Venturesquare Completes First "Next Round Class – M&A Class" Program

-Practical operation focused on the entire process from valuation, contracts, and risk based on actual M&A cases.

-2nd program planning and recruitment preparations begin

The first "Next Round Class – M&A Class" program, run by Venture Square Academy, has concluded after four weeks. Designed to treat exit as a practical strategy rather than a vague concept, this course brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and practitioners to experience the entire M&A process through hands-on experience.

This program, which combines lectures, case studies, hands-on training, and networking, is designed to foster a practical, rather than theoretical, understanding of M&A. Participants explored the entire process, from valuation to contract and risk management, to view exit as a long-term management strategy.

From valuation to contract practice… A hands-on program covering all stages of M&A.

This first-term course covers the entire M&A process step-by-step, starting with an understanding of the M&A market structure, followed by matching simulations, valuations, and legal and tax considerations. Rather than simply lectures, the course focuses on hands-on practice, ensuring participants gain a three-dimensional understanding of the actual deal process.

The second session featured real-time matching negotiations and pitching exercises, based on actual M&A cases, with both buyers and sellers participating. Nua CSO Choi Chung-yeol and Ilum Invest Investment Team Leader Ko Min-cheol participated as speakers, sharing negotiation strategies from real-world investment scenarios and the buyer's perspective.

In the third session, Director Jeon Myeong-seok of Jeongdong Accounting Firm presented a valuation exercise and deal process simulation, focusing on the practical aspects of corporate valuation and deal structure design. Participants gained a systematic understanding of the entire M&A process through scenario-based exercises based on actual transactions.

In the final fourth session, Attorney Jang Hyo-jun of Mission Law Firm covered LOI/SPA contract structures and legal and tax risk management. Factsheet CEO Ham Se-hee focused on data room utilization strategies, summarizing the final stages of M&A practice. The lectures were followed by a dinner talk for networking among participants, providing a forum for practical exchange.

"It wasn't a lecture, it was a time to experience real-world deals in advance."

The reactions of the participants I met on-site conveyed an atmosphere that went beyond a simple educational program. Even after the lecture, many remained seated, asking the speakers questions. During the dinner networking session, the conversation about investment and exit naturally continued.

CEO Jeongmin Oh of Hayanmind, who participated in the first 'Next Round Class – M&A Class', said, "This class was very impressive because I was able to come into contact with actual M&A cases and various references in one place." He added, "Both the lectures and the practical training had a great impact, and this is a program I would like to actively recommend to entrepreneurs around me."

Participants also responded, "It felt like we were experiencing a real deal in advance." The program went beyond simply imparting knowledge and provided participants with a concrete strategy for EXIT.

M&A Class 1 Completed… Preparations for the Next Round Begin in Full Swing

Starting with this first cohort, the Venture Square Academy plans to continuously expand its network of entrepreneurs and investors preparing for M&A and exits. Beyond one-time training, the goal is to build an M&A learning community ecosystem where participants can network and accumulate deal information.

As the program progresses, networking and information exchange among participants will become more intense. As actual deal experience and case studies accumulate, the program's density is expected to continue to increase. Beyond education, Venturesquare Academy plans to develop into a community where entrepreneurs and investors preparing for M&A and exits naturally connect over the long term.

Myeongseung, CEO of Venture Square, said, “We will soon begin planning for the second phase, and individual feedback from the first phase participants will lead to better program composition,” and “Starting with the second phase, we plan to carry out more active promotions in cooperation with organizations such as the Early-stage Investment Accelerator Association.”