Unlocking Hidden Value, Avoiding Hidden Risks: IP & Technology in Buy-Side M&A
Presented By: DyoPath / Gridiron Capital
Intellectual property and technology assets are often the most valuable—but also the most overlooked—components of a deal. Failing to properly assess IP portfolios, proprietary tech, and digital infrastructure can lead to missed opportunities or costly surprises when you're acquiring companies. This session brings together experts to explore how to uncover hidden value, mitigate risks that derail transactions, and conduct essential due diligence on patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and tech stacks. Whether buying, selling, or investing, this discussion will help you maximize IP-driven value and avoid deal-breaking pitfalls.
Moderator:
Operating Partner
Gridiron Capital
At Gridiron, Jeff focuses on enhancing operational processes through new technology opportunities across Gridiron’s portfolio companies and the firm. Jeff leads Gridiron’s Information Technology (GRIT) Center of Excellence and Gridiron’s Data and Analytics Center of Excellence.
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Jeff held CIO positions at multiple companies, including Hess Oil and Johnson & Johnson, where he was responsible for all aspects of the company’s information technology for Janssen, the Pharmaceutical business, as well as J&J’s Consumer Products and Consumer Medical Devices businesses. Jeff currently serves on the boards of Health Monitor Network, Colibri Group, and The Lattice Companies. Jeff also previously served on the board of Cubii.
Panelists:
Owner
Pella of DFW
Greg brings a rich, 25-year career history of leadership and growth in various industries. He previously served as an executive at Daseke, North America's largest flatbed and specialized trucking company. He successfully scaled the first operating company, doubling its revenue in just three years. Greg later contributed to growing Daseke's corporate revenue to over $1.6 billion. Before Daseke, Greg excelled at Sysco North Texas as a distinguished salesperson and sales executive. Additionally, Greg has a background in public service as a former Mayor Pro Tem for Addison, TX. He originally came to North Texas to play football at the University of North Texas, where he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees. Greg is an active Eagle Scout and remains dedicated to scouting. He and his wife Barbara have been happily married for nearly twenty years and have two teenagers, Michael and Emma.
Head of Information Technology
M&D Distributors
Saikiran Kalegowda (“Sai”) is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in driving technology forward for corporations to achieve breakthrough results. Sai excels as a strategic partner focused on building and delivering IT strategies and solutions aligned with business goals. With expertise in executing transformational IT initiatives and organizational change management, Sai has a proven track record in redesigning enterprise technology architecture, software, network infrastructure, and migrating solutions to the cloud. He is highly skilled in deploying IT risk and security strategies. Sai uses his global leadership experience, process improvement, project management, technology roadmaps, enterprise solutions delivery, and M&A experience to deliver a positive impact to the bottom line. He is a well-organized and effective communicator with adept leadership skills focused on building high-performing teams that achieve operational excellence and deliver measurable results.
Sai has Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Information Systems.
Chief Technology Officer
DyoPath
As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at DYOPATH, James Melchor establishes the company’s technical vision and leads all aspects of its technology capabilities development. With more than 20 years of experience evaluating, selecting, and implementing technology solutions, Melchor advises and collaborates with internal departments to improve the security, efficiency and resilience of DYOPATH’S services and client-specific solutions.