ACGSV M&A Circle - August 2026

M&A has entered a new era where acquisitions are no longer simply about growth—they are about acquiring critical capabilities, talent, data, technology, and competitive advantage. This panel explores how companies and boards are evaluating strategic acquisitions in an environment shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting valuations, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid industry transformation.

Key discussion topics will include:

• How AI is changing acquisition strategies and valuation models
• “Acquire vs. build” and “acqui-hire” decisions for emerging technologies
• Identifying hidden value in technology, data, and intellectual property
• Avoiding failed integrations and technology acquisition pitfalls
• What boards and investors expect CEOs to know before pursuing M&A

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Dave Daetz, SVP, Corporate Development, Netskope

Dave leads Corporate Development at Netskope, where he identifies and executes strategic opportunities and transactions. A Silicon Valley native, he brings more than 25 years of corporate development, business development, and product management experience serving in leadership positions at innovative technology companies spanning a diverse set of industries, customer segments, and company sizes and stages, including Apple, Symantec, CyberSource, Palm, HP, and Akamai. Dave began his career as a general management and strategy consultant and is a co-inventor on five issued US patents related to contextual data. He has degrees in engineering and international relations from Stanford, and also holds an MBA.

Craig Lilly, Technology M&A Partner, Reed Smith (Moderator)

Craig Lilly is a leading legal advisor for private equity and strategic clients on domestic and cross-border technology acquisitions, mergers, divestitures, auctions, leveraged buyouts and minority investments.  Craig’s practice includes advising emerging technology companies on venture capital financings, corporate governance, public offerings and joint ventures.  He also represents fund sponsors in connection with structuring and organizing investment funds, parallel investment vehicles, and offshore funds.

Craig frequently writes and lectures on legal and business issues regarding mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and corporate finance. He has been quoted in, or contributed to, articles and features in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Deal Magazine, Reuters, CFO.com and other major publications.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Association for Corporate Growth – Silicon Valley and an Advisor to Financial Executives International – Silicon Valley Chapter.

Adam Fauvre, Director, RSM US LLP (Moderator)

Adam Fauvre is a seasoned leader in audit, tax, and consulting, serving as a Director at RSM US LLP, where he is dedicated to delivering tailored insights and solutions to Silicon Valley companies. With a strong belief in "The Power of Being Understood," Adam collaborates with businesses to help them make confident decisions about their future.

Adam’s extensive career spans leadership roles at top organizations. Prior to joining RSM, he served as Vice President and Senior Client Solutions Director at Robert Half Management Resources, where he specialized in building client relationships and delivering impactful solutions. His professional journey also includes roles at Natixis Global Asset Management and Wells Fargo, reflecting his deep expertise in financial analysis, operations, and project management.

In addition to his professional work, Adam is deeply committed to community and industry engagement. He serves on multiple boards, including the Board of Directors for Financial Executives International, Silicon Valley, the Advisory Board for ACG Silicon Valley, and the Advisory Board for Life Science Cares Bay Area.

Adam holds a Master of Science in Financial Analysis & Investment Management and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, both from Saint Mary’s College of California. 

Pricing:

• SV Chapter Members: Complimentary
• ACG Other chapter members: $30
• Non-members: $60