Corporate Development Strategy: Notion's M&A Approach with Hilary Shirazi

In this episode of the M&A Science podcast, Kison Patel interviews Hilary Shirazi, Head of Corporate Development at Notion, about building an M&A function within a high-growth tech company. Hilary shares her background in M&A, contrasting it with investment banking and private equity, and emphasizes the importance of strategy and execution. She discusses Notion's approach to M&A, including the use of deal theses, the "four T's" framework (Talent, Tech, Traction, Terrain) for acquisitions, and a collaborative, IMO-free integration process. Hilary also highlights the use of Notion as a central tool for managing the M&A process and leveraging AI for market tracking and efficiency. The conversation explores best practices for integration, common pitfalls, and the importance of community and peer networking in the corporate development field.