—Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change
. While each enterprise’s path toward digital transformation will be different, our experience
in helping companies achieve digital leadership suggests that there are three fundamental
requirements:
A strong vision: Being an agile enterprise demands a great deal of comfort with uncertainty, as
strategies get revised in the face of new information and market changes. This makes it all the
more important for management to have a strong vision for the company’s products—not in
terms of the specifics, which will change over time, but for the problems the products will solve
and the value they will add.
Freedom from legacy silos: Digitally agile organizations are able to routinely innovate
because they continually combine insights and perspectives from across the
organization. Similarly, they are able to create holistic experiences because they
are always focused on the big picture. In practice, this means that marketing,
product development, sales, and other functions are not merely exchanging
information but working as part of front-line operational teams.
Constant feedback and learning: This is at the heart of digital
transformation.
It means, for example, not just having excellent
customer service, but using it as an intelligence tool to gather
ongoing insight for product development. It means not just creating
a robust social media presence, but monitoring and analyzing traffic
and then becoming part of the conversation. Above all, digital
transformation requires the structure and culture necessary to
support this torrent of inputs and the discussions and recalibrations
that follow.
Cybersecurity: Everyone Is a Target
The continued digital disruption of almost
all industries, combined with increased
interconnectivity between individuals
and between organizations, has made
cybersecurity an ongoing strategic issue
for nearly every enterprise.
Technology
companies, however, have an additional
layer of concern because of the role their
products play within the digital ecosystem.
“Many companies
think of cybersecurity
in terms of ï¬rewalls and
encryption protocols—
while it is actually a
broader business
risk issue.”
After all, cybercriminals who can breach
a technology platform or device can often
gain access to an entire organization’s data,
and also quite possibly the data of every organization
Jim Ambrosini,
Managing Director
Cybersecurity
that uses those products.
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. While many companies understand this in theory, we have found that mid-market
technology companies—those at the front lines of entrepreneurialism and
innovation—can sometimes be less savvy in protecting their own data. These
companies often think of cybersecurity in a fragmented way—having the right
firewalls, encryption protocols, and so forth—rather than having a broader,
enterprise cyber program and strategy. Because of their inherent tech savviness,
it is easy for them to be strong on the infrastructure side of data protection.
The fact is, however, that having technology controls is only one element
of the cybersecurity process. There is also the organizational component,
covering the security of the network of business partners and developing
a comprehensive breach response plan.
And there is a strategic
component which includes understanding how cybersecurity
integrates with the business and accurately assesses the
organization’s threat profile. It is here where technology
companies can find their cybersecurity program lacking.
In order to ensure cybersecurity preparedness, companies
need to take these three steps:
Look across your product development chain. Best practice
cybersecurity is part of product development lifecycle from
coding to delivery.
This means assessing both security within
the product itself and in how the product is developed and
distributed—particularly if your organization uses a third-party
as part of the process.
Know your Information assets. The first step in any cybersecurity
program is to make sure you have an inventory of your
information systems (servers, databases) and an understanding
of the type of data that the systems contain (corporate data,
personal data, intellectual property, etc.). From here, your
company can then build a robust cyber program that includes
not only protecting its data, but having the ability to identify
threats proactively as well as being able to properly respond
to and recover from a data breach.
Know your risks and create your cyber program accordingly.
Ultimately, cybersecurity is a business risk decision.
A company
needs to understand who wants to attack it and the likely ways in
which an attacker could access data. Then, the company must
align its cybersecurity program to the risk it is willing to accept.
Too often, organizations may invest in a cybersecurity solution
that is not aligned to the threats they face, or worse, they have
underdeveloped, or incomplete programs.
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Momentum 2016: Technology—Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change
. Sustaining
Growth in an
Environment
of Rapid
Change
Is Now the Time to
Acquire Another
Company?
