CEO Weekly Outlook

Good afternoon, all. Today we’re reading about how startup “joiners” are and aren’t like founders. Reporting on a recent academic study, the article makes some interesting conclusions: joiners are less interested in management and more risk averse than founders, but both groups were more likely to exhibit overconfidence.

Meanwhile, a survey shows that mid-market companies are pursuing M&A as a growth tactic. Among the insights, 41 percent of 100 surveyed advisors, investors and buyers said M&A is the primary strategy being used by companies to grow in 2015. For 50 percent of corporate buyers, the key evaluation metric is a strong record of growth.

Business Insights

• How women ‘knowledge workers’ helped one mid-market manufacturer rise
• People offer better ideas when they can’t see what others suggest
• Middle-market companies aren’t taking advantage of export opportunities
• Your team can’t read your mind
• Lessons for B2B mid-marketers on how to use content marketing successfully
• Business competition has not gotten fiercer
• 7 secrets mid-markets can use to attract and retain the best talent
• Private mid-market company earnings rose in Q2
• The more experience you have, the worse you are at bootstrapping
• What most entrepreneurs don’t know about focus
• Leadership in one word: faith
• Managers are more connected, but not for the better
• How to make the whole organization agile
• How startup “joiners” are (and aren’t) like founders

Transaction Toolbox

• Mid-market companies are pursuing M&A as a growth tactic
• What’s your company worth? The art of valuation
• 3 ways a CEO can stop activist investors before they attack
• Growth strategies: think like a startup
• How mid-marketers can influence beyond their size to achieve growth
• Should you raise money or sell your startup
• More CEOs should consider the potential of the popular gig economy
• Questions to help you choose a financial advisor
• Corporate matchmakers cash in on M&A boom
• Critical areas high-growth businesses must master

Middle Market Move of the Week

Private equity gets smart with this investment. North Castle, a private equity firm focused on consumer businesses that promote, healthy, active and sustainable living recently invested in SmartyPants Vitamins.

Founded in 2010, SmartyPants Vitamins provides gummy vitamin supplements for kids and adults. With a focus on sustainable sourcing and natural ingredients, North Castle saw the the potential for strong business development for the mission-driven company. Read the full press release.