WHAT TO EXPECT

When integrating platforms, there are many important considerations. Kickdrum helps you ask and answer the most pertinent questions, such as:

• When considering an add-on for an existing portfolio company, are there any risks or blockers that could hamper the proposed integration?

• Which platform works best as the go-forward architecture? Which offers the best cost synergies?

• Is the product and platform sound? Are there any identifiable product or technical risks that would materially affect an investment decision or impair the business?

• Is the new solution architected in a way that will enable it to scale with demand and operate at high levels of performance and resilience?

• Is the platform overly customized as a way to enable growth in the short term? If so, how will this affect growth in the long term?

HOW IT WORKS

Kickdrum Platform Integration Assessments follow an extensive, battle-tested process that includes the following steps:

• Interviews and/or workshops with executive leadership from Parent and Target teams to understand the current state of technology strategy, processes, and personnel

• High level comparison between the Parent and Target

• Feasibility assessment regarding delivery of the existing roadmap

• Scalability assessment of resource costs

• Thematic roadmap recommendations for a rapid integration approach, focused on enhancing the overall market positioning and saleable value of the combined product portfolio within 12-18 months. 

• Recommendations on the best approach to integrate the technology platforms with consideration regarding  functionality growth, cost savings, and maintainability/scalability

• Transformation roadmap for the next 18-24 months, including timelines for proposed technology modernization/transformation goals

• Cost estimate to implement recommendations

• Interviews or workshops with Parent and Target leadership to understand roles, responsibilities, core competencies, and relative importance of different functional groups and individuals

• Recommendations on cost savings and growth synergies through product/feature rationalization, talent rightsizing or relocation, partnership, or other means.