Companies that sit on the other side of the M&A table
its competitors, suppliers, and others. In fact, the
need to be aware that making an acquisition is likely
conversations and interactions you have with other
to require new capabilities. After all, they will now
firms can provide a good opportunity to segue into
be competing against both strategic and financial
corporate development discussions. Acquiring a
investors with a great deal of experience.
Breaking into
business process, people, or product from another
the acquirer class requires several things, including:
company may to be the ideal strategy in taking your
Clearly establishing your objective. It is critical that
company to the next level.
you have a clearly set goal for the acquisition based
Conducting rigorous due diligence. As an acquirer,
on your company’s growth objectives.
You must
a company needs the intelligence to make informed
understand the potential of the acquisition and how
risk/reward decisions. Each acquisition will require
it will fit into your company’s vision. Will a particular
a comprehensive evaluation of historic financial
acquisition help you become a dominant player in a
performance, key business drivers, profitability trends,
particular industry or sector, or is the acquisition meant
and areas of potential risk for the target.
This process is
to diversify your company’s portfolio? Are you primarily
most critical when the target is smaller or less mature.
interested in acquiring specific assets (trademarks,
Their financial and internal control systems may be less
intellectual property, patents, etc.) from the other
sophisticated and the information provided may be
company or is the acquisition intended to make better
less transparent.
use of your own internal intellectual property?
There are a number of other key factors related to the
Identifying the universe of potential targets. In assessing
acquisition target that should be reviewed as part of
targets, your company may have a solid grasp of
the due diligence process. These include:
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• Reputation: You need to understand how the
target company is perceived in the industry and
which “intangibles” are associated with the current
organization, its owners, its product line, etc. If your
acquisition target is an “unknown” entity with a
good product, you will need to understand where
monies may need to be spent in creating brand
name recognition (this may not be critical if your
company already has strong brand recognition in
the marketplace).
“A company
must clearly establish
its goal for an acquisition
and understand how it ï¬ts
into the overall vision.”
Mario Pompeo, Partner
CFO Advisory
Practice Leader
• Management team: Does the target company have
a strong management team and have you gotten to
know them during the merger / acquisition process?
Also, avoid getting get caught up in the “auction
You also need to assess whether your existing team
frenzy” that can occur for a prized acquisition target.
is prepared to assume responsibility for running the
Savvy sellers and/or their investors will often behave in
target company’s operations unless you are actually
a way to drive up the price, causing potential buyers to
acquiring the “know how” of the organization.
care more about winning the deal than the economics
You also need to determine if the company’s
of the deal. You should establish price parameters and
management team’s skills are complementary to,
stick to them.
or symbiotic with, your own internal management’s
strengths. Lastly, the personal chemistry between
the buyer and seller is often a key indicator of the
ultimate success of the acquisition.
This is especially
true if any of the acquired company’s management
team is being retained after the deal closes.
• Foreign vs. domestic targets: If you are considering the
Establishing the purchase price and financing the deal
are two critical considerations. You will need to consider
a number of factors including financing terms
(i.e., purchase price plus an earn out, etc.), and the
acquisition company’s current EBITDA or other multiples for
targets in similar industries.
Especially in cases where you
can’t agree on a price with the seller, you should consider
acquisition of a foreign company, you must be aware
using earn-outs to defer payments if the potential
that there may be differences in accounting standards,
acquisition target does not perform as promised.
labor laws, environmental laws (if applicable), etc.
You will also need to consider the implications of
transfer pricing laws and international laws dictating
the use of/sharing of data across borders.
• R&D cost beneï¬ts: The acquisition target may hold
The ability to successfully integrate the assets.
History shows that integration can be the toughest
hurdle to clear, tripping up even highly experienced
companies. Not only must the acquired assets be
woven into existing operations, but people, company
appeal based on the cost benefits it can deliver from
cultures, financial reporting, infrastructure, and other
an R&D perspective. The acquisition may allow you
components need to be combined as well.
Even under
to spread your R&D costs across a broader product/
ideal circumstances, integration places significant stress
earnings base or purchase a specific set of R&D
on organizational systems.
opportunities/pipeline.
Estimates suggest that 50 to 80% of all acquisitions that
Selecting the right ï¬nancing strategy. Sometimes,
fail do so because the companies are not well integrated.
financing acquisitions directly from operations
Given this, the acquiring company needs to focus on the
makes perfect sense. However, there may be more
integration process very early on, and well before the
beneficial alternatives.
Financing transactions is best
acquisition. From the moment the deal closes, the business
accomplished by people who have successfully done
needs to be able to start running on a combined basis.
it. Don’t have the bench-strength to tap the capital
markets? Consider outsourcing it.
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Momentum 2016: Technology—Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change
.
Legislative
Updates
Key Extensions
in the PATH Act
The budget agreement signed by the president at
Companies with employees developing new products
the close of 2015 (the “Protecting Americans from Tax
or processes in the United States can be eligible for
Hikes Act of 2015”) included the permanent extension
the R&D credit. For example, companies that have
of two tax credits that are particularly relevant to
improved their products (new functionality, higher
technology companies. The first is the research and
quality, better performance), created new products
development tax credit. This tax credit is equal to
(or software), or automated their manufacturing
the difference between the current year’s qualified
lines may be eligible to take this credit.
Eligible costs
expenditure on R&D personnel and supplies and
include wages of those employees, supplies, and costs
one-half the average of the R&D expenditure of the
related to contract research. Two basic forms of the
previous three years (see box for example on the next
credit exist—the regular credit and the alternative
page). In addition, non-public companies with less
simplified credit (ASC).
A company can select the
than an average of $50 million in revenue over the
ASC computation when the traditional R&D tax credit
last three years can also use the credit against the
computation excludes it from receiving tax credits.
alternative minimum tax.
There are two significant enhancements to the R&D
This tax credit is a great help for any company
credit in 2016 that companies should be aware of.
focused on innovation or process improvement.
As discussed, many small businesses can now use the
Making it permanent removes the uncertainty that
R&D credit against the alternative minimum tax (AMT).
made it difficult for companies to incorporate this
Eligible businesses are non-publicly traded companies
credit into long-term planning and budgeting.
with less than $50 million in sales averaged over the
prior three years.
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. Calculating the R&D Tax Credit
Suppose the annual qualified R&D expenditures at Widgeco were:
The average of the total of the three years before 2016 is:
($200,000 + $175,000 + $150,000)/3 = $175,000.
2016 $250,000
2015 $200,000
2014 $175,000
2013 $150,000
One half that average is $175,000/2 = $87,500
The current year’s R&D expenditures less one half the average of the previous three
years is $250,000 - $87,500 = $162,500. Multiply this by 14%.
$22,750 is the amount of the credit using the federal Alternative Simplified Credit (ASC).
R&D credits can also now be used to offset
employer payroll tax. Since many start-ups
may not have any tax liability, filing for the
R&D tax credit previously did not make sense.
But starting in 2016, qualified small businesses
can use the credit against the employer
portion of payroll tax up to $250,000 per year.
A qualified small
business is a corporation or partnership with
sales for the tax year of less than $5 million,
and no sales for any of the tax years
preceding the five tax year period ending
with the tax year. Companies can claim the
credit against their payroll tax for no more
than five tax years.
Any company seeking to apply for this
credit must understand that it requires
conscientious recordkeeping.
Establishing
qualified R&D personnel expenditure means
showing that work was done in a structured
manner to solve a technical problem, that
particular people with particular costs were
assigned to that work, and then being
able to track that figure over time. In other
words, while you may not be interested in
applying for the credit in 2016, if you want
to apply for it in 2020, you’ll need to start
your recordkeeping now. Doing so will allow
you to present the cohesive narrative that
the Internal Revenue Service looks for when
deciding to grant these credits.
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LOOKING AHEAD: THE
INNOVATION BOX
As 2016 continues, one issue to
watch will be the “innovation
box” proposed by Rep.
Charles
Boustany (R-LA) and Rep.
Richard Neal (D-MA) of the Ways
and Means Committee. Companies
would place intellectual property into
the legislation’s metaphorical box; income
derived from that asset would be taxed at a lower rate.
The bill, which is part of a broader effort at U.S. tax reform
regarding international issues, hopes to put the United
States on equal tax footing with many other countries
that have adopted similar regulations.
The current
imbalance encourages the acquisition of U.S. technology
companies by foreign entities from countries with
innovation box regimes. And should those countries
have or adopt nexus rules requiring the work for that
intellectual property to be generated in the home
country, there could be an exodus of research and
development jobs abroad.
Many companies are not yet at the point where they
would be considered acquisition targets for foreign
entities.
But all technology companies, regardless of size,
would benefit from this proposal, which would also provide
important support to a critical economic sector. As
welcome as the bill would be, Congress needs to avoid
the election-year temptation to rush it to a vote. The
United Kingdom, which has had its own version in effect
since 2013, took three years working through the details.
By all appearances, it was time well spent.
Momentum 2016: Technology—Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change
.
Another permanent extension included in the budget bill provides a 100 percent tax exemption
from gains from the sale of Qualiï¬ed Small Business Stock (“QSBS” or “Section 1202”). This makes
taking equity investments in new ventures and small businesses more attractive.
As compelling as this provision is, it does require some forethought and decision making. For
example, since the investment must be in C Corporation, entrepreneurs will have another
issue to weigh in terms of the tax implications of corporate formation. Specifically, establishing
the company as a “pass-through” (e.g.
partnerships, LLCs or S corporations) may not be as
attractive if the main focus is ultimate tax savings upon exit since formation as a C-corporation
could save millions of dollars in capital gains taxes when company stock is sold. (Note,
there is a limit to the amount that is excluded from tax. It is the greater of $10 million or
10 times the original cost basis of the investment.)
It is also important for investors to be informed about the benefits available
to them under Section 1202 as it can significantly affect investment decisions.
Prior to the PATH ACT, some investors were hesitant to pursue this type of
investment due to the uncertainty on whether the provision would be
extended.
With the passage of the PATH Act, it may be more
advantageous to pursue an equity transaction rather than a debt
transaction. For example, imagine an investor is issued preferred
stock in exchange for a $3 million investment in a QSB. The investor
meets the requisite holding period, and then sells the stock for
$30 million.
Eligibility for the 100% capital gains exclusion under
Section 1202 could result in tax savings in excess of $7 million.
However, if the same investor is issued convertible debt in
exchange for the same $3 million initial investment, a
minimum selling price of at least $36 million would be
required to achieve the same return on investment.
There are also noteworthy implications for
company employees. For example, a
software developer is granted QSBS for
services performed, meets the requisite
holding period, and then sells the stock
for $10 million. The developer may also
be eligible for the 100% capital gains
exclusion under Section 1202.
This effectively
could mean more than $2.5 million in tax
savings. On the other hand, if the same
employee was granted stock options that
remained un-exercised until the date of the stock
sale, the gain would be subject to the ordinary
“The PATH Act
removed a
longstanding road block
that prevented small
businesses from using
the R&D tax credit.”
Scott Hamilton, Partner
Research and
Development
Group
income tax rate.
The R&D and Section 1202 tax credits are not for everyone.
However, company decision makers need to be fully educated
regarding the options to avoid regretting not taking an optimal path
that required advance planning.
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. Conclusion
The past several years have been very good for the technology sector. We see no reason that this will not
continue through the remainder of 2016. While capital raising opportunities should remain plentiful, investors
will be more discerning at all levels of the capital stack. Technology companies should respond by redoubling
their efforts to unglamorous but essential tasks—ensuring that they continue to build a strong foundation for
growth, strengthen their management teams, have rigorous and scalable compliance mechanisms, and take an
appropriately strategic—not just technological—approach to leveraging digital capabilities and cybersecurity
programs.
2016 may also be an opportune time to evaluate accelerating growth or strengthening your company
through the acquisition of a key competitor.
Companies that make investments while conditions are relatively positive will be in a position to ride out
uncertainties that might arise in 2016 and beyond. Just as important, they will be building a foundation that
will allow them to keep their focus on where it needs to be: refining and executing their vision.
Build it and they will come. But build it strong and sustainable, and they will come in droves.
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Momentum 2016: Technology—Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change
.
About CohnReznick’s
Technology Practice
Members of CohnReznick’s Technology Industry Practice Leadership team include:
Jeffrey Bobrosky
818-205-2640
Jeffrey.Bobrosky@CohnReznick.com
Alex Castelli
703-744-6708
Alex.Castelli@CohnReznick.com
Mark Hooley
858-300-3420
Mark.Hooley@CohnReznick.com
Stephen Jackson
959-200-7112
Stephen.Jackson@CohnReznick.com
Asael Meir
516-336-5515
Asael.Meir@CohnReznick.com
Ravi Raghunathan
973-364-7826
Ravi.Raghunathan@CohnReznick.com
About CohnReznick’s Technology Industry Practice
CohnReznick’s Technology Industry Practice assists private, public, and investor-backed companies at
each stage of their lifecycles. Technology clients are served by a team of partner-led professionals who
have extensive knowledge of industry-specific accounting and tax issues. As such, we are instrumental
in helping clients understand the financial and operational risks and rewards inherent in most business
decisions. With contacts throughout the investment and banking communities, CohnReznick can help
make introductions to venture capital firms, private equity groups, and strategic investors.
CohnReznick Advantage for the Technology Industry
• Industry Insights, Optimized Solutions – We understand the accounting, tax, and business issues facing
technology companies through start-up, growth, and late stage development and offer solutions, best
practices, and ideas to help attract investors, minimize risks, and identify and maximize opportunity.
• Transformative Advice – Timely and proactive observations are introduced concerning technology
industry trends and technical accounting and tax issues, such as raising venture capital, crowdfunding,
internet sales tax regulations, and others tailored to growing technology companies.
• Responsive Culture – To keep pace with the speed of the industry, our partners are accessible and
appreciate the need for timely and efficient responses to founder, investor, and management requests.
• Capital Markets Dexterity – We help clients understand, prepare for, and maximize value from a liquidity
event or capital raise.
We can introduce them to the appropriate funding sources, including venture
capital, private equity, and strategic investors.
• Proactive, Resourceful Service – Partner-led service teams understand the unique nature of the
technology industry offering value-added resources throughout the engagement.
• National with Global Reach – Companies with international interests are served seamlessly and
cost-efficiently through our affiliation with Nexia International, a top 10 worldwide network of
accounting firms.
A CohnReznick Report
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. About CohnReznick
CohnReznick LLP is one of the top accounting, tax, and advisory firms in the United States, combining the
resources and technical expertise of a national firm with the hands-on, entrepreneurial approach that today’s
dynamic business environment demands. Headquartered in New York, NY, and with offices nationwide, CohnReznick
serves a large number of diverse industries and offers specialized services for middle market and Fortune 1000
companies, private equity and financial services firms, technology companies, government agencies, life sciences
companies, and not-for-profit organizations. The Firm, with origins dating back to 1919, has more than 2,700
employees including nearly 300 partners and is a member of Nexia International, a global network of independent
accountancy, tax, and business advisors.
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Momentum 2016: Technology—Sustaining Growth in an Environment of Rapid Change
. @CR_TechInd
1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
212-297-0400
www.cohnreznick.com
CohnReznick is an independent
member of Nexia International
CohnReznick LLP © 2016
Any advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues. Nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties.
This has been prepared for information purposes and general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without
obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and CohnReznick LLP,
its members, employees and agents accept no liability, and disclaim all responsibility, for the consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this
publication or for any decision based on it.
.